New guide to real-ale B&Bs

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) has launched a Beer, Bed & Breakfast guide highlighting more than 500 UK real-ale pubs with great accommodation.

But guide editors Susan Nowak and Jill Adam said many inns don't cut the mustard when it comes to cleanliness and not enough make provisions for disabled people.

Susan Nowak said: "The bedroom may have four beams and a four-poster - and we love that - but dust and dinginess should never be confused with character."

She added that licensees make lots of excuses when it comes to catering for disabled people. "Even when licensees boast that all rooms have recently been refurbished, too often no provision is made for wheelchair users."

Nowak said the criteria for pubs being included is that they serve real ale kept in good condition and have good accommodation that offers value for money.

The guide outlines the top 10 pubs across three categories: beer, bed and breakfast and includes 57 star-rated pubs, indicating the best pub accommodation and real ale in Britain.

Among Nowak's favourite entries are the Anderson in Fortrose, Scotland, and the Bay Horse in Ulveston, Cumbria.

She said: "The Anderson is the only pub that makes it into two of the guide's top 10 categories, for both beer and breakfast. The Bay Horse is a favourite because you can watch the dawn coming up over Morecambe Bay and eat a stunning breakfast."

Nowak also added that they would like to have seen more choice and originality in the breakfast dishes offered in pubs, but said she was encouraged by the number of pubs using local produce.

The guide costs £14.99 and replaces Camra's Room at the Inn guide. For more information visit www.camra.org.uk.