Cheers to the next chapter: The ultimate book club venue
You’ve heard of wine and cheese nights. You’ve heard of book clubs. But have you ever experienced the perfect blend — books, banter, and beer?
Welcome to the modern-day literary revolution: book clubs in pubs. Where the prose flows as freely as the pints, and no one judges your taste in literature or your third packet of crisps.
Gone are the days of polite living-room gatherings where everyone pretends to have finished War and Peace. We’re rewriting the script and turning your local Greene King pub into the ultimate book club venue.
Why book clubs belong in pubs
Let’s be honest. Discussing character development and plot twists hits different when there’s a cask ale or glass of Pinot in your hand.
At Greene King, our pubs are built on community, conversation, and connection — which, coincidentally, are the very things that make a book club thrive.
Think of us as the setting Jane Austen would have written if she’d had access to a decent beer garden and a round of chips.
Here’s why your next chapter should start at the bar:
- No awkward silences. The pub atmosphere does the talking for you.
- Refreshments sorted. No one’s fussing over who’s hosting or who forgot the fizz — we’ve got the drinks and food covered.
- New friends, old favourites. Swap novels and gossip in equal measure.
- Laid-back setting. There’s no dress code here.
Host your own
Think you’ve got what it takes to start your own club? Excellent. Here’s your starter pack:
Pick a Greene King pub.
- Gather your bookish bunch. Friends, family, or strangers who also dog-ear pages.
- Choose your first book. Something easy to discuss — or easy to dramatically disagree about.
- Set a regular time. Weekly, monthly, or whenever someone finishes the last chapter.
- Add food and drink. The true fuel of literary genius.
Voilà! You’re now the proud founder of a very sophisticated social circle that doubles as an excuse for extra pub visits.
If you want more information on this, contact your local Greene King pub, and one of the team members will be happy to help.
A book & drink: perfect pairings
So, you’ve secured the pub, you’ve got the readers assembled, but there’s no book to read. Every great story deserves the perfect drink to go with it. Here’s our take on the ultimate page-and-pint combinations to get you started:
- Pride and Prejudice × Gin & Tonic - timeless, a touch sharp, and full of unexpected twists.
- The Girl on the Train × Cider - easy to get into, hard to put down, and maybe a little hazy by the end.
- The Hobbit × Greene King IPA - a long journey, full of character, and best enjoyed with a second breakfast.
- Normal People × Rosé - emotional, subtle, and always better when shared.
- Dracula × Guinness - dark, brooding, and mysteriously addictive.
- Bridget Jones’s Diary × Prosecco - sparkling, chaotic, and guaranteed to lift your spirits.
Sip, flip, and repeat — it’s all about finding your perfect pairing.
Pub book clubs: A plot everyone can love
Let’s face it — pubs have always been the heart of the British story. They’re where communities meet, ideas are born, and friendships are written.So, why shouldn’t they be book club venues too?
Find a book club venue near you
Whether you’re wanting to dissect Dickens, gush over Colleen Hoover, or simply pretend you read the ending, your local pub is ready to be your next book club venue.
So, ready for chapter one of your next meet-up? Find a Greene King near you and book a spacious table or cosy corner for your club. Because at the end of the day, all great stories deserve a good setting. And nothing beats one with decent lighting, comfy seats, and a bar that remembers your order.