I thought it would be interesting to try and come up with a series of classifications for establishments that sell real ale. It is not an exhaustive list and some places may fit into more than one category.
Even though there are many different types of places that sell ale I have notice there are some common themes. It is more about the operation itself and the products sold than the building, for instance; whether it is a heritage pub is irrelevant it is more abut the modus operandi.
The Pure Ale Pub
Freehouses that focus only on selling real ale, with no food or entertainment; no games machines, no music, only continental lagers (bottled and draught) and quality bar snacks. Often with a décor that emphasizes wood and has modest size tables in order to increase seating space. More of a traditional pub it is less likely to open late and will often have a welcoming outside drinking area. Could be accused of being ‘old man’ pubs but this is frequently not the case and is becoming less so as real ale consumption continues to rise.
Examples: The Sheaf View, The Wellington, The Blue Bell in York, The Wellington in Birmingham, Strugglers Inn, Lincoln, The Cornubia in Bristol.
The Food/Entertainment Ale Pub
Freehouses, tenancies and managed houses that have many if not all of the features of the pure ale pub but also serve food or host live music nights. They may also play music and have games machines. Why the distinction between those that serve food and those that don’t? Well sometimes you just want to go for a drink and don’t wish to sit next to some one eating, particularly if you are a dog owner. It makes proceedings slightly more formal and also means there is a distraction from the selling of ale. Those pubs that don’t serve food will sell more beer and therefore take it very seriously as it’s all they do. Pubs that have live music also have a distraction and a very imposing one if you are looking for a quiet drink, they will also often serve later.
Examples: The Kelham Island Tavern, The White Lion, The Broadfield, The Bridge in Newcastle, Whitelocks in Leeds, The Brunswick in Derby.
Ale Bar
Definitely not a pub but an establishment that sells ale usually in the commercial part of a city or town centre. They will often have late opening hours, not be in a typical pub building or a much modified one at least, and play music sometimes by a DJ. They could also do food or live music and other alcoholic drinks such as Alco pops, wine and cocktails.
Examples: The Old House, Henry’s, Dada, The Hop, The Beer Parlour in Manchester, North Bar in Leeds, any Wetherspoons.
Affiliated Pub/Bars
These are pubs or bars that are connected to a brewery, either a micro, regional or national, so not a completely separate classification as such, but worth mentioning. The former sells beers from the affiliated brewery at a discounted price but the operation could be any of the previous classifications. Take away beer from the brewery and other merchandise is also sometimes available. The latter two largely work in the same way but the beer price may vary depending on the brand or location. The idea is there always a place where you can get most of the range from a brewery, at least with the former.
Examples: The Rising Sun, The Fat Cat, The Nags Head, The Rose & Crown in Chesterfield, The Fox & Newt in Leeds, Marble Arch in Manchester.
Ale Promoters
These are pubs/bars that are not defined by real ale but sell it alongside other beverages as they recognise there is a market for it. There will typically not be more than three hand pumps or as few as one. There will be a balance across all beverage types but this does not mean the ale will not be well looked after, and there would still be consideration for an entry in the Good Beer Guide should it receive enough votes.
Examples: The Wick at Both Ends, The Bessemer, The Crown on London rd.
All in all I think it is good that real ale drinkers have different types of surroundings in which to drink, variety is the spice of life and there are many different types of ale drinkers. But I will not be attempting to classify those anytime soon as it would be gargantuan task of diplomacy!
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