Which is your favourite pub?

It is 70 years ago since George Orwell wrote an essay that was published in the London Evening Standard outlining what his favourite pub in London would be with ten criteria including draught stout, open fires and a garden.

The fictional pub’s name was the “Moon Under Water” and some of his criteria would still apply today.

• Friendly bar staff,
• a good selection of ales and stout,
• no background music or television,
• and a local feel would all be there on most people’s list.

Some other of Orwell’s criteria would be out of date though, like selling cigarettes and tobacco, and here is a link to the article, The moon under water essay.

We have many different pubs and hotel bars in Rye. Some I think Orwell would like, and others he would never go in.

He did not mention live music, but this is certainly popular in Rye. If you want a rock band, you can visit the Ypres or Pipemakers – or for jazz and blues it might be the Queens Head or the Standard.

Another feature of Rye pubs is that many are dog friendly. I wonder if he would have approved.

Our requirements in pubs have changed over the years and what are the most important requirements now ?  Good beer? Friendly staff ? Or good food ?

[Editor’s note: The Wetherspoon pub chain now has at least 15 pubs called the “Moon Under Water” but their criteria might be different from Orwell’s. He did not mention TV screens or gaming machines, but he did want motherly barmaids, and a bottle and jug for “takeaways” – and he never mentioned dogs.

Today’s pub chains will also say there is more money in food (from breakfast to midnight) than there is in drink. But what is your favourite pub in Rye – and why?]

Photos by Ray Prewer