I have this steriotype in my mind regarding UK pubs. I see them as friendly places where people in the neighborhood congregate for friendly visits. Englishman's comments seem to fit that description. Now in the U.S. we have very different kinds of places, which I will describe, to wit and thusly;
1. Pick up bars: sometimes known as meat markets. The place is upscale and the clientelle is well dressed. The place has a dance floor.
2. Factory bars: they are situated near a factory, and the owner has a steady clientele, therefore he doesn't have to make the place look nice. The places are grimy in appearance. I know of one in a General Motors town, where the bar sets up rows at tables with a quart of beer and shot of wiskey. The place fills up and that is their lunch.
3. Hotel bars: the people there are men from out of town buying over priced drinks, because they can. They look rather lonely, but occasionally strike up a conversation with a local woman.
4. Ethnic bars: In a black neighborhood it is not a good idea for a white person to go into a black bar unless they are accompied by a black friend. In the south it is not a good idea to go into a red neck bar if you are either black or a white with a northern accent.
5. Sports bar: tv's everywhere with every sport on cable tv is there for you to enjoy.
College bars: Need I say more? Rowdy and loud places.
7. Old fashioned neighborhood bar: this to me, is like my thoughts of the UK pub. People of all ages and backgrounds come together to share a drink and a conversation.