I never thought anyone would ever hear me say this. In fact, if some of my army pals could hear me now they'd turn in their graves. I've just visited five pubs in the Stoke area and left each one without finishing my pint. I have never been so disgusted at the standards in the British Pub. Foul beer and ignorant staff. Two of the pubs serve Thwaites Beer, one of the best brews in the country - except here in the Midlands. The answer is, if your visiting the Midlands - avoid the Twaites sign. A couple of months ago I reported two pubs to the local Environmental Health Department for filthy practices in the kitchen and whose inspector immediately told the licensees who had reported them making things rather difficult for me. I ask you, who's side are they on? One actually had kittens walking the bar amongst the optics. Public health is a major problem in this country nowadays, mainly because a lot of the younger generation have not been taught basic cleanliness. That is obvious when you watch the kids. In pubs and restaurants the kids walk around the room eating - don't tell me you haven't seen it. OK, it's a joke to some but it passes on to the rest of us, even if we only use the same glass or the same cup as a dirty person which has not been cleaned properly. Be careful. Brian Staffordshire, UK List Admin --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.351 / Virus Database: 197 - Release Date: 19/04/2002