There’s something about the atmosphere in a country pub that makes it a destination worth travelling to from miles away, whether you’re driving for a day out, going for a relaxed evening meal or looking for some warmth and refreshment following a long country walk. But how do you achieve the quintessentially British quaint country pub atmosphere?
Here, we look at the common features of the best country pubs, with tips on how to achieve the country pub look and feel, without having to sell off your beer garden to pay for it!
Country pub lighting
What better way to set the mood and atmosphere than cosy lighting? Country pubs don’t need modern glass fittings or quirky uplighters. Something as simple as a wall mounted lantern is enough to cast a warm glow over customers as they eat their meals and sip their drinks. We like these traditional style lanterns from Lightinthebox.com.
Real ale
You may think this goes without saying, but far more important than the latest trendy ciders or premium fizz, British people expect a country pub to be selling real ale – and quite often local versions of it too. The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) provides a guide to its ‘Top 16 Pubs in Britain’ many of which are traditional, country pubs.
Mismatched furniture
Another atmosphere essential is the furniture inside a country pub. There’s no point in having quirky modern glass tables with metal chairs – it just does not say ‘country pub’! instead, try a light wood table with dark wood chairs, but make sure that they’re comfortable; when people have walked five miles to a country pub, they’re going to want to sit somewhere comfy whilst they have a drink or four. The same goes for the bar – wooden bar stools are always best and if you can make room, a couple of tub chairs can make seating areas even more welcoming. Venues often gravitate towards light wood farmhouse tables, these comfy dark wood Harrogate dining chairs, dark oak bar stools with brass rails, and items like tub chairs (at Trent Furniture we supply all of these ranges including the Navada tub chair options), all from pub furniture specialists Trent Furniture.
Open fire
Quite literally, nothing adds warmth to a country pub like an open fire. Imagine stopping for a drink on the way back from a country hike, sitting by a fire and not wanting to move. What starts as a quick drink for refreshment undoubtedly leads to a second, followed by dinner, followed by either a taxi or a much more fun and well fuelled walk back to wherever you started!
Carpet or wooden floors
Never mind easy-to-clean laminate flooring – as with everything else ‘country pub style’ the only way to go is wood or failing that, carpets and rugs. It not only makes a country pub homelier, but the sound insulation adds to the cosy, relaxed feel as opposed to the loud and bustling atmosphere of a city pub.
Dogs
Speaking of easy-to-clean, they might have to wipe their paws before they’re allowed in, but generally dogs are welcome within at least one room of a country pub, bar or restaurant. Just make sure they’re sat by the fire and not on the Chesterfield sofa!
A guide to buying new furniture for your pub
If you’re considering a revamp for 2017, or changing a few key pieces of furniture to add to the atmosphere in your pub, Trent Furniture has a huge range of products to add style and comfort in ways that are modern, traditional or completely different. To view the range of furniture specific to the pub industry, including rustic pub furniture, bar stools, pub and bar chairs and benches, visit our pub furniture range.