Search is on the for healthiest children's menu

The Publican magazine should be congratulated for launching a search for the healthiest children's menu. All of us with families have experienced the dire quality and choice offered to our children in many pubs with a high quality and nourishing meal a rare find on the children's menu.

The Healthy Children’s Menu competition 2007 requires pubs to show what improvements they have made to the children's menu and the winner of the title will also get an outside play area worth over £5,000.

Let the battle begin and we can all watch our kids enjoy the benefits.

Today's pub walk: The Grandstand in Hereford, Herefordshire.

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Value For Money More Important than Quality of Pub Food?

According to a new study of eating habits by the British Pig Executive (anyone heard of them?), value for money is the main factor for 25% of consumers when they choose a pub to eat at. The Publican covers the story and says that quality of the food is a lower priority at 18%.

It is interesting that the report, ‘Pork in Foodservice’, highlights convenience or location as the primary factor for eating out generally (rather than for pubs specifically) and this is thought to be due to time pressures.

It leads me to wonder whether pub walkers would place a greater emphasis on the location, or should I say walk, rather than elements of the pub. Certainly I would but maybe this could be an interesting survey to carry out later ...

Today's pub walk: Ye Olde Whyte Harte in Hamble, Hampshire.

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TV Turnoff Week: 23-29 April 2007

There is a national "week" for just about everything these days and many of them are of little interest to most of us and go by virtually unnoticed. However I think TV Turnoff Week warrants a mention in my blog - and not just because we now have headline-grabbing proposals for the government to intervene and limit the amount of time young children spend glued to the box.

For me the best counter-attack to television addiction is to create family time out of the house. We all know walking is great exercise and it can easily be made into an enjoyable activity for the family to share, maybe by turning it into a nature trail for example. And when you consider that so many pubs these days see families as their target clientele, well, the choice of a suitable place to eat afterwards is growing all the time.

So, time to turn off that TV!

Today's pub walk: The Castle Inn in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire.

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No switch to plastic glasses in pubs

I get a growing sense of unease when the misdemeanours of a small minority start to be used as a reason to restrict the pleasures or behaviour of the law-abiding majority. As pub walkers we may be about to see this happen to our enjoyment of drinking from a traditional GLASS beer glass as Police start to promote the use of plastic "glasses" instead due to a rise in glassing incidents.

Although there is general support for a targeted application of this change to higher risk pubs, any proposal to make this change mandatory across all pubs should be condemned and resisted.

If you agree that the traditional pleasure of a pint of real ale from a real glass simply cannot be matched by one from a plastic cup, then please add your name to the Morning Advertiser petition. Its easy, just sign here.

Today's pub walk: The Woodman in Wild Hill, Hatfield, Hertfordshire.

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Mass trespass on Kinder Scout

This weekend sees an important anniversary. An organised mass trespass of over 400 ramblers took place 75 years ago on Kinder Scout, the highest hill of the Derbyshire Peak District. The protest was against the English law of the day that denied access to land and footpaths that had previously been public rights of way.

The mass trespass resulted in imprisonment of its ringleaders and is widely considered to be the most significant event in the campaign for the rights to roam we enjoy today. So this seems a good excuse (if one was ever needed) to get out into the countryside this weekend and exercise our rights!

Today's pub walk: The Three Horseshoes, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk.

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The best pub walks can be town walks

We get used to the idea of the best pub walks being those that take us away from populated areas and out into rural surroundings where we can start to feel at one with nature. There is something special about escaping from the cities and savouring the sense of freedom that this can inspire.

But some of the best pub walks can also be town walks where the route can reflect a fascinating mix of historic buildings, famous landmarks, rivers, parks and more. Take today's pub walk below, for example, which includes views from the Clifton Suspension Bridge, a National Trust trail, woodlands and refreshments at a riverside pub. Now that sounds a great mix!

Today's pub walk: The Cottage Inn in Bristol, Avon.

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Gastro pubs that spend £1.16 on your meal

Saturday’s Telegraph included an item on pub food with the headline “Gastro pubs that spend £1.16 on your meal”. This was apparently the average cost of the food in a typical pub meal in 2006 and the article laid into pubs on the basis that they were making excessive profits from their customers.

Well, sorry, I have to disagree. The article ignored the fact that the ingredients are just one of the costs of the meal, that the chef and serving staff have to be paid, and that every business has to also cover its overheads if it is to survive. The fact is, as with everything, there are bad ones and there are good ones with the best pubs offering great value for money while serving up good, wholesome food.

So let’s all share our experiences, good and bad, and help avoid all pubs being tarred with the same brush.

Today's pub walk: Ye Olde Bull Ring Tavern in Ludlow, Shropshire.

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BBC Countryfile - photographic competition

One of the enduring pleasures of walking is undoubtedly the range of wildlife that we come across, often totally unexpectedly. Although walking and talking with friends is a real pleasure, periods of silence often lead to their own reward by the sudden sighting of creatures before they have time to take flight or scuttle away.

I see that Countryfile has launched its 2007 photographic competition entitled "All creatures great and small" with a natural world or countryside theme. So, with my new camera in hand, this is my cue to try and capture a few of those rare moments as we enjoy our pub walks.

You can find more information on how to enter their competition on Countryfile's website.

Today's pub walk: The Six Bells in Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire.

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Take it to the Top

A new survey by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has today revealed that one in four pints in the UK are served less than 95% full and this is costing beer drinkers a staggering £481 million every year! CAMRA has today launched a nationwide petition calling for the Government to end short measures as they promised a decade ago.

This problem does not just affect real ale drinkers but of course lager and cider drinkers too - so if you want to enjoy the full pint you've paid for then why not sign the petition and add extra weight to this campaign?

To sign the petition online go to www.takeittothetop.co.uk and let's see if we can help to make the difference.

Today's pub walk: The Old Ship Inn in Lower Swanwick, Hampshire.

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Pubs to find their own Best Pub Walks

As part of the initiative to find the Nation's Favourite Pub Walk, licensees are being encouraged to run their own competitions to find the best walks from their own pubs. They are being offered support from MyFavouritePubWalks.com which has produced posters, flyers and guidance for licensees and will automatically include all online entries in the national competition.

The trade magazine "The Publican" has included a news item on its website which can be see by clicking here.

Today's pub walk: The Peacock Inn in Chelsworth, Suffolk.

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Posted: SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2007

5000 pubs to close by 2011

According to the caterersearch website, a Price Waterhouse Coopers report just published suggests 5000 pubs could close by 2011 if current trends continue. This is a significant number when compared to the total of around 58,000 pubs in the UK. The reason given by PWC is a combination of the smoking ban, a clampdown on drinks promotions and declining beer sales.

Readers of this blog will know I have a real concern over the decline in the fortunes of our pubs and the effect the loss of a pub has on its community. However the report indicates that those establishments hardest hit will be those relying only on drinks and those not providing outdoor areas for smokers. Hopefully most of our community pubs will already be planning for the smoking ban and will ensure they do not fall into either of these categories. After all, if they are really pubs that support their communities then they need to provide food and smoking areas anyway.

Today's pub walk: Fort St. George in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire.

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Posted: SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2007

Make tracks for this special website

The word is spreading! It seems almost every day I find that a mention of the Quest for the Nation's Favourite Pub Walk appears somewhere else in the media. Today it featured in the Hampshire Chronicle under the headline "Make tracks for this special website" where they gave us a good write-up and renamed pub walks as "a pint and a plod"! I think I might use that myself...

Today's pint and plod: The White Hart in Campton, Bedfordshire.

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Posted: FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2007

Open Access Threatened by Moorland Fires

According to Radio 4’s “Farming Today” this morning, we could see hundreds of square miles of “Open Access” land closed to the public if the hot, dry spell continues. Fires have taken their toll over the last few days particularly in Northern England but also in Cornwall and North Wales.

So we are all being asked to take particular care not to exacerbate the risk of fire with smouldering cigarette ends or disposable BBQs. I guess most of us prefer fresh (smoke-free) air and pub hospitality anyway but it cannot hurt for us all to be reminded to watch out for the danger of causing fire.

On the upside, it’s all a very good excuse to get out and enjoy the countryside at its very best.

Today's pub walk: The Duke's Head in Romsey, Hampshire.

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Posted: THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2007

Ordnance Survey and Googlemaps in the Spotlight

There is something of a shake-up going on in the world of mapping. Recent developments could help people like us who want to use existing maps to record our walking routes on the internet.

First the Guardian's Technology supplement started their “Free our Data” campaign seeking free access to data collected using taxpayers’ money by government-funded and approved agencies such as Ordnance Survey (OS). Then it was reported that the Government’s determination to protect OS’s ability to profit from users could scupper a Europe-wide initiative to harmonise access to Geographical data.

Now, not only has there been a legal case undermining OS’s claims to copyright in certain scenarios but also a certain Ed Parsons has just joined Googlemaps as their “Geospatial Technologist” from a similar role at OS. With Googlemaps already taking a more flexible approach to sharing mapping data than OS’s position, this can only be good news for those wanting to use maps more freely.

So let’s all watch this space…

Today's pub walk: The Haunch of Venison in Salisbury, Wiltshire

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Posted: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2007

Increased Coastal Access is On The Way

There is much comment about coastal access at the moment following Natural England's recommendation for "a 4,500 km continuous corridor of clear and well managed public access along the entire length of England’s coast." Natural England, the Government's new conservation advisory body, are in for a bumpy ride.

The proposals are brave in their vision but, as with everything, the devil is in the detail. The Ramblers are generally encouraged but want national legistlation and have real concerns over implementation if this is left to local authorities, given their a mixed record in enforcing rights of way. The National Farmers Union of course are up in arms about a statutory approach, calling for local solutions and compensation, while the Country Land and Business Association raise the issue of how this would impact other individual rural businesses too such as gold courses, holiday parks and caravan sites.

The Government is committed to action but will undertake further consultation later in the year. Let's hope talk gives way to real action soon. In the meantime, why not try today's pub walk below which includes a stretch of the South West Coast Path?
See update...

Today's pub walk: The Mussel Inn, Down Thomas, Devon

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Posted: TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2007

Easter Bank Holiday weather perfect for views

When I started this blog I vowed to myself not to mention the weather. But this Bank Holiday has given such clear skies that it has been an ideal opportunity to explore some of the pub walks offering distant views. Take the Somerset Levels, for example, where the slightest rise in the land can sometimes offer panoramic views to the horizon in all directions. So today's pub walk at the bottom of this posting includes this kind of reward for little effort - plus refreshment at a real ale pub that has offered 600 different cask ales in the last 3 years!

Today's pub walk: The George Inn, Middlezoy, Somerset

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Posted: MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2007

Highland Cattle on Shawford Down

In a new initiative to conserve and restore the chalk downland habitat of Shawford Down, Hampshire County Council have taken the inspired step of introducing Highland Cattle to graze the slopes. These 6 handsome longhorns are proving a real hit with local walkers and families and they make a great photograph against the fantastic views we get from this vantage point.

Here's my photo of these Highland Cattle so you can see for yourself - I really must get that Shawford Down pub walk loaded!

Today's pub walk: The Case is Altered Public House in Bentley, Suffolk
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Posted: SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 2007

New law opens door to saving green spaces

On 6 April a new law came into effect which will help us all to protect land from development where this has been used by local people for recreation for 20 years. By making an application to register land as a village or town green, development of this land can be thwarted and the land retained for public enjoyment. This is great news for everyone who enjoys the outdoors.

The key change is that recreational use does not have to continue right up until the date of registration so now a landowner cannot defeat registration simply by putting up a "keep out" sign. Now registration can be applied for within a 2 year grace period from when the right to use the land is ended by the landowner.

For more information on the new law visit The Open Spaces Society which protects common land and public rights of way.

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Entries for "The Nation's Favourite Pub Walk" start to arrive

Well the entries have started to come in and we are seeing pub walks being submitted across the nation with clusters already appearing in Hampshire, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. We know of at least another 100 pub walks on the way too so keep watching for some near you, register as a voter, give them a try and tell us all what you think.

One I fancy trying is The Hole in the Wall walk on Little Wilbraham Fen. Not only does it feature a pub with a good local reputation but the walk takes in the truest remnant of the fens, as they were in Cambridge, and a traditional windmill. Click on Hole in the Wall for more details.

Why not enter one of your own favourite pub walks too, especially if you have one in an area not yet represented? For more details visit myfavouritepubwalks.com/competition.

Today's pub walk: The Hole in the Wall near Cambridge

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Fair Price for a Pint

There is a campaign underway to promote a fair price being paid to farmers for a pint of milk. This is a joint initiative by Waitrose, Farmers Guardian and Country Living. With an average of 78 producers in England giving up on dairy farming each month over the past 4 years, there are serious concerns over the future of our home milk production and some fear we may need to import our milk in the future (Campaign for the Protection of Rural England).

So, why should we care? Our rural landscape owes so much of its "natural" beauty to the grazing of livestock that we have to be prepared to see that landscape change if we allow this decline to continue. It is not just about the views we enjoy on our pub walks but also the knock-on effects of more intensive grazing by fewer, larger herds - leading to potentially more chemical use, deterioration in soil and water quality, not to mention loss of some habitats key to biodiversity.

If you want to help you can sign the Farmers Guardian's online petition and Register support for Fairtrade for Farming.

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Blacks and Millets join the Quest

The Good Pub Guide, the Ramblers… and now Blacks and Millets have added their names to the list of supporters of MyFavouritePubWalks.com and our Quest for the Nation’s Favourite Pub Walk.

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Now Sponsored by The Good Pub Guide 2007 (Ebury Press)

First the Ramblers, then The Good Pub Guide – interest in supporting the Quest for the Nation’s Favourite Pub Walk is gathering pace! Ebury Press, editors of the Good Guides series, have given us 5 copies of their 25th Anniversary Special Edition of the Good Pub Guide for prizes.

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