Taverns, Inns and Alehouses in Medieval times

[Astro Pen]

Useful info, particularly for those of you who write historical fantasy.

 

[paranoid marvin]

Thanks AP.

Or should that be cheers?

 

[The Judge]

This earlier thread on the difference may also be of interest Tavern vs Alehouse



But if anyone is looking at a later period, in the C18th taverns, in London at least, have a slightly different feel to them. To quote from Marc Meltonville's The Tavern Cook, a tavern "is a dining establishment where you can have food, drink and sometimes lodging," "a blend between a fine dining restaurant and a private club" and "For the most part, although you could wander into a tavern seeking a meal, it really helped to know someone to join the members of a tavern."

 

[Toby Frost]

I always get the feeling that the stereotypical fantasy tavern is a 19th century coaching inn.