Pubs are an important part of British life. Pubs, formally public houses, are common in towns and villages in England. People usually talk, eat, drink, meet their friends and relax there. You can order soft drinks like orange juice, cola or coffee, but many people go to pubs to have an alcoholic drink. Many types of alcoholic drinks are available, but the most popular drink is beer.
Traditional English beer comes in a variety of local flavors and is called 'draught'beer. All draught beer is served from a hand pump on the bar rather than in bottles or cans. Unlike American or other European beers, it is served cool but not cold. Nowadays, a lot of English people enjoy a European beers called lager（淡味啤酒）. This is lighter, more refreshing（清新的）and is served cold. Beer is sold in pint or half-pint glasses （a pint is just over half a litre). When you order a drink, ask for a'pint'or a'half'of the beer you want to try.
There is no waiter service in an English pub. You go to the bar and place your order to the pub staff. They will pour your drinks and pass them to you. They will then tell you how much to pay. You have to pay your drinks there and then. After receiving your change, you can carry your drinks back to a table to enjoy. It is usual for friends to take turns buying drinks for each other. This is known as'buying a round'.
Pubs sell cheap food too. The choice of food ranges（涉及）from small bar snacks such as crisps and peanuts, to three-course meals. A popular meal during the summer months is a 'ploughman's lunch'. This is a dish of bread, cheese or ham, and salad which is served cold. You will often find a pub's menu written on a blackboard. There may even be daily specials for you to try.
You must be at least 18 years old to buy alcohol（含酒精的饮料)in England. Children under 14 years old are not usually allowed inside a pub, but families with children can sit outside in the garden, known as the beer garden, when the weather is warm. Parents are allowed to buy soft drinks for their children.
Pubs are places where people go to enjoy themselves. People like to drink, eat, talk with friends and have a good time. If you go to an English pub, you will get a true taste of English life.
