snugs

Snugs are small private rooms within pubs or inns, designed to provide a degree of seclusion while remaining part of the public establishment. A snug typically comprises a compact, enclosed space with its own door or partition, and contains seating and a table for a small group. In contrast to the bustle of the main bar, snugs offer privacy for conversations, meals, or quiet drinks.

The term snug derives from the general English adjective snug meaning comfortable and well-fitted, with its noun use for a private room in a public house appearing in Britain in the 18th century. The layout and appearance of snugs can vary, but many early examples were designed to resemble a small sitting room within the premises.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, snugs were a common feature in British pubs and inns, providing space for families, travelers, or customers who preferred not to sit in the main bar. Some snugs were decorated with personal touches such as framed prints, wood paneling, or a small fireplace. Access to snugs was typically through a doorway that branched from or near the bar; some pubs provided a separate entrance to the snug.

Today, the prevalence of snugs has decreased in many modern pubs as open-plan layouts become standard. Where preserved, snugs serve as historical features that illustrate traditional pub layout and social patterns. The term also appears in literature and film as a shorthand for private, comfortable space within a public venue.