MDMD(1): Chapter 3 detail

[andrew at cee.hw.ac.uk]

Eric Alan Weinstein writes:
> Is it a safe bet that most Inns (B & B's, Hotel's, etc)
> would have included a pub-like area, or a 
> eating area where in any case beer was served?
> A few, some, most, or almost all?
> Okay, this may seem nit picking, but it reminds me
> that I have never read a social history of the Pub,
> and I would like to.

Not sure. I don't even know when licensing of alcohol sales commenced
in the UK. Pynchon has Mason say something along the lines of `this
being Portsmouth there must be a room not far removed from the
building they inhabit where we can get a drink' i.e. it is explicit
that Mason allows they may to have to leave the Inn. Given that he
knew better than me what Saloon meant I am willing to take it on trust
that Inns did not (always/often/ever?) serve drink.

> In fact heading to The White Hart Inn, St Albans,
> for a spot of lunch,

I believe I know the very pub (having spent several years living in
nearby Watford).


Andrew Dinn
-----------
And though Earthliness forget you,
To the stilled Earth say:  I flow.
To the rushing water speak:  I am.