The best Irish pubs always feel so special and authentic because they focus on the good room mentality.
The good room mentality of an Irish pub relies on several elements that create the warm, cosy atmosphere that characterises them.
Often imitated but rarely equalled, the good room can be identified by its distinctive decor, layout, atmosphere, and people, which create the homey, unique feeling of Irish pubs.
Low ceiling – the lower, the better
The one thing you need to know if you are considering an Irish pub is the height of the ceiling. Typically, the best Irish pubs you will go to will be the ones with the lowest ceilings. This feature is a key ingredient that brings cosiness and intimacy to the space.
Historically, cottages with low ceilings were built to minimise heat loss. Pubs that have retained this layout are generally older and tend to be more traditional-looking, thus meeting several of the criteria that define a good room.
The snug – a comfortable place to sit down and watch people go by
Low ceilings lend themselves naturally to the creation of ‘snugs’, which are characterised by small, partitioned private spaces, originally designed for those who wished to drink out of sight of prying eyes, such as women, the clergy, or the local police.
Although we live in a more liberal age, the snugs are still the perfect comfortable spot in which you can sit down and watch people go by.
Whether you want to join in the conversation or just have a pint on your own, the snugs are prime spots and often favoured by pub connoisseurs.
The decor – you want the vintage decoration that hasn’t changed in a while
The most authentic Irish pubs have a very distinctive style of decor. Basically, if you walk in and spot a few ‘vintage’ decorations that look as though they might have belonged to your grandparents, you’ve found the right place.
Stained-glass windows and antique mirrors are also hallmarks of a good room. The way the warm light reflects throughout the room will only serve to enhance its cosy character and homey atmosphere.
Craftsmanship in the design – locally sourced and authentic materials
In keeping with the decor, the materials used in the best pubs are often sourced locally. Dark-stained wood, a hand-brick fireplace, and heavy leather chairs are signs that you have probably just entered a good room.
The best Irish pubs will prioritise durable and comfortable materials, such as comfortable chairs inviting you to sit down, or a wooden bar that makes you want to lean on it with a pint and start a chat with the barman.
The people – a pub is first and foremost a place to socialize
A game-changer in a good Irish pub is the people who bring it to life. From the regulars to the staff and the bartender who looks like he is part of the furniture and has seen and heard it all, your experience of the room will be transformed with the right people.
An Irish pub is, above all, a place where people socialise. Most Irish pubs, particularly in the countryside, serve as community hubs. It’s also the place where the craic often comes to life between two trad music sessions.
The music – some Irish music to fill out the perfect room
Speaking of music, music and Irish pubs often go hand in hand. A good room can sometimes be heard before it is seen.
If you’re standing outside the door, unsure of going in for a pint, and you suddenly hear the lively Irish music, your doubts will quickly melt away, and you will likely be having more than one pint this night.
Irish music has a way to set the mood. Even the most reluctant will find themselves tapping their feet without meaning to, a pint in hand, before they’ve even had time to make up their minds.
The pint – a decent pint makes a good pub
Finally, our last advice when you’re looking for a good room is to look around for decent pints. By decent, we mean pints with a good head on them. If the Guinness is poured in one go, turn around immediately.
Instead, look out for a pub where pints are served religiously. The perfect pint is poured in two goes. Once at a 45-degree angle, filled to about three-quarters, then put away to settle, before being topped up to create a small amount of foam lightly spilling over the rim, without the contents spilling out.
This foam is also known as the dome, synonymous with a good head on your creamy pint and most likely a good room.
Once you gather all these elements that create the unique warm and cosy atmosphere in Irish pubs, you’ll be able to understand the good room mentality. If there’s one thing you need to remember, it’s that the first goal is to make you feel right at home.
