The ultimate pub crawls
A pub crawl usually conjures up visions of a gang of drunken students staggering indiscriminately from one bar to the next.
But a new guide offers an altogether more up-market experience, where you can learn a little about London's culture and history - and enjoy an excellent pint on the way.
The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) has put together 30 "ale trails" which take in everything from the capital's smallest saloon bar to its oldest Irish pub.
From Fleet Street to St James's, and not forgetting the suburbs, London Pub Walks provides a brief history of the bars it showcases - all of them traditional establishments serving real ale - with details of their architecture, opening hours, nearby transport and quality of beer.
Maps, photographs and directions to nearby attractions are also included. The guide has been launched to coincide with Camra's National Pubs Week.
Author Bob Steel said: "The book aims to showcase great ale and great pubs, enabling you to undertake real ale trails in the capital while visiting some of the best pub architecture in London.
"Few London pub guides take you from one pub to the next but I have purposely avoided the term pub crawl for a reason - good beer and good buildings are part of our heritage and are not to be rushed."
London Pub Walks, priced £8.99, is available from all major bookshops or www.camra.org.uk (01727 867201).
