Pubs

The significant historical and social differences between these two neighbouring towns are vividly brought into focus by the variation in pubs and other hostelries that have existed, or still exist, in each. Harrogate is a relatively new town which catered for the burgeoning spa trade facilities of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, while Knaresborough is an ancient market town that served farmers and tradesmen who flocked to the market there each week for centuries, as well as workers in local industries. Many of Knaresborough's old inns and pubs survive to refresh what is still a vibrant market town, while Harrogate is now a leading conference centre offering a multitude of pubs and hotel bars. This fascinating new book describes and depicts the many inns, pubs, beerhouses and bars that characterise both towns, with intriguing and often little-known information about their histories and the people who ran them, drank or occasionally died in them.

'As smooth as oil, sweet as milk, clear as amber and strong as brandy.' Boniface, in George Farquhar's play The Beaux Stratagem, describing Lichfield ale. Farquhar was one of the visitors to Lichfield in the eighteenth century when the city was notorious for its many pubs and brothels. Today, thankfully, only its pubs are famous and continue to add colour to this fine Georgian city. The great medieval cathedral forms a magnificent backdrop to the many pubs of the city, some of which were visited by Lichfield's most famous son, Samuel Johnson, whose brooding statue can be found in the city's market square. Many of Lichfield's ancient pubs, some of them old coaching inns from the days of stagecoaches and highwaymen, are still in existence; others, sadly, have gone. This book tells the story of those lost pubs – where they were and why they disappeared – as well as examining those that still grace the city, tracking their history through the centuries and telling their many uplifting, sad, and sometimes strange stories. Find out about haunted pubs, the pub where an army regiment was founded and the two rival inns where political parties encouraged mob violence in the street that separated them. Lichfield Pubs is a book that residents and visitors alike will not want to miss.

Sheffield is the fourth-largest city in England and was where the Industrial Revolution began in earnest. It is renowned for its high-quality steel and fine cutlery, for its two large universities and for having, when it was built, the biggest shopping centre in Europe, yet there is so much more to know about this proud South Yorkshire city. As in many places, these pubs grew up with the city, both shaping and being shaped by its changing prosperity through the years.In Sheffield Pubs, Ian Rotherham, Christine Handley and Michael Liversidge present an excellent collection of photographs from which the reader will glimpse some of Sheffield's oldest pubs as well as the town's more popular watering holes and established 'locals'.

The pubs of South Tyneside are numerous and each has its own fascinating history. From enjoying a post-work tipple to celebrating the football result on a Saturday evening, the pub is the hub of the community and an iconic part of Britain's high streets. Local author and historian Eileen Burnett traces the history of South Tyneside's drinking establishments, from South Shields to Hebburn, taking in the landlords, notable characters, stories and a pint or two along the way. South Tyneside Pubsprovides something for everyone, whether they have lived in South Tyneside all their lives or they are just visiting this part of the North East.

Ever since the days when it was reconstructed as one of King Alfred's burhs (fortified towns), Lewes has experienced a wealth of taverns, inns, alehouses, and public houses. Today the erstwhile county town of Sussex has a range of pubs that reflect this interesting, quirky, affluent yet also sometime fiercely independent and radical town.Author Kevin Newman takes the reader on a fascinating journey through Lewes' watering houses past and present. He explores the trivial, the unknown, the spooky, the unusual and the achievements that have taken place in the town's pubs. He also tells of the many characters that have frequented or run Lewes' public houses, including the pub that stands on the site of the UK's highest death toll from an avalanche. Lewes Pubs tells many fascinating tales and will make locals and visitors alike want to visit one of the town's taverns straight away.