Announcing a Very Special Designation: The Official P.A.P. Seal of Approval

From now on, any pub, beer bar or tavern I visit and enjoy will get the Official P.A.P. Seal of Approval. P.A.P. stands for PubScout Approved Pub (or Place), and it is a most worthwhile distinction. Having it affixed to the bottom of my review means that the establishment has satisfied all the criteria I deem important in such a business.

Those criteria have always been "Good Pubs, Good Beer, Good People," but it's actually a commendation of the ownership. It signifies that the proprietor understands the importance of its customers by providing an atmosphere and service that recognizes and values the ancient link between humans and taverns.

Truth be told, if all people wanted was just good beer, they could drink it at home, and for far less cost, no travel and no risk.

But for millennia, people have wanted more than that. Sure, they want quality beer and decent food at a reasonable price. But, unless they're hermits, they also want and need interaction with other people, including those on the other side of the bar. Every good bartender knows this. A P.A.P. seal is evidence that this bar understands that need and strives to satisfy its customers.

Therefore, if I have done a story about any pub whose beer, food and ambience I've enjoyed, it will come with a gold P.A.P. Seal at the bottom. I have recently appended the seal to the stories on this page that have so far deserved the designation.

To the reader, that seal means "This is a good place to spend your money and your time."

To the owners it means "Congratulations, your pub is doing it right and is worth visiting."

In the near future, i will be having these seals produced for owners who so desire to affix them to a wall, window or a door of their place. This way even people walking by or coming in for the first time will know that, after venturing out of their cozy, comfortable homes, they are about to enjoy themselves in a place that values their business.

So look for the seal.

It's your guide to great pub experiences.

Does your favorite pub merit a P.A.P. Seal? If so, drop me a line, and I may test out your recommendation. Moreover, I'll credit you with finding it.