Pubs better now than '70s

More than 60% of pub-goers believe today's pubs are better than those in the 1970s - with the smoking ban and the better drinks selection among the main reasons.

That is according to a survey to mark the launch of the Campaign for Real Ale's (Camra) Good Beer Guide 2008, which is published this week and lists 4,500 pubs.

The guide surveyed 800 pub-goers about pubs today compared to those in the 1970s, when the first Good Beer Guide was published.

Overall, 62% preferred pubs now. The most popular reasons were the smoking ban (31%) and the choice of drinks (29%), followed by flexible drinking hours (13%) and pubs being more female-friendly (4%).

Of those who preferred pubs in the 1970s, the most popular reason was that it was more of a local (45%). Meanwhile, 16% cited the better atmosphere and 15% preferred the fact it was dedicated to adults.

As a group, people aged 51 or over were more keen on pubs from the 1970s - 47% of over 51s said they preferred pubs back then.

The smoking ban was given as the most significant change in pubs in the last 35 years among 31% of respondents. This was followed by the improved beer selection (29%), all-day opening on Sundays (10%), better food (9%) and the ability to open after 11pm (6%).

Camra's marketing manager Tony Jerome said: "It is good news that pub-goers feel today's pubs are better than those in the 1970s. The figures were close when the question was only asked to those who are now 51 years old or more. These people have better memories of pubs in the 1970s and I think many pubs could still improve what they are offering today."

the 10 pubs in all 35 editions

Camra has saluted the 10 pubs that have always been included in the 35 editions of the Good Beer Guide.

The guide said: "These are the pubs that were flying the flag for cask ale in 1973. Thanks to their commitment to real ale, they have survived. They have seen the rise and fall of keg beer, the introduction of British 'lager', government investigations of the brewing industry and the arrival of the new pub companies that now dominate the beer-drinking scene and too often restrict choice for customers.

"The owners of the pubs have refused to bow to marketing 'wisdom' and accept keg beers and lagers. We salute them and wish them well for the next 35 years."

The 10 are: Blue Anchor, Helston, Cornwall; Buckingham Arms and Star Tavern, both London, SW1; New Inn, Kilmington, Devon; Square & Compass, Worth Matravers, Dorset; Queen's Head, Newton, Cambridgeshire; Sow & Pigs, Toddington, Bedfordshire; Roscoe Hear, Liverpool, L1; Star Inn, Netherton, Northumberland; and Cherry Tree Inn, Tintern, Gwent.