Les Routiers British Pubs and Inns 2006: The Road to Good Food Book

Pub Guide - The Les Routiers British Pubs & Inns Guide 2006 is a collection of approximately 250 of the finest pubs and inns (many with accommodation) to be found in Britain. Les Routiers deep-rooted philosophy is very much in tune with today's pub scene and the growing desire for informality and freshly prepared food, and the trend for dining and staying at a quality pub/inn. In selecting a pub for inclusion in the Guide, we look for pubs that provide good home cooked food using local, regional and fresh produce, micro-brewery ales and decent wines, comfortable, well maintained bedrooms, friendly, personal service, and value for money.

Pubs and Local Foods - Within the Guide we list some of England's top food pubs, alongside traditional country locals and upmarket inns, the principle factor linking them all being a passion for sourcing and utilizing fresh local produce. In the 2006 edition we have 20 Food Maps which identify our 'Champions of Local Foods' and highlight how 'local' their key suppliers are, be it a micro-brewery, a farm rearing rare breed pigs or growing first-class asparagus, a smallholding that delivers organic fruits and vegetables to the pub door, or a local fishing boat that lands fresh fish and crab along the quay. For our headline feature journalist Mark Taylor talks to chefs and owners at top Routiers food pubs to ascertain the pros and cons of sourcing local or organic foods, delving into problems of quality and quantity, costs and supplier problems.

The Changing Roles of Beer and Wine in Pubs - A fun comparison of the strengths andweaknesses of wine and beer in the pub, gastropub and inn setting. From a light-hearted look back at wine on optic and watery ale served with pork scratchings to smart wine lists, pubs selling more wine in pubs as food take prominence in pubs, and breweries fighting back with beers being brewed to accompany food. Classic Inns for Country Escapes - An increasing number of pubs and inns now successfully combine a relaxing, informal atmosphere with good food and smart en suite accommodation. They provide the discerning pub-goer with a quality alternative to a budget Travel Inn or a large, impersonal and often pricey country hotel. Perfect for a long weekend, or a mid-week break, our top inns are featured on a full-page entry. We also include useful information on where to shop, local sporting activities and the top attractions to visit in the area.

Pubs and Walking - To the walker, beer, pubs and beautiful countryside go hand in hand, providing the essential ingredients for a great day's ramble. Having stimulated a healthy appetite and a parched throat, the sight of a welcoming country pub will quicken the steps of even the weariest of walking legs. Our Pub Walks pages feature 25 exciting walks across the country. Most start from the front door of cozy inns with comfortable accommodation, so take your walking boots with you for the weekend and explore the surrounding countryside. County overviews identify the best places for walking.

More adventurous walkers should read our headline feature, The West Highland Way, which traces Nicholas Stanley's, Les Routiers Managing Director, week-long walk from Scotland's Lowlands to the heart of the Highlands, from Glasgow to Fort William and the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Awards - The best inns, dining pubs and pubs offering tip-top real ale and classy wine lists are short listed for our Quick Reference Lists - At a glance find the best places for seafood, game, alfresco eating, views and private dining, among other headings.

Maps - Clear and concise color maps for locating pubs across the country.