brewpub: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, specialized
Quick answer
What does “brewpub” mean?
A pub or restaurant that brews its own beer on the premises and sells it directly to customers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pub or restaurant that brews its own beer on the premises and sells it directly to customers.
A commercial establishment that combines the functions of a small-scale brewery (a microbrewery) with those of a pub or restaurant, typically emphasizing craft beer and often serving food.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The concept originated in the US and is more common there, but the term is understood and used in the UK. In British English, 'brewpub' might be considered a more specific Americanism, whereas 'pub brewery' or simply 'brewery tap' might be used for similar concepts, though not exact synonyms.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes craft, authenticity, and a local, artisanal approach to beer. In the US, it strongly aligns with the craft beer movement. In the UK, it may sound like a modern, American-inspired business model within a traditional pub context.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, especially in contexts related to food, drink, tourism, and small business. Lower but growing frequency in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “brewpub” in a Sentence
We ate at [the/a] brewpub.The [city/town] has [a/three] brewpub(s).They opened a brewpub [in/downtown].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brewpub” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The old warehouse has been converted into a thriving brewpub.
- Many traditional pubs are struggling, but the new brewpub down the lane is always packed.
American English
- Let's grab dinner at the new brewpub in the arts district.
- Portland is famous for its high density of brewpubs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in articles about the hospitality industry, entrepreneurship, and craft beverage trends.
Academic
Rare; might appear in sociological or business studies on local economies or food culture.
Everyday
Used by beer enthusiasts, tourists, and locals discussing dining/drinking options.
Technical
Used in brewing industry publications and hospitality management contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brewpub”
- Confusing it with just a 'microbrewery' (which may not have a pub attached).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'Let's brewpub' is incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'brew pub' (though the spaced version is sometimes seen, 'brewpub' is standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A microbrewery is a small-scale beer producer. A brewpub is a specific type of microbrewery that also operates a pub or restaurant on the same premises to sell its beer directly to the public.
Often yes, many brewpubs offer 'growlers' (refillable jugs) or packaged beer for off-site consumption, but their primary business is on-site sales.
It is standardly written as one word: 'brewpub'. The spaced version 'brew pub' is occasionally seen but is less common.
It varies widely, but food is often designed to pair well with beer, ranging from classic pub fare like burgers and chips to more sophisticated gastropub or restaurant-style menus.
A pub or restaurant that brews its own beer on the premises and sells it directly to customers.
Brewpub is usually informal, specialized in register.
Brewpub: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbruːpʌb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbruːpʌb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: BREW + PUB. A place that BREWs beer and is also a PUB.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FACTORY AS A SOCIAL SPACE (The production facility is integrated into the leisure venue).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining feature of a brewpub?