What Makes a Pub Different from a Bar in Cambridge ON

To the average individual, a bar and pub may seem almost identical, with hardly anything to distinguish between them. While both will happily quench the thirst of people with a well-deserved drink at the end of a long day, several key differences distinguish these two types of establishments.

Understanding what distinguishes bars and pubs is essential for the business and is part of a good manager’s responsibilities. Each has its own customer base and needs that shouldn’t be overlooked. Both serve drinks, host social gatherings, and promise a good time.

But if you’ve ever walked into a cozy pub like Chicago Pub Cambridge, you’ll immediately feel that the experience is much different from a standard bar in town.  From atmosphere, food, drink, and community feel, pubs and bars have different purposes for various events. Let’s explore what makes a difference in a pub and a bar in Cambridge, ON.

The History Behind It All

Neither pubs nor bars are new concepts. They both have long histories that extend deep into the past. Many of the differences that exist between the two were understood even back then. 

The word pub originates from ‘Public House’. A public house was a building open to the public and was often a local focal point for a village or town. Local people would meet and socialise, drink the locally brewed alcohol, and eat the freshly cooked food. 

Many pubs also served as inns, where travelling customers could stay for a night or two after a long day of travel. Although bars are usually confined to indoor spaces, pubs typically have at least a beer garden, as well as other outdoor spaces. 

Bars are named after the barrier, which has traditionally been a metal or wooden bar that stretched across the serving area. Bars are, generally speaking, limited to serving alcohol, usually spirits, with limited food options and age restrictions on admittance. 

Although pubs would usually occupy their own buildings, it was not unusual to find bars as part of other establishments, such as hotels and restaurants.

What is a Pub?

The term “pub” comes from “public house” and has a long-standing connection to British culture. Pubs were built as places where people from a community could gather to enjoy a good meal, share a pint, and become familiar with one another. In its traditional sense, a pub is:

• Available to everyone without a joining fee.
• Serves draught beers and ciders.
• Mix of food, drinks, and entertainment options, such as darts, pool, and live music.
• A place where conversations are as meaningful as the drinks.

What is a Bar?

Bars have developed to be more nightlife-focused. The bar comes from the counter for ordering drinks, also known as the “bar”. Bars are usually:

• Built for high-energy evenings filled with cocktails, spirits, and good music.
• Somewhere, food is not a priority, and the drinking is communal whilst socializing.
• Fun for a younger crowd before bowling or bar-hopping during later hours.

Atmosphere and Decor of a Bar and Pub

Let’s now dive into vibes and aesthetics. This is where the feel differs from a bar to a pub. According to the bar definition, you can envision a sleek and stylish hangout. With modern counters and maybe two neon light signs that you can flaunt on Instagram! Think about a place with a buzz, and you have the mixologist serving up something wild at the bar.

Let’s think about the usual vibe in your pub: warm lighting, comfy couches with stories, maybe a fire, neat little corners, and enough accent pieces to make you stop to take it all in. You’ve just walked into your friend’s place instinctively, charming and familiar, giving you a sense of comfort. This kind of place embodies truth and tradition, with all the framed memorabilia and possibly some worn vintage signs, creating a vibe that will convince you to settle in for the night.

Why Chicago Pub Cambridge Embodies the True “Pub” Spirit

Chicago Pub Cambridge has the pub concept in Ontario covered, and we want to share what makes us unique:

• Welcoming, Comfortable Feel – When you walk in, you feel at home. It is a comfortable space with friends and a vibe that encourages great conversations.
• Wholesome Menu – Our menu is filled with meal components such as burgers, wings, nachos, and everything in between – a menu to fill you up, not just for a snack.
• Excellent Draft Beer Selection – we take our beer seriously; good-quality draught beer, bottle beer, and ciders, a selection that makes you feel at home in the pub.
• Pub Culture and Community Feel – Live music, sporting events, and pool – the responsibility of the pub is to bring people together; it’s not just about food and beer.
• Friendly, Accepting Service- Regulars are greeted by name, new guests are treated like family, and everyone else is welcomed and attended to because hospitality is essential.

When you think pub, you think home away from home; that is what we want our guests to feel.

Tips for Choosing Between a Pub and a Bar

So, how do you choose where to go for your next night out? Here are some brief tips:

• Want to get something to eat and your pint? Go to the pub.
• Want to drink cocktails and dance into the early morning hours? A bar might be your selection.
• Want both food and entertainment without a lot of fuss? Go to a pub like Chicago Pub Cambridge.

Final Thoughts

Though pubs and bars have a lot in common, you can undoubtedly see bigger differences that go beyond food and drink. Pubs like Chicago Pub Cambridge have a special charm characterized by a warm and welcoming atmosphere, hearty menus, and a spirit of community. Bars complement energy, cocktails, and nightlife. 

In a city like Cambridge, ON, having access to both options means that when you’re looking for a place to go, you can zero in on just the right ambience based on how you feel. However, when you’re seeking comfort, conversation and a real sense of belonging, nothing is going to compare to the charm of a pub.

Chicago Pub Cambridge is proud to uphold that tradition by providing more than a place to eat and drink; we provide a place that feels like home.