The Irish pub or public house has been a hub of Irish social life for hundreds of years, not only as a place to consume alcohol but lately as a meeting house where excellent local food is available. Until the arrival of supermarket and grocery chain stores in the 1960s, Irish pubs often operated as spirit groceries, which combined the running of a pub with a grocery, hardware store or other such business on the same premises. They even included undertakers at times, and this unusual arrangement exists in parts of the Republic today.Over the years, the traditional Irish pub has gone through something of a renaissance, due largely to increased tourism, with many pubs since the 1970s having been renovated to satisfy the expectations of foreign travelers. Consequently, they are now more striking, and possibly more comfortable, with brightly colored facias and signage, elaborate bars with shiny beer pumps and cozy fireplaces; many are now venues where traditional Irish music is performed. Publicans have also embraced the idea of serving food, commonly referred to as pubgrub, to hungry travelers, while others style their establishments gastro pubs with a mission to publicize the virtues of Ireland's culinary heritage. Irish Pub Cookbook is a celebration of incredible Irish food that takes its inspiration from the hearty, uncomplicated and delicious food that is most typical of the Irish pub.