Step inside The Red Lion in Kegworth, and you’ll find more than just great beer and a warm welcome. Tucked away in our rear bar, you’ll often see a group of locals gathered around a table, cards in hand, dominoes neatly stacked, or a cribbage board set up for a friendly game. This isn’t just a way to pass the time – it’s a tradition that has been woven into the fabric of British pub culture for centuries.
A Brief History of Pub Games
Long before smartphones and screens, the heart of the local pub was its people—and the games they played together. From Tudor-era inns to the bustling pubs of the Industrial Revolution, games like cribbage and dominoes (also Petanque, we have a court…) have provided entertainment, camaraderie, and even a bit of friendly rivalry.
- Cards: Playing cards arrived in England in the 15th century, with various games evolving to suit different regions and social groups. Pubs became natural gathering places where people could enjoy a game over a pint.
- Cribbage: Invented by English poet Sir John Suckling in the early 17th century, cribbage has remained a pub favourite thanks to its unique scoring system and the satisfying clack of pegs on the board.
- Dominoes: Thought to have originated in China before making their way to Europe in the 18th century, dominoes became a staple in British pubs, offering a game that was easy to learn but endlessly entertaining.
Why Pub Games Still Matter
In an age of digital entertainment, you might wonder why traditional pub games still hold such an appeal. The answer is simple: they bring people together. At The Red Lion, we’ve seen friendships forged over a tense game of cribbage, laughter erupting from a dramatic domino victory, and the quiet focus of a well-played hand of cards.
The Social Side of Pub Games
Unlike playing on a screen, pub games encourage real conversation, eye contact, and good-natured competition. There’s a unique joy in sitting across from your opponent, reading their expressions, and celebrating (or commiserating) with a well-earned drink. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, there’s always a place at the table.
Keeping Tradition Alive at The Red Lion
We’re proud to be a pub that values its traditions. If you’ve never played cribbage before, don’t worry – there’s always someone happy to teach you. Fancy a game of dominoes? Just ask behind the bar, and we’ll set you up. Cards more your thing? Bring a friend and get a game going.
As pubs evolve, we believe in keeping these timeless games alive, offering a space where community, competition, and tradition meet. So next time you visit The Red Lion, why not pull up a chair, grab a deck of cards, and experience the lost art of pub games for yourself?
Join the Tradition
Do you have a favourite pub game? Or perhaps a story about an epic cribbage showdown? We’d love to hear from you! Share your memories in the comments or join us for a game the next time you’re in Kegworth.
Cheers to tradition, friendly competition, and keeping the spirit of the British pub alive!
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