Where Everybody Knows Your Name – Why Every Neighborhood Needs a Pub

Today, it’s all East Nashville can talk about! There’s a new beer garden being constructed in Riverside Village – and boy are the neighbors excited. As someone who has eaten, drank and danced in beer gardens from London to France (no rhymes here, please), I was very excited to see one go up in our ‘hood. The concept of the neighborhood pub has been the subject of music, fine art, film and television. It is a staple of modern social interaction and a means to unwind from the daily grind. But, what is a beer garden, exactly?

The Biergarten (German for Beer Garden, if you didn’t know) originated in Bavaria in the 19th century. Kind Ludwig I decreed that all beer was to be brewed only during the cold months, so that the lager was perfect. But, what do to during those hot summer months when a cold beer works its magic the best? Well, brewers would dig deep trenches, into the cold earth alongside the Isar River, and use them to brew beer under the shade of the rich, summer foliage. The brewers eventually had the idea to not only brew the beer, but to serve it from these beer cellars. Well, add a few park benches and hot pretzels with mustard to the mix, and you’ve got the birth of the world’s first beer gardens.

Patrons would spend the warm afternoons sitting in the shade, sipping dark lager, and socializing about current events. Beer gardens became so popular in Munich, that local eateries complained to Ludwig I that beer gardens should not be permitted to serve food. Ludwig agreed, but patrons were still allowed to bring their own food, so this did not deter from the growing popularity of the beer garden.

The term “beer garden” simply refers to any open-air establishment where beer is served. Beer gardens have become popular all over the world, especially in the UK and Europe. Just like a neighborhood pub, beer gardens are considered in many countries to be major staples of daily social life. Whether a beer garden, a pub, a bar, a dive, a watering hole, saloon, gin mill or tavern, most people have their very own – a home away from home -- a place to go after a long day, have a beer or cocktail, and check their cares at the door, if only for a short while. Neighborhood pubs reinforce a sense of community, comfort and familiarity. From Cheers to Trees Lounge to Bohemian Hall, they’ve all provided good times and good friends.

I personally welcome the new beer garden to the neighborhood, and I can’t wait to see you all there to share a beer and a good conversation.