Among the 260 pubs collected here, there are unspoilt country locals, Victorian drinking palaces and mighty roadhouses. The book has features describing how the pub developed, what's distinctive about pubs in different parts of the country, how people a century ago could expect to be served drinks at their table, and how they used the pub for take-out sales in the pre-supermarket era. There is a bonus listing of 70 pubs that, while not meeting CAMRA's national criteria for a heritage pub, will still thrill visitors with their historic ambience.