"EnglishPubs" news and stories

At last the Times restaurant recommendations leave the confines of London and track down ten of the best pubs in the South East. One is just down the road from me in Marlow; I shall have to go!

1. Crooked Billet, Newton Longville, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire  "serious passion" [website]
2. The Anchor Inn, Walberswick, Southwold, Suffolk "1920's Arts and Crafts Adnams pub whose gardens are a real haven" [info]
3. The Cricketers, Clavering, Saffron Walden, Essex "an adventurous, frequently changing menu" [details]
4. The Cricketers On The Green, Weston Green, Thames Ditton, Surrey "new gastropub offering such well-sourced ingredients as Cumbria Ham and Coin Valley smoked duck" [details]
5. The Greyhound, Stockbridge, Hampshire "a super riverside garden with fishing rights for residents" [details]
6. Hand and Flowers, Marlow, Buckinghamshire "the cooking takes you into much higher realm. Respect for British ingredients gives the menu an edge - it's not often that every dish listed appeals" [details]
7. Hare Restaurant, Lambourn Woodlands, Hungerford, Berkshire "You'll find Mayfair style at this former country pub set in magnificent racehorse country" [website]
8. The Hinds Head, Bray, Berkshire "Don't expect gastropub wizardry at Heston Blumenthal's pub venture as he keeps the ancient building as the village local, serving traditional tavern food" [website]
9. The Sportsman, Seasalter, Kent "Hidden away on the fringes of the marshes, the Sportsman appears desolate at first, but inside the coastal light sweeps through an airy room" [details]
10. The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk "A stylish pub where the sea views from the conservatory dining room are beyond compare and the natural colours and modern artwork are complemented by the relaxed attitude of the staff" [website]

It is National Pubs Week in the UK - like I need an excuse!

CAMRA has organized a host of events around the country - these range from Gloucester pub tours, bus tours to remote pubs in Surrey to an Ale Sample & Supper evening in Peterborough.

CAMRA has also released a new book as part of the celebrations - London Pub Walks. It offers 30 walks linking 180 pubs across the Capital. “Each pub warrants entry on its high quality real ale, but coupled with its location and superb architectural heritage, the book proves an informative guide. It uncovers some hidden gems right across the region, it is suitable for both Londoners and visitors to the capital.” Cost is £8.99 (ISBN 1852492163).