Save the Great British pub

I love beer and pubs and beer. And let's not forget my love of beer. 

Pubs are the fundamental element of the foundation of our society. We invented the pub and the traditional pub is one of the things that distinguishes us from the rest of the world, with their lame so-called bars, saloons and cantinas.

But recently I have become disenfranchised with many British pubs. Basically because their focus has shifted from beer to food - some even call themselves, dare I say it, "gastro-pubs". 

So landlords here is my hierarchy of needs (my 10 commandments) for the perfect pub:

1. A good range of beer in good condition - both real ale and craft. Providing good beer is your one job, everything else is supplementary. 
2. A welcoming landlord and bar staff who are knowledgeable about the range of beers (and don’t even think about serving you a dodgy pint).
3. Nice ambience, such as a fire in winter and comfy seats outside in summer, and maybe a shrubbery or other foliage. 
4. A warm welcome for dogs - it’s a pub, dogs do pubs, it’s what they are bred for. If you don’t allow dogs in your establishment then you are not a true pub.
5. Range of bar snacks - nuts and some crisps, but don’t go mad, you are a pub.
6. One lager tap for the hoi poloi - we welcome all at the local pub.
7. A selection a drinks for the ladies that don’t drink beer - apparently gin and prosecco are currently favoured by the fairer sex. 
8. A decent juke box or background music - but on low so we can still clearly hear ourselves speak, argue and talk gibberish. 
9. Beer mats - they stop drips, prop up wonky tables and are something to pretend to read when you are alone without your mobile. 
10. Food if you have to, but only pub fayre like sandwiches, ploughman’s lunches, sausages and pies.  

I know landlords will say we make more money from food than from beer. If that’s the case then open up a restaurant but don’t dilute the traditional pub. Offer good well-kept beer in a pleasant atmosphere and people will come. 

The pub is a uniquely British thing - we need to preserve it, respect it and cherish it.