Yes pubs can be gay and lively but for me it has to be no music, games, fruit machines, TV and sadly children. Big old log fires are nice- mobiles totally banned (the use of) you have to go outside with the smokers- although I wouldn't mind people smoking. The good thing is that in the UK you can find a pub which suits you- even if that varies according to your mood at the time. I mean, if Dear Aunt Vera dies you wouldn't necessarily want to be surrounded by gaiety and the clattering of a one-armed-bandit if you went to a pub to sit and reflect on her life and enjoy a few pints in peace. For me too i enjoy talking to strangers(in depth) and gay establishments don't lend themselves to that.