ONCE a humble bag of cheese and onion crisps reigned supreme in our pubs, but times have changed.
Their menus now boast dishes that wouldn't be out of place in a fancy restaurant. And, inevitably, the prices reflect this.
So much so that, according to the latest Good Pub Guide, the average two-course pub lunch, with a glass of wine, now costs £20.
Traditionalists may splutter in their pints of mild that anyone drinking wine in a pub deserves to be fleeced....and probably pelted mercilessly with pork scratchings
But there's no doubt that the nature of many of our pubs has changed dramatically over recent years.
It's still possible to find old-fashioned backstreet boozers that focus on providing quality beer, with maybe the odd sarnie available.
But many others seek to appeal to a wider clientele by providing an extensive range of food.
Some do so very well – serving high-quality nosh. Others don't.
What no pub must do is get ideas above their station.
They're there to provide a relaxing place to enjoy a drink, a chat and a bite to eat.
Price out the punters at your peril, publicans!
You're custodians of a great British institution and you mustn't allow greed to drive away those you're there to serve.