James May
Presenter of BBC2's Drink to Britain
My favourite pub for a fireside pint would have to be my local, predictably enough. But that's only fair, really, because that's the point of a local pub. Several things commend The Cross Keys in Hammersmith, west London - the beer, Fuller's London Pride, is great; the fire is quite big and well-tended; there's bangers 'n' mash, and a dart board. Most importantly, though, it's a mere 101 paces away from the house, although it tends to be more paces on the way home again. This is a proper local, free of the distractions of 'passing trade'. It's always the same few dozen old bores talking the same old bollocks and trying to do the same old crossword. I'm one of them, and I'm happy with that.
• 020 8748 3541
Mike Benner
Chief executive, Campaign for Real Ale
The Old Spot in Dursley, Gloucestershire would have to be my top tip for a refreshing pint of real ale by the fireside. This Cotswold Way free house dates from 1776 and is currently Camra's National Pub of the Year. It has low ceilings and log fires, both of which provide a cosy atmosphere, and the friendly staff offer a warm welcome. The pub serves an extensive range of independent ales and wholesome, freshly prepared dishes to complement the beer. A must for any real ale pub lover.
• 01453 542870; oldspotinn.co.uk
Fiona Stapley
Joint editor, Good Pub Guide
One of my favourite fireside pubs is the Groes, Ty'n-y-Groes in North Wales. It's an exemplary inn where everything - service, surroundings, atmosphere and food and drink - fits together so well that you feel really good the moment you walk in. As well as the hot stove in the entrance area, there's a monumental fireplace in the back bar with huge glowing logs - a classic antidote to chilly winter weather. The low-beamed rooms are filled with decorations and antique furnishings, giving them character, and they have their own Great Orme brewery so the ales are superb. I love staying here in winter. From the snug comfort of the bedrooms I feel rather smug as I look up to the snowy peaks of Snowdonia or down over the morning hoar-frost silvering the Conwy Valley.
• 01492 650545; groesinn.com
Melissa Cole
Freelance beer writer and broadcaster
Burnham Beeches is the most perfect spot in the Home Counties to take the dog, or someone else, for a walk and, conveniently, the Stag has one of the largest car parks in the area. So it's almost rude for you and the pooch not to stop in for a warming pint of well-kept London Pride as a thank you for the parking space - in this case, politeness truly is its own reward!
• 01753 642226
Roger Protz
Editor of the Camra Good Beer Guide
The Olde Gate Inn in Brassington, Derbyshire, has fires in both bars - guaranteed to warm the proverbial cockles after a brisk walk in the Peak District. The fire in the main bar is part of a large range with copper jugs, scuttles, tongs and warming pans. There's a smaller range in the back bar. There's lots of history, too: it was used as a field hospital during the English Civil war and Bonnie Prince Charlie's soldiers were billeted there during his assault on the English throne. Great pints of Marston's Pedigree.
• 01629 540448
