Top 20 UK Pubs 2008

As chosen by a select panel of top industry figures, the MA brings you its Top 20 UK pubs of 2008 - a definitive guide for anyone who takes a keen interest in well-run establishments. Noli Dinkovski looks at how the voting process went

What makes a top pub? Some might argue it's a comprehensive range of well-kept cask ales, while others might be more concerned with the ambience of the place.

Almost all would agree on one thing - pubs should be havens of fun and enjoyment, environments in which to relax and unwind, and experiences that people can look back upon fondly.

Running for the fourth time, this is a showcase of the finest pubs from across the land. In our aim to make

it the most comprehensive poll yet, we have asked more than 800 leading lights of the trade for their top three pubs.

As expected, a number of landmark pubs have made the final 20 - from previous winner the "Sloaney Pony", otherwise known as the White Horse, in west London's Parsons Green, to renowned gastropub Anchor & Hope, a few miles down the road in Waterloo.

Plenty of other well-known pubs have also made the list, such as London's oldest pub the Guinea.

But there are plenty of lesser-known gems that have made the grade.

A pub doesn't have to be in the centre of a town or city to be noticed either - pubs from rural areas such as Barthomley in Cheshire and Mitton in Lancashire have been successful as well.

Over the next seven pages, we reveal this year's cream of the crop. Not everyone will agree with all of the choices, but few can doubt that they all share one thing in common - these pubs are all committed to giving customers the best experience possible.

If your pub hasn't made the list, don't despair - read on to pick up a few pointers and hopefully your pub's time will come next year.

Reviews written by Graham Ridout and David McCormack