Writing About Inns and Taverns in Fantasy

It is common for fantasy characters to visit establishments such as inns and taverns. After all, everyone needs to eat and sleep on their travels. But do you know the difference between the two?

Inns

Definition - An inn is an establishment for food, drink, AND lodging. They are a way stop for travelers, as well as a community meeting place. They have been known to provide entertainment.

History - Inns have been around since the famous Roman highways. Some inns in Europe are centuries old. Originally they had to provide stabling and care for mounts - not a modern requirement, but one that would likely still apply in your fantasy world.

Terms - The person who runs the inn is generally called an innkeeper. Other names for the owner are boniface, piper, or innholder. A boot-catcher is the person at an inn whose sole business is pulling off customer's boots. Chambermaid is a female servant who takes care of the rooms.

Alternate names - hotel, waystop, lodge, hostel; Italian - locanda; German - Wirtshaus

Taverns

Definition - A tavern is a business that provides food and drinks but is NOT licensed to put up guests.

History - Gathering for social drinking in a tavern is a tradition dating at least to Sumer all they back to 3500 BC. In Sumer the tavern keeper was traditionally a woman, but it would vary in other cultures. For example, some places (such as early America) excluded women from taverns completely.

Terms - A woman who runs a tavern is alewife. A drawer is the one who draws and serves liquor to customers. The owner can also be called a tapper, publican, or simply tavern keeper.

Alternate names - bar, pub (public house), alehouse; Italian - osteria; Dutch - kroeg