Pub-goers rejoice: the days of "decrepit boozers with dull beer and freezer-pack food" are over, according to editors of popular guide book The Good Pub Guide.
After a huge lull in business, it looks like things could finally be picking up for the pub-scene once again. This is welcome news for many, following the closure of thousands of pubs in the UK which at one point reached a rate of 31 per week.
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The good news came following Norfolk pub, the Rose and Crown, being named the best in the UK.
The Good Pub Guide said that the pub in Snettisham prompted rave reviews from readers, whose comments included: "a seamless and enjoyable experience", "constantly impressed", "unquestionably good" and "quite frankly, this shows other pubs how things should be done".
The annual guide, which is based on pub-goers recommendations backed up by editor inspections, said of the winner: "Certain pubs stand out over the year as places that are truly special, featuring again and again in readers' reports."
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The guide's editors, Alisdair Aird and Fiona Stapley, said it appeared that the pub scene was beginning to thrive again after years of "doom and gloom".
They said: "Although around 28 pubs are still closing a week, this is about half the number that were closing a couple of years ago which is good news all round.
"However, the significant change is that many of these are being re-opened by visionary and energetic new licensees and are thriving. The success of these pubs has led to a new mood of forward-looking confidence and is transforming the whole pub scene.
"At last the days of decrepit boozers with dull beer and freezer-pack food are behind us and we are now seeing the emergence of a flourishing industry that is finding ingenious ways of pleasing new customers."
The guide's survey of beer prices found the average price of a pint in Britain is now £3.31, up from £3.20 last year.
There is a 76p-a-pint difference between Herefordshire, the cheapest county, and London, the most expensive, up from 65p last year.