Public houses are places where people can go to buy alcoholic or other cold drinks. Many also serve food and hot drinks. Public houses are usually referred to as pubs. If they also provide accommodation, public houses may be called inns. A public house has at least one room—the bar—where drinks are served at the bar counter. Most bars are comfortably furnished with chairs and tables, although many customers prefer to stand and drink at the bar counter.
People usually go to public houses to meet their friends and to enjoy a drink with them. Some people visit a nearby public house regularly.
The most popular public houses are those with a friendly and informal atmosphere, in which the customers can relax. The personality of the publican or landlord, who is in charge of the public house, often affects its popularity. Many public houses are decorated in an attractive style, which greatly increases their appeal.
