'Soft drinks bigger gout risk than alcohol'

Fizzy drinks can dramatically increase the risk of gout, it is claimed. As sales plummet over other health concerns, scientists revealed yesterday that carbonated drinks are behind a rise in the painful joint condition. A study of more than 46,000 men found those who had two or more cans a day were 85 per cent more likely to get gout compared to those who had one a month or less. - Daily Mail​

Reading will celebrate the opening of its first Polish pub this weekend, with Polish vodka and homemade Pierogi (stuffed dumplings) flowing thick and fast. The Gospoda -- Polish for 'tavern' -- will replace the Battle Inn, a traditional Irish pub that had seen better days. - The Mirror​

Canterbury may look like a quintessentially upmarket English city but as Dr Rowan Williams, its archbishop, pointed out this week it is not immune from the country's binge-drinking culture. Residents living along its cobbled medieval streets also say they are blighted by drunken anti-social behaviour. - The Telegraph​

The effect on pub owners and brewers of rising food and raw material prices and the smoking ban in England and Wales were highlighted on Friday by two of the country's leading brewers. Greene King and Fuller Smith & Turner both warned of a slowing sales. - The Financial Times​

Self-confessed 'pub player' Curtis Davies was the shock selection in Fabio Capello's first England squad. The Aston Villa defender, who admitted he had performed like a pub footballer on his calamitous debut for Martin O'Neill's side in September, was stunned after being named in the 30-man provisional squad for next week's friendly with Switzerland. - The Mirror​