There are a LOT of cowfolk out here would would take considerable umbrage in leaving their hats anywhere but on their heads. As I said earlier, not in church, not in court, and not in bed. They aren't orthodox Jews, they just like their hats on their heads.

If you want a GOOD hat, go to a good Western wear store -- not one that caters to tourists, but a real one. You can get a hat that's 100X beaver, assuming you're willing to pay the cost. It would last so long you could be buried in it for a century and it would still look good (a lot better than you will, anyway). And a good store will crease it to your specs -- PRCA, double mule kick, Montana, Top Hand, whatever you wish. And they'll include this in the (HUGE!!) price you'll pay for a very, very, very, very good hat.

Do pubs in the UK have that much trouble with troublemakers?