Bar vs Pub: Difference and Comparison

Is there a difference between bars and pubs (bar vs pub)?

A bar is a business licensed to sell alcoholic beverages to individuals who are up to the legal age to consume alcohol. Pubs are also licensed businesses that sell alcoholic beverages.

Besides selling alcoholic beverages to customers, bars and pubs also serve food. If we also look at the level of entertainment offered at a bar or a pub, they differ in general.

A bar and a pub is a place of relaxation, especially during the weekends. However, the experience and atmosphere will be different but nevertheless, customers will be served their favourite alcoholic beverage.

What Is a Bar?

A bar is a licensed establishment that usually sells and serves alcoholic beverages to customers- individuals who are up to the legal age to consume alcohol. It’s a retail business known to serve alcoholic beverages such as liquor, cocktails, beer, and wine.

They also sell and serve other beverages like soft drinks and mineral water. Besides selling alcoholic beverages, bars also sell snacks food such as peanuts or crisps. These snacks are to be consumed within the premises of the business.

Inside a bar, stools, chairs and tables are arranged orderly. Bars provide entertainment or live music to their customers. A local band or a singer ay invited to perform on special nights.

A bar is more of a relaxation spot, with low-volume background music playing to entertain customers. A bar is a cool spot where friends can meet to chat or meet new friends.

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What Is a Pub?

A pub is also a licensed establishment that serves alcoholic beverages to customers. The word “pub” is short for public house- the term first surfaced during the late 17^th century.

The term “pub” was used to differentiate private houses from establishments that were generally open for the public to visit. Public houses open to the public during the late 17th century include taverns, inns, and alehouses.

The history of pubs traces back centuries to alehouses and taverns. But what we know today as pubs only became a recognized establishment in the early 19^th century.

Bar vs Pub: Difference between a Bar and a Pub

Bars and pubs serve alcoholic beverages to their customers but they differ in general.

Ambience

It’s a different experience for customers seated in bars and pubs. The atmosphere in bars is relaxing, with low-volume background music. Special nights in the bar thrill customers with a lively performance from a local band or singer.

It’s always fun to meet with friends, and share a few shots of spirit, and what could be more fun like karaoke nights at the bar.

Bars offer a variety of alcoholic beverages. From wines, spirits, beers to cocktails and exotic cocktails, the menu is always satisfying.

Pubs also offer a relaxed and comfortable ambience. It’s a relaxing spot where patrons can chat and catch up with friends.

Pubs serve alcoholic beverages such as vintage whiskey, wine, and ale. The menu offers a wide range of selections and it even gets better with the food.

Unlike bars, pubs serve good food. The licensed establishment attracts a diverse age range of clientele.

In bars, the layout revolves around a central bar counter, whereas in pubs, it’s a cosy and comfortable atmosphere with an ample seating arrangement for customers to relax.

Bar vs Pub: Location

Generally, bars are mostly found in cities. There are a few reasons why bars are mostly in cities.

Bars are establishments that tend to focus on younger crowds. Cities are usually filled with younger crowds, from those attending college to people working in various sectors.

The “city” life is fun, with a large population visiting many businesses and bars happens to one of them. Friends who decide not to meet at each other’s house may choose a bar as a place to meet and chat.

Unlike bars, pubs are licensed establishments mostly found in suburban and rural areas. The population in these areas cannot be compared to that of a metropolitan city.

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Bar vs Pub: Types of Drinks Served in Bars and Pubs

Both bars and pubs provide a wide selection in their menu. Alcohol beverages are the main product sold at bars and pubs but they also serve food.

Bars are licensed establishments that sell alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and exotic cocktails.

Pubs are also licensed establishments that serve alcoholic beverages such as vintage whiskey, wine, and ale. The menu offers a wide range of selections and it even gets better with the food.

Unlike bars, pubs serve good food. The licensed establishment attracts a diverse age range of clientele.

Bar vs Pub: Ownership

Generally, bars tend to be in independent locations- Many bars brew their beer in an effort to control costs.

Most bars prefer to retain private ownership. Independent operation offers better control over the decoration, menu, and drinks.

Pubs tend to be in chain locations. They can be operated centrally or franchised out. Most upscale pubs often have private ownership- especially if they are in unique locations.

Pubs are licensed establishments mostly found in suburban and rural areas. They tend to focus on lower-cost drinks and can take advantage of the economy’s scale, buying in bulk to get higher profit margins.

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Bar vs Pub: Foods Served in Bar and Pubs

Bars sell and serve other beverages like soft drinks and mineral water. Besides selling alcoholic beverages, bars also sell snacks food such as peanuts or crisps.

Unlike bars, pubs serve good food such as delectable burgers and traditional pub fare.

Entertainment

When it comes to entertainment, bars offer a lot of it. From karaoke nights to special offers during big games shown on the TV, to live performances, bars are more entertaining than pubs.

In pubs, the atmosphere is comfortable and there isn’t much usually going on. For pubs, the main focus is to get some drinks on the side to serve customers.

However, you may find some fancier alcoholic beverages or enjoy events like poker nights.

Going to a bar will offer better entertainment compared to a pub.

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Bar vs Pub: Comparison Chart

	Bar	Pub
Alcohol beverages served	Bars are licensed establishments that sell alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, spirit, cocktails, and exotic cocktails.	Pubs serve alcoholic beverages such as vintage whiskey, wine, and ale.
Food served	Bars also sell snacks food such as peanuts or crisps.	Pubs serve good food such as delectable burgers and traditional pub fare.
Overview	A bar is a licensed establishment that usually sells and serves alcoholic beverages to customers- individuals who are up to the legal age to consume alcohol.	A pub is also a licensed establishment that serves alcohol beverages to customers.
Ownership	Owners or managers are referred to as Bar Manager.	Owners or managers are referred to as publicans or landlords.
Age limit	Between the legal age of 18 and 21	Between the legal age of 18 and 21. Minors can also be allowed into pubs under the supervision of an adult, since they offer dining.

Conclusion

Both bars and pubs provide a wide selection in their menu. Alcohol beverages are the main product sold at bars and pubs but they also serve food.

Recommendations

References

Wikipedia: Bar
Wikipedia: Pub
MyBartender: Bar vs. Pub: How They Differ and Compare to Each Other
Medium: Bar vs Pub: What is the Difference Between Them?

Bar vs Pub: Difference and Comparison

What Is a Bar?

What Is a Pub?