Key difference: A pub is generally just a place for locals to hang out, eat and drink. A nightclub is a place for the younger generation and tends to have loud music, dancing and drinking.

The confusion between pub and club comes from the fact that they are both places for people to hang out, have fun and drink. However, there are some significant differences between the two.

A pub, which is formally called a public house, is usually a place for locals to hang out. It is a drinking establishment fundamental to the culture of Britain, Ireland, Australia, Newfoundland, and New Zealand. Most pubs offer a range of beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks. A number of the pubs are controlled by breweries, so the cask ale or keg beer may be of a better value than the wines and spirits.

In many places, the pub is the focal point of the community. It is where the members of the community gather for food, drinks, conversations, discussions and the latest gossip. Pubs are attractive as they are mainly located close to a working location, and are regarded as a place to smoke, or to avoid smoke, depending on the pub. Pubs usually host a darts team or a trivia night and probably have a pool table or a card table. They are also quite appealing to groups of friends who want to hang out or grab a beer together.

There are also many types of theme pubs that cater to a niche clientele. They include sports bars, rock pubs, biker pubs, Goth pubs, strip pubs, gay bars, karaoke bars and Irish pubs.

A nightclub, on the other hand, tends to be directed towards the younger generation. It usually features a dance floor and a DJ booth. It is an entertainment and is usually open until late in night. A nightclub is also known as a discothèque, a disco, or just as a club. Its main attraction is the loud music, dancing and drinking.

Nightclubs usually charge a flat fee called a cover charge for entry into the club. This fee can be reduced on weekdays, or hiked on weekends and holidays. Some clubs host a night where women might enter for free or reduced charges. Many nightclubs have a VIP list or a guest list, where a group of select clientele will get entry for free and would not have to wait in the entry line. Most of the members on the list are usually famous or rich people, friends or family of the owner, or club locals and patrons. Some clubs also host themed nights, in which they play special music and may or may not have a dress code. Examples of these nights would be techno night, hip-hop night, salsa night, 70’s night, 80’s night, etc.

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