Why is it called a “bar crawl”? It sounds like people are moving from bar to bar on their hands and knees—an outrageous thought but not necessarily inconceivable. The same could be said about the term “bar hoping”. You are not literally hoping from bar to bar. The answer is quite simply, it is one of those nonsensical idioms we use to describe a night out patronizing local drinking holes whether planned or not.
Ironically, in this case, there is a sobering truth in this idiom. It is possible that crawling from bar to bar could happen if a person drank too much at one bar and found walking to the next to be a bit challenging, an embarrassing picture for the person, but since when are the intoxicated rational. Upon investigation, it turns out the term originated in the United Kingdom in 1645 or was it the 19th century? Leave it to the pub-loving Brits to come up with this thought provoking expression.
As one story tells, a group of hooligans led by Sir Geoffrey Toppenbottom decided to go out drinking one night and hit the local taverns. When it came to drinking ale, they were a hardy group of heavy-weights and drank the local tavern dry. Three villages and four taverns later, Sir Toppenbottom and his drinking mates forgot where they left their horses and managed to crawl their way home. From the experience, they coined the term “pub crawl”. After a few tall ones, you just might find this tall tale easier to swallow.
For a more believable story, we go to the Oxford English Dictionary. The 19th century was when British towns and cities exploded in size. As the towns grew, so did the number of public drinking houses, many in close proximity to one another. For a single night of fun and socializing with friends, patrons moved from pub to pub at a slow and steady pace as opposed to rushing. Thus, the term “crawl” became the descriptive for the event.
Frothy Beard Off World
I am glad to report I did not see anyone crawling from drinking establishment to drinking establishment in Summerville for the Sweet Tea Festival’s “Hold My Tea Bar Crawl”, but I did observe local residents and visitors having a good time socializing and evaluating the bar’s cocktail entry so as to vote for their favorite. The winning bartender will receive the People’s Choice recognition after the conclusion of the event on Sunday.
There was one question I put to the competing bartenders as I went from bar to bar. By observation, and this is just my opinion, women tend to socialize and engage in local events in groups more than men, unless it has to do with a sporting event. I asked them, “Have there been more women participating in the bar crawl than men or visa versa?” The overwhelming consensus was, “It has been about even.” It was great to hear the bar crawl was being so well supported.
Top left: Five Flowers, top middle: Amaret-Tea, top right Sweet Tea Mojito, bottom left: Bubbly Bee Tea,
bottom middle: Flowertown Mojito, bottom right: Shepard's Shandy
Summerville’s competing bars and restaurants are Hilton Garden Inn—Sweet Tea Mojito—Ashlee Circelli, Five Loaves Cafe—Flowertown Mojito—Kacie Bankers, The Azalea Bar and Garden—Five Flowers—Elizabeth Cureton, Frothy Beard Off World—InfiniTEA—Brennen Walters, Sweetwater One Twenty Three—Amaret-Tea—Chelsea Cronk, The IceHouse—Bubbly Bee Tea—Jeana Masula, and Godwin’s Beer Hall—Shepard’s Shandy—Austin Willard. All of the cocktails have been very good, and picture perfect. It will be a difficult decision in choosing my favorite, and my vote is just one. Summerville will decide.
The “Hold My Tea Bar Crawl” has become a regular part of Sweet Tea Festival Week. It has been fun enjoying a quality cocktail made by local, talented bartenders and socializing with friends and making new acquaintances. Be sure to take it slow and easy and savor the moment, that is what it is all about. Added to that, you are supporting Summerville’s local businesses, and don’t forget the t-shirt you get after you succeed in filling out your bingo card.
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