Garlands of dried hops decorate the bar of this traditional pub in a pretty village close to the A28. A line up of five real ales, always in immaculate condition, compliment great value Mexican dishes

Bell Inn - Horndon on the Hill

Real ales are taken seriously here and the lively wine list focuses most of its attention on the New World. The whole place is full of fascination, although food is one now of its greatest assets

Horse and Groom - Bourton on the Hill - Gloucestershire

A busy, smoke-free village pub, with excellent real ales on draught, plus locally brewed Cotswold lager from the Cotswold Brewing Company

The Kings Arms Inn - Ockley - Surrey

A delightfully rustic village setting provides the perfect backdrop for this revitalised seventeenth-century inn, which has recently taken on a new lease of life as a pub/restaurant

The Olive Branch - Clipsham - Rutland

In 2002 it became one of the very first 'pubs' to be awarded a Michelin star. The place still feels like a genuine village pub, with rustic furniture, open fires and hop-garlanded beams in the bar

Local ingredients are given robust modern treatment, whether it's sausage terrine with caramelised apple sauce, or pot-roast partridge from the Belvoir Estate. Real ales are mostly from local and regional breweries, and they are kept in tip-top condition

The Poacher - Tonbridge - Kent

The latest incarnation of this well-liked Kentish pub ushers in a new era, with cosmopolitan, contemporary design, a highly desirable fine-weather patio and a renewed emphasis on top-quality food and wine

The Three Chimneys - Biddenden

Eagle-eyed visitors will notice that this renowned 400-year-old pub has only two chimneys: its name is a corruption of the French 'trois chemins' (three roads). This is a country pub with great virtues and great character

Tiger Inn - Ashford - Kent

Great pub food and lively atmosphere plus a choice of up to six real ales - all kept in tip-top condition; even Gordon Ramsay couldn't resist the Monday jazz night while filming locally

The Ostrich Inn - Colnbrook - Berkshire

Dating from 1106 and reckoned to be the third oldest pub in England, the Ostrich (a corruption of its original name, the Hospice) has been given a massive contemporary makeover