Six out of 10 prefer the modern pub

More than six out of 10 beer-lovers think that today's pubs are better than those in the 1970s, says the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

However, according to research carried out for the launch of the 35th Good Beer Guide - which is published today - only 53 per cent of those who could legally drink in 1974, thought that today's pubs were better.

Out of the minority who preferred things in the 1970s, 45 per cent believe that pubs of that era felt 'more like a local'.

Of those that enjoy today's pubs more the smoking ban was cited as their main reason for doing so. Almost one in three think that the ban on smoking is the most significant change to pubs in the past 35 years.

Tony Jerome, CAMRA's marketing manager said: "I think it is good news for the pub industry that pub-goers feel today's pubs are better than those in the 1970s, when the Good Beer Guide was first issued.

"This improvement in pubs means it has never been as competitive as it is today to get in our guide. A large number of pubs could still improve what they are offering the consumer, and should take notice of the results from this poll.

"The smoking ban will obviously have an impact on pubs but that doesn't necessarily have to be negative. Millions of people are set to return to pubs now that a ban on smoking has been enforced and licensees need to make sure that they are providing the service that these people want."

CAMRA also revealed the 10 pubs which have featured in every edition of their Good Beer Guide, including Belgravia's Star Tavern and the Roscoe Head in Liverpool. The guide was first published in 1974 and lists the best 4,500 pubs for real ale in Britain, including information on every brewery in the UK.