Great Pubs of Great Britain

What would an archaeology journal be without mention of the pubs that archaeologists regularly frequent? Pubs play a crucial role in the working of our discipline. They demand the time and attention needed to develop an intimate understanding of their function in archaeological discourse. Such an upstanding journal as this could not shy away from this responsiblity (well that's our excuse!)

These are just a few we have selected from areas in the British Isles:

Bath and Area!

If you are ever in Bath why don’t you try the ‘Hat and Feather’; it may be a bit seedy, but it serves orange cider! If you are interested it is near Milsum St.

If in Bath and you are in more of the party mode, why not try ‘The Huntsmen’, it is open till 2:00am and has three floors; however, keep in mind those stairs could be a bit of a worry after you’ve had a few! This pub is located near the back of the abbey.

If you happen to be traveling between Bath and Bristol, why not stop in Norton St. Philip at ‘The George’– easy to find because there is only one road. It is opposite the Fleur-de-lis, overlooking the cricket green and offers plays in the summer time in an excellent building!

Belfast!

If you happen to be in the Belfast area, near Queens, give ‘Lavery’s’ on Bradburg Place a try. It is THE student pub in Belfast; crowded, crap beer, cheapish, three floors of fun and you will always meet someone you know. However, if you would like something a little more traditional, with the best Guinness, brilliant traditional music and great Craic...try ‘Kelly’s Cellars and Maddons’ (in town). Another option is if you are out for a laugh, try ‘The Bot’ on Malone Rd (the full name is The Botanic Inn, but nobody calls it that!)– it is a cattle market full of engineers and footballers!

Bornemouth!

If you would like a change from the traditional archaeologist type pub, and you’re in Bournemouth, why not give the ‘Gander on the Green’ near the Lansdowne roundabout a try! We hear that long hair, a biker jacket and lots of make-up are essential!

Bradford!

We have a couple of suggestions for Bradford, ‘McRory’s’ is a dive but it is where you will find other archaeologists, surprise, surprise! ‘McRory’s’ is located on Pemberton Drive. If you would like something a little more up market try ‘Delius' (full name; Delius lived next door!). It has cool decor, a pool table, Caffrey’s and believe it or not, a free Jukebox! It is located next to the Continuing Education building.

Edinburgh!

If you’re up in Edinburgh and you don’t want to see archaeologists try the ‘Christies’, which is an unpretentious pub just off the Grass Market towards the West port. As well the ‘Pear Tree’, located behind the university George Square area on Preston St., comes highly recommended. It has a great beer garden, a communal atmosphere and it will very much remind you of your living room!

Lampeter!

Although Lampeter may be small, it still supports a great pub called the ‘Kings Head’, on the main road. If you like a little chocolate with your beer, it has an excellent hot chocolate fudge cake pudding!

Wolverhampton!

In Wolverhampton we can suggest the ‘Newhampton’, off Newhampton Rd., which has a real ale beer garden, a bowling green, Budweiser on tap – and it’s cheap!

Sheffield!

This guide obviously wouldn’t be complete without a few of our own favourite haunts in Sheffield! The after work (or during work) refuge of archaeologists in Sheffield used to be ‘The Springfield’ (on Springfield Road, opposite the Royal Hallamshire Hospital). The only reason for this choice can be that it was close to the department, as it has little else (except an eclectic jukebox) worthy of praise. If you go don’t touch the ‘Kimberly Classic’ bitter – you will regret it! Now that the department has moved to West Street we find ourselves amongst the highest density of pubs in Sheffield. Oh dear! Here are a few of our favourites.

‘O’Hagans’ (Fitzwilliam Street, off West Street) is the departments regular watering hole – archaeologists comprising the majority of custom early on weekday evenings. So much so, in fact that the pub has run ‘archaeology nights’ and the quiz usually has a good smattering of related questions. So its got great draught Murphy’s, very friendly staff, excellent food and sattelite TV – if you’re in Sheffield and you want to find the assemblage team it’s a pretty safe bet!

‘The Red Deer’ is spitting distance from the Research School, so sometimes favoured if you’re really desperate! Good food at lunchtime, good range of beers and full of archaeologists on Tuesday nights (Arch. Soc. night).

‘The Bath Hotel’ (again just off West Street) is a small, yet perfectly formed pub, with a very cosy and intimate snug at the front, complete with most of its original fittings.

‘The Freedom House’ is situated way up into the hills of Walkley (where many archaeologists live) and seems to be almost 50% archaeologists on a Friday night. Good local atmosphere, an excellent pool table, but the major draw is that licensing hours tend to bend a bit up in the hills – must be something to do with the altitude!

Publinks!

Here are a few links to some beer or pub related sites for you to waste away your time with!

PUBWORLD A comprehensive site concerning all things "pubby and beery".

The British and Irish Beer Link Page.

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