The 10 essential qualities of the perfect pub

In 1946 George Orwell, the author of the dystopian classic, 1984 and its partner book Animal Farm, turned his attention to an equally compelling, but much less depressing concern. 

The 10 essential qualities of the perfect pub. 

His essay was titled The Moon Under Water, which was the name Orwell settled on as the perfect name for the perfect pub.

He went on to ponder what his idea of a utopian pub would include.

And as with his 'dystopian' classic, 1984, the Orwellian foresight is chillingly accurate when it comes to the perfect public house he described almost 70 years ago.

Absolutely crucial is atmosphere. Who hasn't sat in a souless beer barn and wished themselves cosily ensconced within the friendly warm confines of an old Victorian pub, nestled happily in arms of a comfy, slightly tatty, high backed lounge chair instead?

Someplace where you could easily imagine yourself playing a quiet game of checkers, and nodding off over your brandy in a sleepy moment between drinks.

OK, probably a beer or a well chilled sem sav but you get the idea. 

In winter there'd be a good fire burning in at least two rooms.

And it would always be quiet enough to talk in The Moon Under Water. 

From the friendly barmaid who knows you by name, to a good stout on tap, George Orwell's perfect pub back then is pretty similar to how we'd imagine it today. 

So it's not just sci fi futuristic horror scenarios George Orwell sees coming decades ahead of time. 

We asked our listeners what they thought made for a truly excellent pub.

Jo likes an old fahsioned ladies bar. Each to their own Jo. 

Kathy suggested, good atmosphere, good location, good beer, wine, nooks and crannies, pub food not gastro, a garden and great bar staff.

Martyn wasn't fussy. If it has beer, that's fine with him. We all like a man of simple tastes.

We loved Holly's thoughts, she says the perfect ingredients for a great bar, snugs and not 5ft high bars, tables and stools. Holly likes her feet to be touching the ground whilst drinking.

We are totally with you on that Holly. A comfy chair is everything. 

And Andrew summed it so beautifully with this, "If everyone can meet on a Sunday, and cause a ruckus in the garden.

Have a decent beer with an old friend and dance with all the nieces and nephews, waving your arms in the air to a tacky cover band.

Somewhere that doesn't take itself to seriously but takes pride in its menu and service."

Couldn't agree more Andrew. 

And we asked the world's most well travelled man, former 720 Breakfast presenter Jim Gill.

He's had a beer in thousands of pubs in hundreds of countries so he's um, the full bottle.

Source:  ABC News - 29th August 2014