A
pub , or
public house is, despite its name, a private house, but is called a
public house because it is licensed to sell alcohol to the general public. It is a
drinking establishment in
Britain, Ireland,
New Zealand,
Australia,
Canada,
Denmark and
New England. In many places, especially in villages, a pub can be the focal point of the community. The writings of
Samuel Pepys describe the pub as the heart of
England.