Irish Counterparts: Founder Owner and English Pub

irish counterparts: Pubs are now so numerous in Japan that it's interesting to reflect upon the time when they weren't, according to The Japan Times. John Watkins, founder and owner of The Tavern, has been in the business since the English pub in Japan was an exotic rarity. ; A native of Bristol, where he studied photography, Watkins eventually made his way to London before being hired at 22 as a photographer on passenger ships. They, along with their Irish counterparts, are common drinking venues for both expats and Japanese eager for a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere, hearty pub fare such as shepherd's pie, fish and chips, and a tempting variety of draft beers. I did that for about five years in the late 1970s and early '80s, traveling all over the world, he recalls. I couldn't imagine giving it up at the time. It was a lot of fun. (news.financializer.com). As reported in the news.