Four-ale Pub

Posted by Word Camel on October 18, 2004

In Reply to: Four-ale Pub posted by mugball-us on October 18, 2004

: What does "four-ale pub" mean? What is the origin of the phrase? I have never heard it in the USA.

This is just a guess... Most pubs are owned by breweries and only sell the brands associated with that particular company - and maybe even only a single brand. A freehouse is owned by the publican who can sell whatever brands he prefers. Perhaps a four-ale pub is one with greater variety than most so probably either a free house with a penchant for ale, or perhaps just a very large pub with a large enough owner to supply a greater variety of drink.

• Four-ale Pub David FG 19/October/04
  • Four-ale Pub Word Camel 20/October/04