American professor of sociology Kent Bausman reflects on why British pubs are unique and must be protected
Last summer, I had the pleasure of leading a four-week study abroad course in Oxford, where we explored the sociological significance of the British pub. We are repeating the exercise in July this year with another small group of students, and also venturing out to some nearby villages and towns.
As an American scholar, I am fascinated by the role this longstanding institution has played in fostering community, a tradition that has long expired in the United States with the onset of suburbanization and franchised establishments.
During my stay, along with a couple of my American students, I visited nearly twenty different pubs. Those experiences left us with a deep sense of appreciation for these spaces. Prior to our arrival, I introduced my students to several readings expressing concern about the future sustainability of this cherished British institution. During our stay, we had the opportunity to speak with a couple of CAMRA members, and they confirmed many of these concerns.
As an outsider, I came into this experience with a romanticized view of British pubs. I imagined them as cozy, centuries-old establishments dedicated to the art of socializing over an ale or two. To me, pubs were more than just places to drink; they were vital social hubs where locals gathered to commiserate over the day’s events. During my daily visits to various pubs across Oxford, I found ample evidence to support these imaginings. What my students and I discovered was that the Oxford pub remains a deeply rooted institution, hosting lively debates over football matches, philosophical ideas, or serving as a quiet retreat for solitary reflection.
A surprisingly delightful aspect of pub culture we encountered was how welcoming these establishments were to both children and dogs. Interestingly, in our discussions with CAMRA members, the presence of children and dogs in pubs was described as a tolerance, but to an outsider, it felt refreshingly accommodating. Unlike the largely adult-only environments typical of American bars, many of the pubs we visited in Oxford fostered an inclusive atmosphere. Families gathered in outdoor garden areas, and dogs were not only welcomed but often provided with water bowls and treats. For me, this was a warm, refreshing, and commendable norm of your pubs.
The family-friendly nature of pubs underscores the community vibe they exude, and highlights their role as local gathering spots beyond just drinking venues. In this respect, the Oxford pubs defied the stereotype of being solely dedicated to lager and ale consumption. I found them equally inviting for non-drinkers, deepening my appreciation for the pub as a community-oriented space. With quaint boxes of board games, lively quiz nights, and traditional Sunday roasts, these local pubs offered a diverse range of social experiences catering to everyone.
Moreover, the relationship between the pub staff and patrons was unexpectedly welcoming. Unlike the often transactional nature of American bars, where tipping can create a hierarchical relationship, Oxford pubs offer a more egalitarian and genuine interaction between the two. I would argue that the absence of a tipping culture allows for a more relaxed dynamic, where pub staff engage patrons as part of a shared communal experience rather than for pure economic gain. This, in turn, fosters relationships between regular patrons and the staff, evolving the pub into a “third place”, a space for gathering beyond home and work.
In the United States, such “third places” have dwindled since the start of the 21st century. Part of the problem in the American food and drink sector is that our concept of a “local” establishment has been diluted by the prevalence of franchise chain restaurants and bars, which strip spaces of any uniqueness or originality. It’s understood that many Oxford pubs are controlled by chains like Greene King, Fuller’s, or Young’s, but to an outsider, these corporately partnered pubs still retain a unique charm and character. This is rare in American bars, where corporate branding tends to overshadow any sense of local identity. American bars and restaurants are habitually refurbished to conform to the latest commercial trends, leaving spaces that feel like replicas rather than authentic gathering spots. In contrast, the Oxford pubs we visited maintain their storied histories, traditional architectural ambiance, and intimate settings, offering a refreshing alternative for the visitor more accustomed to sterile and impersonal venues.
While standardized menus across Greene King, Fuller’s, and Young’s-owned establishments are a concession to corporate control, Oxford pubs still exude a sense of authenticity. Each pub, with its distinctive architectural quirks, creaking wooden floors, original brickwork, and worn leather banquettes, holds a narrative shaped by decades, or even centuries. This adherence to tradition ensures that patrons feel connected not just to the establishment but also to the broader historical context it represents. For me, the Oxford pub serves as a vital counterpoint to the growing commodification of social spaces. Although no-one knew my name, with each visit, I still felt a sense of belonging in every pub I had the honour of entering. In an increasingly digital and isolated world, the face-to-face interactions and simple mingling with other humans make pubs invaluable. These establishments offer a rare opportunity for genuine human connection, something too often lost in the noise of modern life.
Furthermore, despite being nestled within the perceived elitist confines of Oxford University, where prestigious centuries-old colleges dominate the landscape and set a lofty tone, the Oxford pubs we visited offered a stark contrast. They functioned as spaces where social boundaries blurred, and people across the spectrum interacted on equal footing. Whether at the Bear Inn or the Chequers, we saw how these pubs moderated the rigid hierarchies that can define Oxford life. Inside these warm communal spaces thrives an egalitarian spirit of locals, tourists, scholars, and working class patrons alike. In countless circumstances, pubs appear to shape the foundation of Oxford’s social life in a manner that few other spaces can.
Given the unique social role of the pub overall in British culture, it is surprising that so few efforts have attempted to use it as a setting in media story telling. Nevertheless, a recent proposal to remake the TV series Cheers in a British pub setting feels like a cultural mismatch. The iconic American sitcom thrived on lively, comedic exchanges in a bar where “everyone knows your name”. In contrast, the traditional British pub, especially those we visited in Oxford, offered a more introspective experience. The connection in the Oxford pub happens quietly through shared space rather than regular boisterous banter. From my experience the British pubs serves as a proper third space, but where patrons value reflection and solitude as much if not more for socializing. This deeper, quieter role stands in stark contrast to the upbeat energy that defined Cheers, underscoring the cultural gap between the two. Given the challenges facing pubs today, the upbeat spirit of Cheers seems far removed from the complex realities of British pub culture.
Although they have traditionally held significant communal/cultural value, British pubs, including those in Oxford, face significant threats. Gentrification, rising property prices, changing social habits, and the lingering impact of the Covid-19 pandemic have all contributed to a decline in pub numbers. As an outsider, with less at stake, I argue that the impact of this decline will be felt far beyond simply the loss of a place to grab a drink.
When a pub closes, a piece of the community’s history is lost. The social role that pubs play, as meeting places, as venues for local events, and as spaces where people from all walks of life can come together, is irreplaceable. The disappearance of these spaces leaves a void that is difficult to fill. The loss of a pub is not just a business shutting down; it is the loss of a community space (a third space), where people once gathered to share their lives, build relationships, and forge connections essential to maintaining social cohesion.
For many, especially younger generations, the pub is no longer the default destination for socializing as it once was. This shift in behaviour poses a significant threat to the future of pubs. These social pressures are compounded by economic challenges, including changing consumer habits, the rise of home entertainment, the availability of cheap alcohol in supermarkets, and the growing trend of online socializing. Unsurprisingly, these factors have led to a decline in pub patronage over the past decade. Thankfully, while in Oxford, I was heartened to learn that organizations like CAMRA and the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) are at the forefront of efforts to preserve the rich legacies of pubs. Both groups recognize the cultural and social significance of pubs as spaces that foster community connections and serve as essential “third places” for residents of Oxford and across the UK.
The Ellison Institute’s recent acquisition of the historic Eagle and Child is a promising example of how business and education can partner to preserve and revitalize such iconic institutions. According to the institute, it plans to refurbish the pub while maintaining it as a vibrant public space. In this spirit, it aims to foster both social and intellectual exchange, a fitting tribute to the pub’s storied past. Additionally, it’s encouraging to see media attempts to bring a new generation in connection with the British pub experience. However a more fitting staged comparison for revisiting might be the 2004-2005 British TV series Early Doors, which successfully portrayed the subtle dynamics of pub life. My students and I share the hope that organizations like CAMRA, the BBPA, and the Ellison Institute, through targeted campaigns, lobbying, and preservation efforts, will successfully safeguard the unique role that pubs play in British society. By preserving these cherished gathering places, they can ensure that future generations continue to experience their rich cultural significance, untouched by the pressures of modernization and commercialization.
- Kent Bausman, who is professor of sociology at Maryville University in St Louis, wishes to thank Morgan Wimbush and William Cradock for their help in research. Local CAMRA member Matt Todd and Oxford Study Abroad Programme member Adam Brown also contributed insights.