SAVE OUR COUNTRY PUBS SAYS PRINCE

There is little that can beat a fine pint of proper ale in a lovely old country pub on an English summer's day. But many have been hard hit by changes in local communities and by drink-drive laws, to the extent that closures have become widespread - moving Prince Charles to step up his efforts to help them.

The heir to the throne started a 'Pub is the Hub' campaign some time ago and has now sought the help of Rural Affairs minister, Hilary Benn, to help halt the closure of up to 27 pubs every week - a disaster for villages and for the country as a whole.

The campaign hopes to help more landlords modernise and diversify to attract new customers. The success of gastro-pubs is one example of how change can bring a new lease of life, but it is to be hoped that not all will need to alter the uniquely British ambience of a quiet country inn.

Here is one of the best examples of an old pub with modern appeal. On the edge of the New Forest and at the borders of Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset, the Rose and Thistle is set in rolling countryside. With a thatched roof and plenty of old oak beams, it has a restaurant and also serves good bar snacks, using lots of local fare. It was recently cited as one of the top 50 pubs in the country by that bastion of the countryside, The Daily Telegraph. www.roseandthistle.co.uk

THERE'S MONEY IN WINE

The temptation to drink wine rather than keep it is too much for many of us.  And lets face it, laying down that bottle of dubious vintage and quality from the local retailer is hardly worth the storage space.  But there’s money to be made out of investing in the good  stuff.

Since 1950, fine wine investment has produced average annual returns of 15% and evidently this is one area where the good yields are expected to continue

“Due to ever-increasing demand and fixed supply, fine wine as an investment offers a unique combination of superior returns and low risk when compared with more conventional investments” reports specialist manager of fine wine funds, Wine Asset Managers (WAM).  In a market report just published, WAM maintains that renewed buying interest in the 2005 wines, regarded as the finest year ever, will haul up older vintages’ prices in the year ahead, which now look relatively cheap.

Founding partner at WAM, Will Beck, explains that the elite brands - such as Lafite Rothschild and Ausone – currently outperform the second tier chateaux, such as Chateau Montrose and Pichon Baron.

“However, as emerging markets become increasingly knowledgeable about the fine wine market,” he forecasts, “we expect increasing demand to drive prices higher for second tier chateaux in the years to come.”For more info on the wine investment funds that WAM manages go to www.wamllp.com

And to gen up on the product, a wine tasting exercise seems a good idea. Long established wine house Laithwaites is conducting a series of tastings around the country this summer, lasting two hours, covering some 25 wines. An evening for two costs £49, book through www.buyagift.co.uk

CHAMPAGNE FOR ALL REASONS

Just when the fizz seems to have gone out of life, with City bars plunged into gloom over the markets, two new champagnes come along to affirm that bubbly is always there to console us.

“I drink my champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad.  Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone.  When I have company, I consider it obligatory.  I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am.  Otherwise, I never touch it – except when I’m thirsty.” That was Madame Bollinger speaking and most of us would agree, though not necessarily having the same opportunities.

From the House of Bollinger comes a new non-vintage rose champagne. Launched at this May's London Wine Fair,and well received, it is available in Selfridges and fine wine merchants, retailing around £55 a bottle.

And from that other grand old name, Krug, comes their first new champagne in 20 years.  This is the Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 1995, just 3,000 bottles produced and on sale in London’s Connaught Hotel at £780 per glass. Price for a bottle has been suggested at around £1,500 to £2,000 but given the interest in this luxury Krug cuvee, wine buffs will be undoubtedly be pushing that price higher.