CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale recently did a survey that showed people preferred today's pubs to those of the 70s.

See [www.camra.org.uk]

What do readers think? Are pubs really that much better today? Were they really that bad in the days of Watneys Red Barrel and chicken-in-the-basket?

Yes, they were. They were full of smoke. Since 1 July 2007, it has been a pleasure to go to the pub for a drink. At least I don't come home smelling like an ashtray any more! Shame about all the smokers lurking outside the pub doors though - give it up!!!!

As I remember, pubs in the early 1970s were places that your dad visited, and, if you went along at all, you sat outside in the car with your mum. As the 70s progressed pubs became more welcoming, in my opinion. And - it sounds strange now, but we didn't seem to notice the smoke. I personally prefer today's pubs, in particular the real-ale ones, and the Free houses, although I do have a soft spot for those Friday evenings as college students nursing a pint and a packet of crisps over the Pacman machine.