> While reading Patrick McGrath's Spider (definitely
gothic, not yet
noir)
> in preparation for the movie, I was reminded of a
question I've long
had
> about British pubs. He refers to the "public bar"
and the "snug."
> Although "snug" was new to me, I've read about
divided bars, often
with
> the bartender serving both sides, in numerous
British books. I get
the
> impression that the "public bar" is less genteel,
with drinkers
standing
> at the bar, whereas the "snug" (can't remember what
I'm used to it
being
> called, the "private bar," maybe?) has tables. I
also get the
> impression there at least once was an aspect of
gender in this (women
> not allowed in the "public bar" at one time?). Am I
even close?
>
> Mark
>
If it's anything like the situation used to be in Australian
pubs, the
"public" bar was the exclusive domain of men, while what we
called "the Lounge" or the "Ladies Lounge" had tables,
slightly more expensive drinks & were open to men, women
& (accompanied) children. This is where you took your
missus (if you really had to - real men drank at the Public
Bar with the other fellers and the sawdust & the
permanent smell of urine, beer, vomit & blood). These
lounges still exist in Aussie pubs, as do the public bars but
they are no longer segregated (since c. 1970's).
Rene
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