Stars in bars
Cricket legend Ian Botham
What is your favourite pub?
O'Brien's off of Upper Leeson Street is the greatest pub in Dublin. The owner, Peter, has been there for 30 years and is an old mate of mine. It's always good to go and have a pint and a chat with him.
Why do you like it so much?
Firstly, it's in Dublin- the best drinking city in the world. It's also a lovely pub, a traditional old Irish drinking room that hasn't changed for years. The staff and the regular drinkers are really friendly and good fun. It's true what they say about the Irish being up for the craic!
Do you always stand at the same bit of the bar? Or sit in a favourite chair?
I always stand at the same place at the bar - that is until I fall over!
Do you get bought drinks by other pub-goers because you are a celebrity?
Unfortunately no, I usually get stuck buying all the drinks. And it costs me an absolute fortune!
What is your favourite tipple?
It depends upon what country I'm in. I love wines and have my own range called Botham Merril Willis wines that I'm really proud of. But when I'm in Dublin it's got to be a pint of the black stuff. I occasionally have a pint of Guinness when I'm at home in Yorkshire, but it always tastes better over in Ireland.
If you could run your own pub where would it be?
South West Ireland. I really like the idea of having a pub as a hobby and opening up at my own convenience. I could open all night for my friends and the regulars and the next day stay shut to recover!
In short are you Proud of Pubs?
They're really important to our culture and society, as they're an ideal place for people to meet and socialise. I think good conversation is a dying art, as a lot of people would prefer to sit transfixed in front of the TV. You can't beat pubs for getting mates together to put the world to rights.
Ian Botham is walking through 17 UK cities between 9-17 October in aid of Leukaemia Research and Teenage Cancer Trust. For more information go to www.bothamwalk.com
Kerry Stacey, who plays barmaid Toni Daggert at the Woolpack in Emmerdale
What is your favourite pub?
The Toby Carvery in Nottingham.
Why do you like it so much?
They do the best Sunday roasts and the staff are the best in town.
Do you always stand at the same bit of the bar? Or sit in a favourite chair?
I always sit close to the food, and always at the bar because I've eaten too much.
Do you get bought drinks by other pub-goers because you are a celebrity?
I wish! They ask me to buy them a drink because they think I'm loaded - and then they take one look at me and know different!
What is your favourite tipple?
Three shots of Baileys!
If you could run your own pub where would it be?
On a beach where the men have to kiss you before they get served.
In short are you Proud of Pubs?
I enjoy going out to them, and especially enjoy pub crawls! They are a great place to put the world to rights. You meet all kinds of different people you wouldn't normally come into contact with. They are also great stressbusters!
They are somewhere the family can go together and socialise with other families. I have some of the best quiz nights at pubs in Nottingham, and I have learnt so much at the same time!
Kara Tointon plays Dawn Miller, barmaid at the Queen Vic in Walford - home of Eastenders
What is your favourite pub?
The Orange Tree in Totteridge, North London.
Why do you like it so much?
It has a great atmosphere, good food and you can sit outside when the sun is out!
Do you always stand at the same bit of the bar? Or sit in a favourite chair?
No, I vary it but it really depends on what is available when I turn up as it is a very busy pub.
Do you get bought drinks by other pub-goers because you are a celebrity?
No, I haven't experienced that yet.
What is your favourite tipple?
Vodka and cranberry juice.
If you could run your own pub where would it be?
It would have to be in North London as I love it there. Otherwise I would want to open a pub or a bar in Los Boliches in southern Spain.
Journalist and broadcaster Toby Young, author of 'How to Lose Friends & Alienate People' - now being made into a big-budget movie - is a well-known pub-goer in North London
What is your favourite pub?
The King's Head, 115 Upper Street, London N1
Why do you like it so much?
It's got everything: great beer, live bands and a theatre in the back.
Do you always stand at the same bit of the bar? Or sit in a favourite chair?
Nah. I like to circulate.
Do you get bought drinks by other pub-goers because you are a celebrity?
No.
What is your favourite tipple?
Guinness.
If you could run your own pub where would it be?
One hundred yards from my house.
In short, are you Proud of Pubs?
Only the ones I'm not banned from!
Shaun Woodward, the MP for St Helens South, was appointed minister for creative industries and tourism - with responsibility for licensing and pubs - in May 2006
What is your favourite pub - and why do you like it so much?
Most times I get the chance to have a pint is when I am in one of the Labour Clubs in my constituency, St Helens South in Merseyside. Fortunately we have several across the town and they are all really good.
My mum used to work in a pub in which her parents were tenants during the last World War - The Star Inn at Tickenham just outside of Bristol - and it was behind the bar that my dad first met my mum. It's changed a bit since the war years, but I still pop in once a year just for the memory. It's perhaps no surprise that one of my first jobs when I left school was also working in a pub in Bristol.
Do you get bought drinks by other pubgoers because you are a minister?
You have to be very careful as a minister. Of course people are kind and offer but as a rule when I am on official business, it's a diet Coke anyway!
What is your favourite tipple?
A pint of bitter or a glass of red wine.
If you could run your own pub where would it be?
Buttermere in the Lake District. It's a small place between two lakes and where - nearly 30 years ago - I had my first ever pint of Theakston's Old Peculier.
In short, are you Proud of Pubs?
Pubs are one of the great selling attractions of our tourism industry, as well as a great part of our village, town and city lives. I couldn't be more proud.
Liz Estensen plays Diane Sugden, the licensee of the Woolpack in Emmerdale
What is your favourite pub?
The Stanfield Arms in Leeds.
Why do you like it so much?
Beautiful interiors and lovely food. It's cosy and warm in the winter and there's lots of outside space in summer.
Do you always stand at the same bit of the bar? Or sit in a favourite chair?
There are lovely sofas so I go for those.
Do you get bought drinks by other pub-goers because you are a celebrity?
No! But if someone feels like it...
What is your favourite tipple?
Rose wine summer or a whiskey mac in the winter.
If you could run your own pub where would it be?
In beautiful countryside, like Emmerdale.
In short, are you Proud of Pubs?
Yes, but
