The following apology was printed in the Observer's For the record column, Sunday October 24 2010
Apologies to disoriented readers in the West Country and East Anglia who were surprised to find that the Duke of York and the Haus Bar in Bristol were picked as best pubs in the south, while Bungay's Green Dragon topped the list in the Midlands in the Observer Food Monthly "Best places to drink in the UK" online last week.
WINNER:
As Heston is to food, so Tony Conigliaro is to cocktails. The pioneer of molecular mixology co-runs the small, perfectly-formed, speakeasy-themed Colebrooke Row. It's a grown-up showcase for Conigliaro's effortlessly clever creations, such as the champagne and rose vodka-based Lipstick Rose, the flute adorned with just a smudge of edible lippy. London N1 8AA, 020 7226 7517
RUNNERS UP
LONDON
The Charles Lamb Islington
Lovely old pub with a surprisingly country feel given its proximity to the tube. Good selection of board games, real ales and food. 16 Elia Street, N1 8DE
Properly swish cocktail bar with a price list to match. The perfect place for a serious celebration. Portland Place W1B 1JA
Callooh Callay Shoreditch
A fun cocktail bar, loosely styled around Alice in Wonderland, complete with doors disguised as cupboards and eccentric furniture. Excellent drinks. 65 Rivington Street EC2A 3AY
The Black Dog Vauxhall
Recently refurbed pub doing great food, with a frequently changing menu and pleasantly off the beaten track considering how close it is to Westminster. 112 Vauxhall Walk SE11 5ER
SOUTH
Duke of York Bristol
Graffiti covered and draped in fairy lights, this quirky pub is a real favourite in St Werburghs and the skittle alley, with its mismatched skittles, is worth a visit alone. 2 Jubilee Road, BS2 9RS, 0117 941 3677
Haus Bar Bristol
Wonderful bar serving excellent cocktails; ring the doorbell for entry. Beneath Rajpoot, 52 Upper Belgrave Rd, BS8 2XP
The Basketmakers Arms Brighton
Much-loved ale house, stuffed with vintage memorabilia. Good food plus more than 100 whiskies. 12 Gloucester Road, BN1 4AD
NORTH
The Old House Sheffield
Enthusiastically run indie rock-and-roll bar with more than 60 bottled beers, plus draught beers and cocktails. 113-117 Devonshire St, S3 7SB
Alma de Cuba Liverpool
Buzzing Cuban-Latin bar and restaurant in a deconsecrated church. There's often live music, including a gospel choir during Sunday brunch. St Peter's Church, Seel Street, L1 4BH
Popolo Newcastle
Trendy and award-winning Italian-style bar with a huge cocktail list. 82 Pilgrim St, NE1 6SF
MIDLANDS
The Green Dragon, Bungay
A proper boozer of a brewpub – Green Dragon is brewed on the other side of the car park. No frills, but excellent beer. 29 Broad St, Bungay, Suffolk NR35 1EE, 01986 892681
The Fighting Cocks Birmingham
Rescued from its former shabby state a few years ago, it has decent food and a big wine and beer list. Can get very busy at weekends. 1 Saint Mary's Row, Moseley B13 8HW
The Lincolnshire Poacher Nottingham
A serious real-ale pub, where attention is paid to how the beer is kept, usually with 10 or so cask ales on offer. 161-163 Mansfield Road, NG1 3FR
WALES
Chapter Arts Centre Cardiff
The sleek bar has a great drinks list, including its own Chapter Ale. Chapter, Market Road, CF5 1QE
Milgi Cardiff
Another bar with an arts focus, but this one is more ad-hoc; shows and exhibitions are often held in the yurt behind the bar, plus there are several screens for video artists to use, and most of the exhibitors are locals. Great cocktail list too. 213 City Road, CF24 3JD
SCOTLAND
Chinaski's Glasgow
A low-key but very good bar, serving great food. It's small and very cool, so expect to wait for a table. 239 North Street, G3 7DL, 0141 221 0061
NORTHERN IRELAND
Duke Of York Belfast
Excellent bar hidden down a side street where you frequently find brilliant music being played – quite often retro disco. 7-11 Commercial Court, BT1 2NB, 028 9024 1062
