Desserts

Ice cream Serving idea: l Maple and walnut ice cream in a brandy snapbasket ­ the Walpole Arms, Itteringham, Norfolk Why it's a winner: Brent...

1 Ice cream

Serving idea:

l Maple and walnut ice cream in a brandy snapbasket ­ the Walpole Arms, Itteringham, Norfolk

Why it's a winner: Brent Castle, chef/proprietor of the three Crowns in Ullingswick, Herefordshire, says: "We make our ice cream fresh at the pub and use only premium ingredients. I think it's a traditional dessert that people trust."

Mike Goodwin, managing director of ice-cream supplier Schöller, says: "Ice cream is an extremely traditional dessert that offers a range of different flavours for consumers. From the regular strawberry, vanilla and chocolate through to more adventurous tastes such as tiramisu, gingerbread and café macchiato, consumers are able to enjoy many dessert experiences through ice cream."

2 Crumbles

Serving ideas:

l Rhubarb and almond crumble ­ the Green Dragon Inn, Cockleford, Gloucestershire

l Apple & cider crumble ­ the Hoste Arms, Burnham Market, Norfolk

Why it's a winner: John Williams, chef proprietor, the Bull, Shocklach, Cheshire, says: "I think crumbles are a traditional dish that pub goers relate to. I find that classic comfort desserts always sell best."

3 Apple pie

Serving ideas:

l Dutch apple pie ­ with apples, sultanas and cinnamon, topped with a sweet pastry lattice ­ the Spring Inn, Sulhampstead, Berkshire

l Apple pie with crème paissier wrapped in puff pastry and served with custard ­ the Yew Tree Inn, Cliffords Mesne, Gloucestershire

Why it's a winner: Paul Hackett, chef/proprietor at the Yew Tree Inn says: "Classic apple pie is

something that everybody relates to and it doesn't surprise me that it's one of the best sellers."

4 Cheesecake

Serving ideas:

l Cointreau and blood orange cheesecake on aginger biscuit base ­ the Running Horse in Mickleham, near Dorking, Surrey

l White chocolate & orange cheesecake with chocolate ice cream ­ the Bay Horse Inn, Forton, Lancashire

Why it's a winner: Tony Hopwood, sous chef at the King of Prussia in Farnham Royal, Berkshire, says: "Cheesecake is one of our most popular desserts and although the menu has changed, we've decided to keep it on by popular demand."

5 Sticky toffee pudding

Serving ideas:

l Sticky toffee pudding with a hot toffee sauce ­ the Tollgate, Holt, Wiltshire

l Sticky toffee pudding with caramel sauce and fudge ice cream ­ the Brace of Pheasants, Plush, Dorset

Why it's a winner: Nigel Ramsbottom chef/proprietor of the Swan in Monks Eligh, Suffolk, says: "Sticky toffee pudding has been on the pub menu for six years and there would be uproar if I took it off. It's a classic dessert."