If you enjoy the occasional pub meal, a drink at the bar, or if you're interested in Lancashire's social history, you're sure to find something entertaining in Peter Thomas's introduction to the county's pubs. It opens with a round-up of the history of brewing, pubs and ale-selling, and a section on Lancashire's pub signs, though most of the book is dedicated to an A-Z of over fifty of the most interesting inns. Their history, architecture, ghosts and associated legends are all featured, as well as the exploits of their famous and infamous landlords and landladies. Peter's exhaustive research has resulted in a gem of a book which brings together the proud history, traditions and customs associated with Lancashire hostelries; from ale tasting at the Plough at Eaves to the Britannia Coconut Dancers at the Crown Inn at Bacup. A fascinating journey, with plenty of refreshment stops along the way, this will appeal to anyone with an interest in local history, and those who'd like to know more about the convival surroundings in which they might enjoy a pint.

A fascinating tour of Leeds’ pub scene, charting the city’s taverns, alehouses and watering holes, from past centuries to more recent times.

WINNER OF THE DRINK BOOK AWARD AT THE FORTNUM & MASON FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS 2017. Pete Brown has visited hundreds of pubs across the UK and is uniquely placed to write about pubs that ooze atmosphere, whatever the reason, be it food, people, architecture, location or decor. The best pubs are those that always have a steady trade at any time on any day of the week, and where chat flows back and forth across the bar. They're the places where you want to drink weak beer so you can have several pints and stay longer. Some are grand Victorian palaces, others ancient inns with stunning views across the hills. Some are ale shrines, others gastropubs (though they probably don’t call themselves that any more). A precious few are uniquely eccentric, the kinds of places that are just as likely to have terrible reviews on Trip Advisor as great ones, because some people don't realize that the outside toilets, limp sandwiches on the bar and really disturbing full-size mannequin glaring at you from the corner are all part of the charm. This charming collection of 300 pubs explores what makes each one ooze atmosphere, be it food, people, architecture, location or décor, and looks at the quirks of local history as well as different trends and types of pub. Full of pen portraits of punters or publicans, legends, yarns and myths, this entertaining book is the perfect gift for regulars of that well-loved British institution, the pub.

Exploring the social and cultural history of Preston.

The 32nd edition of The Good Pub Guide is as invaluable as ever. Organised county by county, its comprehensive yearly updates and countless reader recommendations ensure that only the very best pubs make the grade. Here you will find classic country pubs, town-centre inns, riverside retreats, historic havens and exciting newcomers, plus gastropubs and pubs specialising in malt whisky or own-brew beer. Discover the top pubs in each county for beer, dining and accommodation, and find out the winners of the coveted titles of Pub of the Year and Landlord of the Year. Packed with hidden gems, The Good Pub Guide 2014 provides a wealth of honest, entertaining and indispensable information. Whether you are planning a night out, a weekend away, holidaying in the UK or simply looking for a local pub, Alisdair Aird and Fiona Stapley have it covered.