Shunning Britain"s trendy gastropubs and minimalist wine bars, this collection—part guidebook, part investigation into a completely insane drinking culture—reveals the 50 greatest old pubs in the British Isles and a celebrates 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, still alive and well since 1972; The Montague Arms, south London"s strangest pub; The Ellangowan Hotel, where The Wicker Man was filmed; and The British Oak—"Smoking ban? What smoking ban?"