Drinking in the UK

[Tadpole]

Hey first time posting on travel punk but Ive been keeping up with the topics. Im 18 and American and planning to go the UK for this upcoming month of June '05. We are going to backpack and fly fish around Englandand Scotland. Im 18 but the buddy that I am traveling with isn't. He is 17 and doesn't look a minute older than that. We plan to base our trip around castles and fishing spots, but more on the actual plans later. We plan to visit bars and pubs quiet often. Will my buddy, being 17, have a problem getting in or buying drinks?? And to bounce off of that, will he have a problem with anything else being 17 years old??

[urOZm8]

Hi there tadpole, I think it will be touch and go for your mate. Im 23 (dont quite look it) and in Europe nobody cares. I didnt get asked for ID once in 8mths. However on getting back to London I got asked for ID at the supermarket to buy alcohol and a couple of times going clubbing. Depends if he's lucky or not at the time. Have a mad trip!

ev

[starpiste]

Maybe be I shouldn't be helping, but I've found most pubs here don't card except when you're at the bar buying drinks. So it might be an idea to sit at the table, then you go to the bar to buy for both of you while the other waits at the table.

This obviously wouldn't help for places that card at the door. Cities that are more student oriented might card less at clubs just because they are used to people looking younger. That's just a thought though, and no idea it it's true.

[bellelass]

Never been carded here in london, really I think they dont care. Supermarkets for some reason are a bit stricter, carded me mate a few times.

Let me say a word here- I am dead sick of americans (especially the guys) who are underage at home coming here and suddenly going on benders. Now I'm not saying this is you, but it makes all of us look bad and absolutely sets my teeth on edge. I regularly make sport of stupid idiot drunk americans, convincing them I'm from some obscure European country (well Denmark is my favorite, but sometimes Luxembourg) and getting them to tell me tall tall tales of America and then letting them try and fail to pick me up.. Then the next day I check them out of their rooms and smile and I'm as European as Eleanor Roosevelt. They're very much ashamed of themselves.. So the moral of the story is that when you're drunk, someone somewhere may be making a fool of you and having quite a laugh at your expense.

Sorry, getting off on a tengent there. I'm sure you're both very nice guys and wouldnt get loud and disgusting and make all other americans around you cringe. Have a great time in England, and if you come to town pm me and I'll take you out for a pint, TP style.

[skorch]

Fly fishing? Is the UK renound for that? Seems like a neat trip.

[Tadpole]

Thanks tpunks for the help. Scotland is a great place to fly fish but I dont know about England. I am sure it is great as well. No Belelass we aren't trying to impress anyone as drunk underage americans, as there are plenty of them already. We just want to have a good time and make sure that we experince all the great espects of the Uk. The nightlife included. Our budget is limited and we will have to be selecitve on the nights that we visit the pubs. However, Ill be sure to take you up on the invitation Belelass, for pub advice.

[butterj]

There are some great spots in scotland, and northern england try the lakedistrict, lovely scenery and plenty of fishing. don't be nervous at entry to clubs that is the worst thing, and don't worry if they ID you try to talk your way in if not go somewhere else. try studenty venues they will be less harsh than the big clubs, and more single women of your age

[butterj]

Originally posted by bellelass@Jan 18 2005, 03:37 PM
I regularly make sport of stupid idiot drunk americans, convincing them I'm from some obscure European country (well Denmark is my favorite, but sometimes Luxembourg) and getting them to tell me tall tall tales of America and then letting them try and fail to pick me up.

Nice good trick, damn it's harsh and funny

[Tadpole]

haha im not a woman, im a guy...if that is what you meant by woman my age

[butterj]

No no not like that sorry mate, to pick up

[Tadpole]

O ok I read the post wrong. Im glad to know that im not giving the impression of a girl on posts. I began to get a little worried. just kidding.

Anyways thanks for the advice, Ill be sure to keep it in mind while Im over there.

[bellelass]

Nice good trick, damn it's harsh and funny

yeah but fuck its fun.. especially when I'm checking them out of the hostel later.

[butterj]

Definatly, sounds like they have it coming to them with there great tall tails.
Sounds like a good job