Oz Clarke and James May back the British pub

Oz Clarke and James May have thrown their weight behind The Publican's​ campaigns to support the British pub trade.

The pair, currently featuring on TV in 'Oz and James Drink to Britain', believe that putting the focus on the things pubs do well - great beer and good pub food - will help steer pubs through the choppy waters of red tape and the consumer downturn.

Clarke and May were at the Market Porter pub in London's Borough Market this morning (Jan 22) to launch the book based on their series. They were eager to back The Publican's​ campaigns such as Proud of Pubs.

Oz said: "We're both great supporters of the cause. Great pubs, like this one, are doing well despite the economy." He added: "Pubs need to concentrate on serving great cask beer, and good food without any nonsense about portion control."

'Oz and James Drink to Britain', featuring the pair's efforts to trace the heritage of Britsih drinks such as beer, cider and whisky, is shown on BBC2 on Tuesdays. The book is published by Pavilion Books.