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?')
- ISBN10 0752898876
- ISBN13 9780752898872
- Publish Date 16 October 2008
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 22 February 2010
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Orion Publishing Co
- Imprint Orion (an Imprint of The Orion Publishing Group Ltd )
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 192
- Language English