This mythical pub would put atmosphere above entertainment, where it is quiet enough to talk - hence no pianos, radios or games such as darts, and food would be limited to a snack counter severing liver-sausages & muscles.
At the end of his essay, Orwell ask's the reader "And if anyone knows of a pub that has draught stout, open fires, cheap meals, a garden, motherly barmaids and no radio, I should be glad to hear of it" and I would like to think he would have have heartly approved of the Square & Compass at Worth Matravers in Dorset.
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The interior look like it has not changed since the 1940's (and probably long before that) and Orwell would probably have enjoyed the fireplaces as they are something he certainly approved of - 'in winter there is generally a good fire burning in at least two of the bars'
Beer Gardens are important part of the 'Moon under Water' and it's hard to imagine that George Orwell would not be completely beguiled by the tables made of local Pembroke stone which overlook stunning views towards the sea, quite rightly making it popular with the many walkers who pass by. And food is limited to pasties and pizzas in the back garden.
And it's a pleasure to see people sat outside, ignoring their phones and enjoying each other's company, something Orwell would surely have approved of.
But what the Square and Compass has something that is unique (as far as I'm aware) - it's own fossil museum.
Who knows what George Orwell would have made of the collection of ammonites, ichthyosaur and plesiosaur fossils, but I can say that the Square & Compass is certainly close to being my perfect pub - who could want for more?
Orwell's original essay can be read at: https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-foundation/orwell/essays-and-other-works/the-moon-under-water/
Square and Compass: https://squareandcompasspub.co.uk
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