'Punch Taverns chief adds to pressure on Alistair Darling'

Giles Thorley, chief executive of Punch Taverns, has backed calls for Chancellor Alistair Darling to resign. "This week we've had [Darling's] worst recession in 60 years comment, then the OECD being dismissed and then the housing market announcement," he said. - Daily Telegraph ​

Punch Taverns is to cancel its final dividend in what chief executive Giles Thorley insists is a "prudent measure" to bolster the balance sheet amid some of the toughest trading conditions ever seen by Britain's biggest pub landlord - The Guardian ​

The price of pubs is falling as landlords struggle to make a profit. According to Mark Brumby at Blue Oar Securities: "There will be fewer pub sales in the run-up to Christmas and a large number in January. Prices look to be slipping fairly rapidly." - The Times ​

Thirty years ago, the typical pub landlord was someone like a retired policeman or footballer, who took over the licence and made few changes. Today 60 per cent of Britain's 57,000 pub licensees are couples, are younger - 41 on average for a landlord and 38 for a landlady - and run the pub with a view to expanding the business - The Times ​

Tough laws cracking down on the consumption and display of alcohol and tobacco have been promised by Alex Salmond, Scotland's First Minister - Daily Telegraph ​

Tourism Minister Margaret Hodge has praised Britain for its good-value pub meals, but criticised hotels, the London Tube and Stonehenge - The Sun ​

Heritage body Herian is encouraging customers to soak up the best of Welsh history with their pints by launching a beer mat quiz with a twist - Western Mail ​

Brits could be waking to the sound of snap, crackle and poppadom at breakfast time by 2050 as our love of curry grows - The Mirror ​