The Black Death killed killed nearly half of the population of Europe in 1348, but it also dramatically changed alcohol culture in Europe.

Pre Black Death, some pubs did exist, but most alcohol consumption occurred around popular celebrations.

Most ale was home brewed and sold out of peoples homes. Often times a pole called an ale stake was hung from ones house to let people know you had ale for sale.

Once the Black Death was over there was a severe labor shortage. Those that did survive could get higher wages for their work and their standard of living increased.

Soon these makeshift ale stakes turned into more permanent ale houses.

The best brewers saw an opportunity and began offering the best ale and the best food for sale under one location.

Often times these were still held in people’s home, but the pub revolution had begun.

Brewing was becoming more commercialized and nothing was going to stop it.

So the next time you walk into your favorite pub, remember all the souls who sacrificed their lives, so the pub could be born.