Hopefully all the pubs in this guide are ones you want to return to, but Gold Star pubs are those I believe to be the very best. They'll have well kept and tasty beer and a decent choice of other drinks as well. They'll have atmosphere and character, and a bit of personality. They may have a bit of history (I love a heritage pub!) but there are modern bars on the list as well. It's all subjective of course and you won't agree with all my choices, but hopefully I'll have pointed you to to at least a few stunning pubs.