About 900 of the finest pubs in Britain's country towns and villages have been given the thumbs up by the Good Food Guide team, and this new edition makes its choice based on the best food and drink, value for money and atmosphere. What makes the guide so pleasurable is the careful evocation of the individual feel of each pub, with attention drawn to the location and points of local interest. It goes without saying that such details as opening hours and times when food is served are included but there will be many seeking out pubs with colourful histories, riverside settings and even resident ghosts after this collection. The illustrations are nothing special but each entry has the character of a small, evocative essay and makes for truly diverting reading. Even if you never make it to all the pubs in the guide, it'll certainly be fun to try. --Barry Forshaw