Public houses are very diverse places. Despite attempts by the larger groups to standardise their establishments there still remains some aspect of individuality in most cases. The following key therefore is just an indication of the sort of pub rather than a blueprint of it. Amongst the considerations taken into account are quality of ale, variety of ale available, general ambience of house, friendliness of staff, garden, facilities, music, type of customer and food.

Key to ratings:

The ideal pub which can be all things to all reasonable people. Quiet corners for conversation, but has good quality live music on occasion, friendly atmosphere and naturally it has an excellently kept range of cask conditioned ale. Good quality real food at reasonable prices.

An excellent pub with most of the pleasant attributes of the last category; may not be able to make further improvements because of location, space or the like. Well worth going miles out of your way for a visit.

A good establishment with many pleasant attributes and few drawbacks. An essential stop if you are in the vicinity.

A fairly good hostelry in which the good points outweigh the bad

Homely pubs with hearts in the right place and everything else in the wrong one.

Pubs with hearts in the wrong place, but with many redeeming features.

Unfriendly establishment where regular customers stare at you and you are made to feel uncomfortable, but has some redeeming features.

Just about tolerable in an emergency but you may have to stick to Guinness. Nasty.

Raucous unruly establishments with little or no drinkable ale. Really nasty

Vast chromium and wicker barracks with every modern discomfort that ingenuity can supply. Banks of TV screens on every wall. Dour staff. Full of young people holding bottles with a fruit salad stuffed in the neck. Asphyxiating noxious odours of cosmetics.

A living hell to be avoided even if you are gagging for a pint and there is no alternative establishment within 100 miles.