OpenTube

The Forgotten World of the 1940s English Pub

britainonfilm

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The 'Story of the English Inn' is a fascinating vintage film that explores the history, traditions and social importance of the good old English pub in British history. Produced in the 1940's, it offers a glimpse into a world where inns and public houses sat at the heart of communities across Britain.

Whether you're interested in British history, nostalgia, heritage, traditional pubs or life in Britain and how much it's changed, this archive film provides a unique window into the past.

Subscribe to Britain on Film for more archive footage, historic films, forgotten stories, scenic journeys and fascinating glimpses into Britain's past and present.

#BritishHistory #EnglishPub #ArchiveFilm #BritainOnFilm #VintageBritain #PubHistory

20 Comments

@colinpartridge6423 1 year ago

Grew up in a pub in Hampshire in the 70s and 80s, and fondly reflect on that wonderful period. We were a hub of the village community and a place where the regulars would do anything to help their neighbors. No TVs, just good conversation and folk singers on Fri/Sat night in front of a roaring fire. The smell of wood smoke in the bar and the scent of real hops in real beer in the cellar. Happy days indeed.

@anthonyhardwick1826 2 years ago

I'm 75 years old i used to drink in my local every night after work. Light and bitter. All gone now we had the best years.

@danielmoran9902 2 years ago

I am just about old enough to remember when the local pub was like this.

@AlansWoodworking 2 years ago

I (Australian) walked into an 18th century pub in Chester one November and there was a chap sitting in a winged-back chair by an open fire, reading a newspaper, with a pint glass next to him and I thought "now, this is England!"

@meeluanistyn1644 2 years ago

A way of life that’s gone for ever. No wonder I long for a time machine so I can revisit the past.

@oriel229 2 years ago

I long for proper pubs, with cigarette smoke, real beer, and no screaming kids.

@Peter-gv2gn 2 years ago

Just Wonderful, can I go back in time to live there please.

@patkearney9320 2 years ago

As an Irish man I enjoyed the charming old English pubs and they enjoyed us sad gone for ever.

@Vhalior666 1 year ago

Beautiful and warming to ones heart. We have lost a lot in recent years.

@englishguy215 1 year ago

I now live abroad but one of the things I really miss about England is the traditional country pub.

@williamschneider2308 1 year ago

I was born in 1940, grew up during and after the war, and remember the English pub as a highlight of growing up, finding friends and being proud of being English

@mrs.g.9816 2 years ago

I love documentaries like this. But I'm sad the life and culture have changed so drastically. The world still needs places like these friendly old pubs.

@357jock 2 years ago

Love watching old videos like this ,the narrators voice so polite and well spoken, he sounds like he's reading poetry. Hard to find decent pubs now without all the noise, tvs, shouting etc .

@Rare_Medium 2 years ago

0:35 Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is in St. Albans
0:42 The Barley Mow is in Abingdon
3:35 The George is on High Street London
4:42 The London Apprentice is on the Thames in Isleworth
4:55 The Style & Winch is in Maidstone
4:57 Ye Olde Chequers is in Tonbridge
6:18 The Spaniards is on Spaniards Rd. London

@theClean-_-Freak 2 years ago

England in its purest form; politeness combined with curiosity. A distant memory now.

@gilespritchett 11 months ago

Notice how smartly dressed people were

@dougpage1271 1 year ago

In early 80s, I was staying in Kenilworth during a business trip. I discovered a neighborhood pub and would visit every evening during my stay. What a wonderful experience. - A Yank. 🇺🇸🇬🇧 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

@jontalbot1 2 years ago

Made in wartime to remind people what they were fighting for- pubs!

@sandywilkie1169 1 year ago

What a magnificent country we once had.

@timhague882 2 years ago

So lucky to have The Blue Anchor in Helston Cornwall as my local, one of the last original home brew pubs left. No fruit machines, muzak, a bastion against modernity and long may it be so. The beer, Spingo, is just superb if a little wobbly!