We're in high spirits in the office, poring over the final selection of pubs that have made the cut for our Pubs guide. Our man, David Hancock, knows everything there is to know about the pub scene (we've tested him - often - and he's not failed yet!).

Here's his news from the frontline

• micro breweries are growing and 'beer flights' are the new thing - a suite of mini glasses on a wooden board, each one third of a pint so you can sample new beers

• pubs opening up cafes and tearooms to catch the daytime crowd

• deli-counters selling home-made produce: stocks, jams, chutneys, eggs, duck confit, etc

• roasts accounting for one fifth of the eating-out market

• village pubs offering takeaway food.

If you'd like a copy of the current edition, visit our bookshop. For pubs that welcome dogs, check out Dog-friendly Breaks in Britain. OR, if you want to quiz our pub man drop us a line in the Comments box.