Something I can't figure out

So I just got back from the UK on Monday after a 12 day stay for my father in law's funeral. Something that has been bothering me since I lived there the last time and still does, why do the pubs stop serving food at 9??? I always get the munchies while I drink....and I don't want a packet of crisps.
Any clue why its like this??

I'm not sure, but it might have something to do with the laws regarding children being allowed in pubs - I was in Wetherspoons a few weeks ago and one family were eating together there... one of the staff members came along and told them that the children had to be out of the pub by 9 p.m.

From the point of view of someone who has worked in loads of restaurants, you just don't sell enough food to pay the staff you need to keep on (dishwashers, cooks, extra waitresses/busboys depending). And it takes FOREVER to clean and prep a kitchen, so there are usually people back there till 1am anyway--getting ready for the next day! Especially if you're a semi-high-end pub where people expect a certain level of food (as opposed to a take-away). We used to keep a "bar"menu that was basically nachos as the waitresses could make that themselves, but nothing else. There might also be legal implications in some places, although I'm not sure about that. (licensing and etc).

it might have something to do with the laws regarding children being allowed in pubs - I was in Wetherspoons a few weeks ago and one family were eating together there... one of the staff members came along and told them that the children had to be out of the pub by 9 p.m.

There isn't a specific law forbidding children (under 18s) from pubs after 21:00 and in fact the Licensing Act 2003 is interpreted very differently across the country. However many licensing authorities (not all) won't grant a premises licence to a pub unless the applicant includes a statement regarding the pub's policy on the presence of minors, and the 9 PM thing is a quite common policy. Another possible policy is "no children at all". Some authorities (e.g. North Norfolk) leave it completely up to the pub management to decide for themselves.

The pub I worked at was a small town pub. We closed the kitchen around then because it wasn't worth it leaving it open for the small possibility someone might want something.

Like Jennie said, closing the bar down is easy, cleaning the kitchen and prepping for the next day properly took some time.

So I just got back from the UK on Monday after a 12 day stay for my father in law's funeral. Something that has been bothering me since I lived there the last time and still does, why do the pubs stop serving food at 9??? I always get the munchies while I drink....and I don't want a packet of crisps.
Any clue why its like this??

My local, even though they serve food, will let you order a take away to the place after 9pm. Though most people just opt for one of their amazing brownies rather than just chips

I live in a pretty small area (in the US) and a lot of the bars stop serving food long before the bar closes (most places are around 11pm when the bar doesn't close until 1-2am). 

Like pp explained, it probably has something to do with having to pay the staff to stand there for hours on end just to make one meal every now and then.  Not worth the cost. 

Also, I'm pretty sure it's a common tradition to stop off for a curry when you get late night munchies.   

Also, I'm pretty sure it's a common tradition to stop off for a curry when you get late night munchies.   

Is that like stopping at the Denny's on the way home? 

Also, and this is just my opinion, but the British just don't eat and drink the way Americans do. When the British go to the pub in the evening, it's generally to drink and socialize, not eat. So demand for a 'bar menu' is even less than what you'd find in the US. I'm in the US now and I'd typically see some sort of bar food available until 11 or midnight. I'll never forget trying to go to a pub in Reading one afternoon when a big football game was on. The crowds were huge but all the pubs had closed the kitchens. In the US it would have been opposite - there would be special 'game menus' and that sort of thing. In the UK, it's generally assumed you're there to drink and watch.

It's just a cultural difference, IMO.

Also, I'm pretty sure it's a common tradition to stop off for a curry when you get late night munchies.   

What I want to know is what those doner kebab thingies are made of. A giant revolving mass of heartburn.

Primarily it is lamb. I adore them stone cold sober with just a little lemon juice.

I can get the meat over here as gyros meat at the local greek place. Pretty good with some hummus.

I suppose time could also be the difference between a dining pub and a drinking pub. If the food is their main source of income, they'll serve food later. Went to a place last night like that.

I wonder if it isn't just tradition left over from early licensing laws. Or even simpler: it's just always how it has been done! Like pubs that don't serve food at all on Sunday and Monday. And always when I am hungry!

Also, and this is just my opinion, but the British just don't eat and drink the way Americans do. When the British go to the pub in the evening, it's generally to drink and socialize, not eat. So demand for a 'bar menu' is even less than what you'd find in the US. I'm in the US now and I'd typically see some sort of bar food available until 11 or midnight. I'll never forget trying to go to a pub in Reading one afternoon when a big football game was on. The crowds were huge but all the pubs had closed the kitchens. In the US it would have been opposite - there would be special 'game menus' and that sort of thing. In the UK, it's generally assumed you're there to drink and watch.

It's just a cultural difference, IMO.

I have no idea if this is actually a reason for the cultural difference but the theory sprang to mind. Perhaps Americans are more likely to eat while drinking because most of them will have to drive home later and eating helps keep you more sober longer. Most Brits will have at least one local they can walk to (and stumble home from) so having to drive isn't an issue.

What I want to know is what those doner kebab thingies are made of. A giant revolving mass of heartburn.

I'm pretty sure you don't really want to know.

Balmerhon- interesting observation about "game time" at the pub. I watched a football match at a pub (for the first time!) a few weeks ago. It was packed! No room to even move to get to the bathrooms. But not a lick of food. Everyone was just drinking, even though it was a late afternoon game time. After 4 pints  and no food (plus jet lag- I'd just arrived that morning to London!), I was pretty tipsy! Some cheesy chips would have been perfect.

Also, and this is just my opinion, but the British just don't eat and drink the way Americans do. When the British go to the pub in the evening, it's generally to drink and socialize, not eat. So demand for a 'bar menu' is even less than what you'd find in the US. I'm in the US now and I'd typically see some sort of bar food available until 11 or midnight. I'll never forget trying to go to a pub in Reading one afternoon when a big football game was on. The crowds were huge but all the pubs had closed the kitchens. In the US it would have been opposite - there would be special 'game menus' and that sort of thing. In the UK, it's generally assumed you're there to drink and watch.

It's just a cultural difference, IMO.

Yep, I'd tend to agree with this.
Speaking for myself only, I wouldn't even think of eating when I'm out for a beer.  Leaves less room for beer! 

Similarly, I would never order a beer with my food when I'm in a restaurant for a meal... the beers I drink are really flavourful, and I wouldn't want the flavours of the food and the beer 'competing' with each other.