Exploring the Era of Casual Drinking: A Look Back to the 1960s and 1970s

Introduction:

In the 1960s and 1970s, casual drinking, particularly during "cocktail hours," was more prevalent in the UK than it is today. This period marked a golden age for pub culture, where workers and professionals alike would frequently take a break to enjoy a drink during their lunch breaks. This article delves into the reasons for this phenomenon and how it has evolved over time.

Breaking Your Lunch Hour in the '60s and '70s

The 1960s and 1970s witnessed a thriving pub culture in the United Kingdom. One significant aspect of this period was the practice of taking a drink during the middle of the working day. This was particularly common among workers in the service industry and those in various offices. For instance, in my father's small road haulage business in the 1960s, it was not uncommon for the garage mechanic to take a break at the local village pub for a pint.

More working-class establishments, such as the Derbyshire Yeoman, were frequented by laborers and others in overalls. This pub, located at the roundabout where the A38 Kingsway intersects the A52 Ashbourne Road, was a bustling place with regular patrons. The pub was opened in 1959 and featured a large meeting room that served as an ideal venue for various events, including wedding receptions, birthday parties, and antique fairs.

The Early 1970s: A Pint amidst Engineering Work

During my temporary job at a local authority's engineering department in the summer of 1973, we would often adjourn to the pub at lunchtime for a drink. This routine continued even when we returned to the office for lunch on Fridays, as we began to embrace the weekend atmosphere. Similar practices were observed in my subsequent job with the Department of the Environment in 1975, where outdoor survey work led to regular visits to a nearby pub after lunch.

The Demise of the Derbyshire Yeoman

The Derbyshire Yeoman, a modern pub opened in 1959, served as a focal point for the community for many years. However, the days of this beloved establishment numbered as Allied Breweries sold it to Marstons in 1990. Marstons closed the pub a year later and sold the building to McDonalds. Plans to demolish the building were thwarted, but it underwent a significant renovation to transform it into a McDonalds restaurant. The transformation is evident in the photos below, which show the pub in its early 1970s glory and its later state as a McDonalds.

History of the Derbyshire Yeoman

Ad for the Derbyshire Yeoman:

The pub was opened in time for Christmas 1959 by Ind Coope and Allsop and later became Allied Breweries. The pub's large meeting room made it a popular venue for various events, including:

A picture of the Derbyshire Yeoman from the early 1970s can be seen below.

Transformation to McDonalds

However, the days of the Derbyshire Yeoman were numbered due to changes in the pub industry. In 1990, Marstons acquired the pub and closed it the following year. A year later, the building was sold to McDonalds. Below are images of the pub in its later years as a McDonalds restaurant:

When I drive past this McDonalds now, I am always reminded of my early employment days and how my working days often included a lunchtime pint. While this is no longer the norm in today's corporate culture, it was a common practice in the 1960s and 1970s. This transformation from a public house to a fast-food restaurant is a testament to the changing attitudes towards casual drinking in the workplace.

Conclusion: A Reflection on the Past

Reflecting on my experiences in the 1960s and 1970s, it is clear that casual drinking was a significant part of everyday life. The culture surrounding pubs and the practice of breaking the lunch hour for a drink have shifted over time. Perhaps one reason for the transition is the changing workplace culture and the increasing importance of productivity. Nonetheless, the legacy of these casual drinking practices remains a fond memory for many.