Public house (8)
'public' is the definition.
(I know that public can be written as audience)
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for audience that I've seen before include "that might come into play?" , "Assembled spectators or listeners" , "Theatre-goers" , "Body of listeners" , "Formal interview; those at e.g. play" .)
(Other definitions for watering hole that I've seen before include "pub" , "bar" , "Public house (found in a desert?)" , "Pool" , "where to get a drink" .)
'public house' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for inn that I've seen before include "pubs?" , ". . . of the Sixth Happiness (film)" , "Pub with lodging" , "Pub providing food and accommodation" , "European river" .)