Pubs in England

Absolutely. Pubs may serve alcohol but by their very definition (public houses) are meeting places for families and friends. One of my favorite things to do each time in London is to find a traditional pub, have a pint, a nosh and meet the locals. You can sit at a table, sit or stand outside (if weather permits) or at the bar. Very casual atmosphere. Daily specials are often posted on chalkboards outside the pubs. If you remain concerned you can check either of these websites to find a pub to your liking. fancyapint or beerintheevening. Enjoy.

Absolutely. I have eaten in many pubs alone and felt perfectly comfortable. I would usually have a paper, a book or a magazine with me, to give myself something to do. I have also seem many others do the same.

Yes, a woman alone is fine eating in a pub. Another good resource is www.goodguides.com for The Good Pub Guide which describes many traditional pubs. I once did the London walks pub crawl walk which might be good for you to do as an orientation and will give you a group to go in with. It was an interesting walk too, not just pubs. I have been alone in many of the touristy pubs like The Museum Tavern by the British museum, or The George, the galleried national trust inn on the south bank, the Sherlock Holmes near Trafalgar Sq. The Churchill Arms in Kensington is nice, and the Olde Cheshire Cheese is fun. You'll have a great time!

Absolutely!! When you go in go up to the bar and order your food and get your drink. You can take your drink to your table, they will bring your food to you when its ready. Have fun!

Just in answer to your later question re is it ok to order other than a soft drink. By all means order whatever you wish. It is quite normal for many people, locals and visitors to drink alcohol during the day. Others have given you great advice. A couple of other things - if you order wine you will generally be asked whether you want small or large. I forget the actual measures but the large is quite large. Many pubs are now part of a chain - one example is Slug and Lettuce. These generally are less characterful than others. Others are gastro pubs and serve restaurant quality food, at (understandably) higher prices than 'pub food'.

There are still some pubs (maybe many) which have two sides- one is more genteel than the other.

Totally 100%! Just go to the bar and order. I actually find the atmosphere in the average pub to be more conducive to having a solo lunch/pint without being hit on than I do in most American bars. The vibe is usually more family during the day. There doesn't seem to be that overtone of "what's that lady doing alone in a bar?! Surely she must be loose!" Obviously there are exceptions - and every pub is different - but that's my humble opinion, based on lots of experience in both bars AND pubs! :-)

Certainly there is no issue with a woman going into a pub alone to eat lunch. And to drink what she likes, including a pint. I personally find it difficult to go into a pub alone, especially when I was younger as I am very shy, and I have found that when I have made the effort I have had a great time.

Absolutely! Or I would have died of thirst a long time ago ;-)