The Rough Pub Guide

The 50 greatest old pubs in Britain

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Life was once simple: you could choose either the public bar, stand around with a pint, play darts and enjoy a platter of roast potatoes ...or you could retire to the lounge, where, in amongst the flock wallpaper and red velvet bench seats, an old bloke would invariably run through his repertoire on an organ. This is no longer the case in Britain today, as gastropubs and minimalist wine bars have transformed the high street and countryside. The Rough Pub Guide is part guidebook, part paean to a disappearing England, and part investigation into a completely insane drinking culture. It's a road-trip across the British Isles and a celebration of the great British boozer. It seeks out establishments where food is an afterthought, but a decent atmosphere and original Double Diamond beer pumps are prerequisites. Featured hosteleries include: The Boot King's Cross, London (1972, still alive and well. Kenneth Williams' local). The Montague Arms, New Cross (south London's strangest pub) The Ellangowan Hotel, Dumfries (where The Wicker Man was filmed) The Royal Standard, Hastings ('Meat Raffle on Monday -- 1') The British Oak, Birmingham ('Smoking ban? What smoking ban?')