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Bar None
British Fantasy Award-Winner & World Fantasy Award-Nominee Tim Lebbon Delivers a Stunning Post-Apocalyptic Road Novel
Six months have passed since the end of the world, leaving a handful of survivors holed up in a Welsh manor with little to do but survive. They’ve made the best of things, planting food, drinking their way through the cellar’s wine and ale, and reminiscing about the way life used to be. But with supplies running thin, everything is about to change...
The arrival of a stranger named Michael sheds new light on their circumstances. If the survivors can reach Cornwall, a few days’ journey south, they will find a safe haven, called Bar None, quite possibly the last Pub on earth.
As the survivors make their way across the Welsh countryside, they will experience a world gone strange, where frightening beings fly high overhead, where flora and fauna press in to fill the void left by the fall of man, and in the wreckage of civilization, where less fortunate survivors twisted by plagues, hunger, and fear stalk human prey.
Six months have passed since the end of the world, leaving a handful of survivors holed up in a Welsh manor with little to do but survive. They’ve made the best of things, planting food, drinking their way through the cellar’s wine and ale, and reminiscing about the way life used to be. But with supplies running thin, everything is about to change...
The arrival of a stranger named Michael sheds new light on their circumstances. If the survivors can reach Cornwall, a few days’ journey south, they will find a safe haven, called Bar None, quite possibly the last Pub on earth.
As the survivors make their way across the Welsh countryside, they will experience a world gone strange, where frightening beings fly high overhead, where flora and fauna press in to fill the void left by the fall of man, and in the wreckage of civilization, where less fortunate survivors twisted by plagues, hunger, and fear stalk human prey.
193 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2008
143 people want to read
About the author
Tim Lebbon
295 books1,537 followersI love writing, reading, triathlon, real ale, chocolate, good movies, occasional bad movies, and cake.
I was born in London in 1969, lived in Devon until I was eight, and the next twenty years were spent in Newport. My wife Tracey and I then did a Good Thing and moved back to the country, and we now live in the little village of Goytre in Monmouthshire with our kids Ellie and Daniel. And our dog, Blu, who is the size of a donkey.
I love the countryside ... I do a lot of running and cycling, and live in the best part of the world for that.
I've had loads of books published in the UK, USA, and around the world, including novels, novellas, and collections. I write horror, fantasy, and now thrillers, and I've been writing as a living for over 8 years. I've won quite a few awards for my original fiction, and I've also written tie-in projects for Star Wars, Alien, Hellboy, The Cabin in the Woods, and 30 Days of Night.
A movie's just been made of my short story Pay the Ghost, starring Nicolas Cage and Sarah Wayne Callies. There are other projects in development, too.
I'd love to hear from you!
I was born in London in 1969, lived in Devon until I was eight, and the next twenty years were spent in Newport. My wife Tracey and I then did a Good Thing and moved back to the country, and we now live in the little village of Goytre in Monmouthshire with our kids Ellie and Daniel. And our dog, Blu, who is the size of a donkey.
I love the countryside ... I do a lot of running and cycling, and live in the best part of the world for that.
I've had loads of books published in the UK, USA, and around the world, including novels, novellas, and collections. I write horror, fantasy, and now thrillers, and I've been writing as a living for over 8 years. I've won quite a few awards for my original fiction, and I've also written tie-in projects for Star Wars, Alien, Hellboy, The Cabin in the Woods, and 30 Days of Night.
A movie's just been made of my short story Pay the Ghost, starring Nicolas Cage and Sarah Wayne Callies. There are other projects in development, too.
I'd love to hear from you!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 17, 2017
For such a short novel, BAR NONE covers a lot of ground. It puts a new spin on the tired 'ol post-apocalypse genre, it explores why memory is so fundamental to the human condition, it deals with finding hope amidst unspeakable loss and despair, and, perhaps more than anything, it espouses the wonders of craft beer.
But despite my appreciation for everything Lebbon sets out to do here, his efforts ultimately don't pay off the way I'd like. By the end, I'm not sure even HE knows what's going on or what point he's trying to make. The mysterious elements of this post-apocalyptic world are only partially explained, the momentous decision the surviving characters are forced to make never gets fully explored, and the importance of beer to this narrative never really seems to gel. That being said, I tend to value the journey over the destination, so I'm docking BAR NONE just one star for leaving me unsatisfied. Yes, it's a frustrating read in certain respects, but I still consider it well-worth my time.
And boy oh boy, did it make me thirsty for an ice-cold wheat beer straight from the tap.
But despite my appreciation for everything Lebbon sets out to do here, his efforts ultimately don't pay off the way I'd like. By the end, I'm not sure even HE knows what's going on or what point he's trying to make. The mysterious elements of this post-apocalyptic world are only partially explained, the momentous decision the surviving characters are forced to make never gets fully explored, and the importance of beer to this narrative never really seems to gel. That being said, I tend to value the journey over the destination, so I'm docking BAR NONE just one star for leaving me unsatisfied. Yes, it's a frustrating read in certain respects, but I still consider it well-worth my time.
And boy oh boy, did it make me thirsty for an ice-cold wheat beer straight from the tap.
December 27, 2014
This isn't a fast-paced post-apocalyptic book. I felt like there were too many distractions in the book that took away from the overall themes in the book. The most distracting crutch in the book was the constant reference to beer. It was annoying. The book is about how the world is changing and adapting to the end of humans, and this constant use of beer references was distracting. This is a book that lets the reader interpret the ending, which can be nice. However, I had too many basic questions left at the end of the book. I don't generally mind a book ending without tying up everything neatly. This book just had too many.
August 16, 2018
I picked this up at the library on a whim. I needed a short book to carry me through until my next book comes in. So, it's not of my usual appetite. I don't like being led on and I feel that's just what happened with this book. A promising introduction, into the next 150 pages or so, leading up to... what? I still don't know. Glad I only wasted about 3 hours of my time reading this. I suppose, if you like dark and obscure, it might serve your taste. Just so disappointed with the concluding two chapters.
October 30, 2023
What a brilliant book, and one of those stories that doesn't feel like you are reading at all. Without a doubt, this is my favourite Tim Lebbon story so far. It never flagged for a second. It truly hit all the right notes.
After reading the Last Storm and Coldbrook it is safe to say that Tim is an absolute master in the post-apocalyptic genre.
There is not a wasted word in this little masterpiece.
I truly hope it gets a re-release.
It's a special one.
Read it, sing its praises, and make it happen.
5 stars easy.
After reading the Last Storm and Coldbrook it is safe to say that Tim is an absolute master in the post-apocalyptic genre.
There is not a wasted word in this little masterpiece.
I truly hope it gets a re-release.
It's a special one.
Read it, sing its praises, and make it happen.
5 stars easy.
May 26, 2025
Great book. Had a hard time putting it down. I strongly suggest you read it.
September 5, 2011
(3 1/2)
What a fun and unusual book! I originally picked the book up because of the irresistible premise: after their wine and ale run out, five survivors of an apocalypse risk their lives traveling across ruined civilization in search of the last bar on earth. Although that's pretty funny, the book remained serious throughout, with the exception of several comments from the Irishman. The main character remembers his wife, Ashley, and their life together before the plague, by the type of beer he was drinking; hence, each chapter is titled after a different beer. In addition, the reader understands pretty quickly that Lebbon is a beer aficionado because his descriptions of the drinks sound like they're straight out of a tasting catalog. It's pleasant to think about great tastes that evoke great memories; I'm not the only one to do that (G&Ts, you know you'll always have a place in my heart because of the memories).
The novel is not at all what I was expecting. The plot came out of nowhere. Lebbon veered off into some odd territory but quite a beautiful one. I don't know if he was making a political statement with the last part of the book, but it's great and it makes sense: a people's history is a part of that group of people and should not be forgotten.
As usual, Lebbon leaves some things unexplained; however, they're small things that don't make much difference and could really be explained away if you wanted to find an answer. For instance, the flying things above the city that swoop down and carry things off…what were they? It doesn't matter because they're part of the "new world" that is changing. I would definitely have liked, though, an explanation for why these survivors were survivors and didn't die like the rest of the world. I appreciate his sparse use of description for certain things, like when the red-faced woman appears and "something" happens to her mouth. That reminded me a lot of Shirley Jackson; let your mind fill in what scares you. Three and a half stars.
Now I could use a drink…
What a fun and unusual book! I originally picked the book up because of the irresistible premise: after their wine and ale run out, five survivors of an apocalypse risk their lives traveling across ruined civilization in search of the last bar on earth. Although that's pretty funny, the book remained serious throughout, with the exception of several comments from the Irishman. The main character remembers his wife, Ashley, and their life together before the plague, by the type of beer he was drinking; hence, each chapter is titled after a different beer. In addition, the reader understands pretty quickly that Lebbon is a beer aficionado because his descriptions of the drinks sound like they're straight out of a tasting catalog. It's pleasant to think about great tastes that evoke great memories; I'm not the only one to do that (G&Ts, you know you'll always have a place in my heart because of the memories).
The novel is not at all what I was expecting. The plot came out of nowhere. Lebbon veered off into some odd territory but quite a beautiful one. I don't know if he was making a political statement with the last part of the book, but it's great and it makes sense: a people's history is a part of that group of people and should not be forgotten.
As usual, Lebbon leaves some things unexplained; however, they're small things that don't make much difference and could really be explained away if you wanted to find an answer. For instance, the flying things above the city that swoop down and carry things off…what were they? It doesn't matter because they're part of the "new world" that is changing. I would definitely have liked, though, an explanation for why these survivors were survivors and didn't die like the rest of the world. I appreciate his sparse use of description for certain things, like when the red-faced woman appears and "something" happens to her mouth. That reminded me a lot of Shirley Jackson; let your mind fill in what scares you. Three and a half stars.
Now I could use a drink…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2011
First line: "Six months after the end of the world, the air up here is amazingly clear."
Originally, this book was recommended to me as a zombie book. I will say this isn't quite true. It certainly has creepy elements and some things that could possibly be called zombies. However, it is really more the story of a world changing. A few survivors of a horrific series of plagues that left most of humanity rotting across Great Britain, and likely the world, mostly sit and mourn and remember their previous lives in an ancient manor that was well stocked with food, and more importantly, a full range of alcoholic beverages. Our narrator switches back and forth between their current situation and memories of his wife. Each memory is connected to one of his favorite beers. It is hard sometimes to tell if he misses her or the brews more and he speaks about them with equal longing. He and the five other people in the manor seem to think they may be the last people alive and are content to sit and reminisce rather than plan for future survival. That is until a mysterious stranger named Michael visits and is able to convince all of them to set out into the unknown in search of the last bar on earth - Bar None. This story was vastly different to current trends in post-apocalyptic fiction, which might be a disappointment to anyone who picks this up looking for fast-paced action and blood and guts. It is a lyrical novel filled with longing and uncertainty. Most of the story is left open to interpretation. In general I enjoyed it and was left wanting more.
Originally, this book was recommended to me as a zombie book. I will say this isn't quite true. It certainly has creepy elements and some things that could possibly be called zombies. However, it is really more the story of a world changing. A few survivors of a horrific series of plagues that left most of humanity rotting across Great Britain, and likely the world, mostly sit and mourn and remember their previous lives in an ancient manor that was well stocked with food, and more importantly, a full range of alcoholic beverages. Our narrator switches back and forth between their current situation and memories of his wife. Each memory is connected to one of his favorite beers. It is hard sometimes to tell if he misses her or the brews more and he speaks about them with equal longing. He and the five other people in the manor seem to think they may be the last people alive and are content to sit and reminisce rather than plan for future survival. That is until a mysterious stranger named Michael visits and is able to convince all of them to set out into the unknown in search of the last bar on earth - Bar None. This story was vastly different to current trends in post-apocalyptic fiction, which might be a disappointment to anyone who picks this up looking for fast-paced action and blood and guts. It is a lyrical novel filled with longing and uncertainty. Most of the story is left open to interpretation. In general I enjoyed it and was left wanting more.
February 17, 2010
This was one of the better post-apocalyptic books I've read in while. The story is almost entirely in the journey - one with an assumed end, though not in sight. But it's less about the physical journey than it is the emotional journey that the characters go through in trying to cope with the loss, not only of the people they loved, but the entire society they knew. Even at the end, it's not about restoring or reclaiming society, just about remembering and keeping the history alive.
Many of the gimmicks are, just that, gimmicks, and not at all unexpected. Flesh-eating monsters are par for the course in post-apocalyptic visions. We fear that the apocalypse will turn us all into cannibals or food for cannibals, but the fear is better conveyed in this book than in many others.
There's not much comfort to be taken. One of the things I greatly appreciate from this book is that alcohol is the only solace and it's made clear that it's not very effective in helping people cope. It is, however, a primary driving force to get our little band of survivors moving - not only because their supplies are running low, but because they are on their way to the last bar on Earth, where there is an ample supply of that which numbs awareness to the world.
Fans of post-apocalyptic science fiction will appreciate this book.
Many of the gimmicks are, just that, gimmicks, and not at all unexpected. Flesh-eating monsters are par for the course in post-apocalyptic visions. We fear that the apocalypse will turn us all into cannibals or food for cannibals, but the fear is better conveyed in this book than in many others.
There's not much comfort to be taken. One of the things I greatly appreciate from this book is that alcohol is the only solace and it's made clear that it's not very effective in helping people cope. It is, however, a primary driving force to get our little band of survivors moving - not only because their supplies are running low, but because they are on their way to the last bar on Earth, where there is an ample supply of that which numbs awareness to the world.
Fans of post-apocalyptic science fiction will appreciate this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2010
Lebbon returns to horror, and the end of the world - two themes which made his name several years ago - and produces this lovely, poetic story about memory, real ale, and salvation. Six months after plagues claim most of the human race, a handful of survivors must leave the temporary sanctuary the found for themselves, and race across country to Bar None, the last bar on earth. There's plenty of mystery in the book, as nature surges up and changes around the harried gang, and splashes of mournful horror abound. It's also a fast read, finished in three hours and perfect at that length. There is power in memory, and you'll live some of yours as you read the book.
January 28, 2013
When I read this, it was Lebbon's most recent novel, and it sounded like a fun post-apocalyptic quest for the last bar on Earth. I was kinda hoping for a slightly more serious Shaun of the Dead. It was not the light fair I expected, but it was still enjoyable.
In a way it reminded me of Dusk, because it's set in a world that's moved on. It also reminded me of King's "The Mist", with vague descriptions of strange creatures and no real explanations of why things changed. It had a more endearing quality than most of the Lebbon I've read, and it was less tense. It was a good read, but not his best.
In a way it reminded me of Dusk, because it's set in a world that's moved on. It also reminded me of King's "The Mist", with vague descriptions of strange creatures and no real explanations of why things changed. It had a more endearing quality than most of the Lebbon I've read, and it was less tense. It was a good read, but not his best.
February 8, 2014
I usually avoid post-apocalyptic fiction like - well, like the plague that has wiped out most of humanity in Tom Lebbon's "novel of chilling suspense, apocalyptic beauty, and fine ales." Behind a great cover depicting someone who looks a lot like Keith Richards floating in a glass of beer is a story about horrific death, zombies, murderous trees and love and friendship. And memory, mostly memory. This has to be the first time I've ever finished a zombie book and just sat for a few minutes thinking about what it meant. I'm still not 100 % sure but part of it is that as long as someone remembers you you are never truly dead.
January 8, 2010
A fun, quick read for anyone with a penchant for post-apocalyptic tales. If you thought "The Road" was too sad, and you thought "The Stand" was too bloody long, then you'll likely get a kick out of this story. I thought most of the characters were well drawn out, but there were instances that left me with lingering questions. Like, what were those things flying overhead that no one ever seemed to talk about? Was the absence of an explanation intentional? Was there an explanation and I just glossed over it?
September 15, 2010
An odd, dreamy book, which focuses on the interweave of memory, dream, and grief. Very unpredictable, I like how it managed to lull me into believing it a standard post-apocalyptic zombie/road novel, then completely threw me for a loop.
Not a book that ties up a lot of loose ends, but I like that about it too. My main complaint is that it felt almost like a very slow, elongated short story than a novel. It really takes half the book for the plot to get moving.
Not a book that ties up a lot of loose ends, but I like that about it too. My main complaint is that it felt almost like a very slow, elongated short story than a novel. It really takes half the book for the plot to get moving.
January 31, 2015
Fascinating and esoteric post apocalyptic novel, with a bunch of good beer references. Reminded me at times of This Is the Way the World Ends and The Brief History of the Dead, but with a apocalyptic road novel feel.
February 24, 2015
I read this book after reading "Fallen", thought I may have stumbled upon a new favorite author. This book wasnt what I expected, left lots of unanswered questions and as a whole a bit of a left down. That said I didn't struggle through every page, and its still one I keep on my bookshelf. I look forward to reading more of this author as I feel there's a few more of his books out there that will amaze me as much as 'Fallen' had.
October 15, 2009
This was a very good book. It had a wonderful style to it. Almost lyrical and yet still full of horror and dark fantasy.
Outside of the box as far as end of the world novels go. If you like his previous work you will love this. Luckily Tim likes to jump around in his genres so the style shift shouldn't be to jarring.
Outside of the box as far as end of the world novels go. If you like his previous work you will love this. Luckily Tim likes to jump around in his genres so the style shift shouldn't be to jarring.
April 15, 2010
This book reads like a "Twilight Zone" episode...you aren't sure what the real threat is until very near the end of the tome. It's atmospheric, with rather ham-fisted foreshadowing, also reminiscent of "TZ". Overall, I enjoyed it, though the tale is a bit brief. The novelty of the use of ales to tie the story together, and as a title for each chapter, is entertaining enough.
June 11, 2016
Didn't Bother to Finish
1.5 stars
If I had known this book was more about beer than the apocalypse, I wouldn't have bothered to pick it up. I mean, neat way to show a memory...the first time. But every chapter...NO.
The characters were dull to me. From what I read of the book, they all fell flat.
Would not recommend this book.
1.5 stars
If I had known this book was more about beer than the apocalypse, I wouldn't have bothered to pick it up. I mean, neat way to show a memory...the first time. But every chapter...NO.
The characters were dull to me. From what I read of the book, they all fell flat.
Would not recommend this book.
January 27, 2010
An interesting take on the apocalypse. There is alcohol, strange creatures, alcohol, interesting memories, alcohol, engaging main characters, and a bar at the very end of time. Fast read, and very enjoyable.
September 1, 2012
Book about survivors coping after plague kills off most humans and some animals. Sad and troubling, intelligent, very well written. And for anyone who might be a beer/ale aficionado, descriptions of how fine ales contributed to the warm memories of our protagonist.
January 25, 2010
Not my 'cuppa' tea, but mentioned lots of different, delicious beers.
September 10, 2010
Read for Sci Fi Book Group May 2010
Want to read
February 28, 2013Barely started this. Looked interesting, was just reading too many books.
June 23, 2013
A very different take on the end of the world, complete with beer-tasting notes. It has the feel of a Twilight Zone episode. Some things are never explained. An interesting read.
March 22, 2014
I don't know what to say about this beer drinking book. There is not much indication of what the future will be like other than I would not want to be a part of it. Need to talk to others.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews