Richard Binns, details of Best of Britain, one of the books of the well known author and publisher of travel guides

	*Best of Britain*
	I would have loved my first book to have been Best of Britain. But four years ago it would have been commercial suicide to be so rash at the start of my family’s do-it-yourself publishing venture - numerous guides on Britain were and still are available Instead, five books on France came first from my pen. However, one great merit accrues from the timing of this latest project: the enthusiastic message I convey to readers within these pages comes after spending so much of my time across the Channel during the last five years. For me Best of Britain is a celebration - a revealing and happy reminder to all those who turn their backs on this glorious land to stop and think again. Britain is incomparably beautiful - celebrate and enjoy Nature’s exquisite handiwork. Britain is a treasure-chest of man-made riches, celebrate and enjoy the pleasures that await round every corner. Britain, today, is endowed with a steadily improving base of inns, restaurant and hotels - many of which are privately owned. Celebrate and enjoy the vast change for the better that has taken place on the British culinary scene. Though we have a long way to go before we can match the sheer number of inexpensive, quality hotels and restaurants that one finds in France - the ‘real’ strength of French cooking - we can all play our part in changing the culinary status quo here in Britain. Celebrate the good news that there are now scores of British men and women who are doing their bit alongside the more famous established chefs, both British and European. The basic formula of marrying fresh, local produce to a simple, light, natural and creative style should become the rule, not the exception, in British cooking. In France, Michelin award their coveted stars to 642 restaurants ludicrous, confetti-like generosity. In Britain, only 32 establishments win similar accolades. Michelin inspectors in Britain are just that much harder to please - and quite rightly so, too. By the end of this century Britain can get closer to matching French culinary standards - considered the best in the world - in quality, quantity and consistency. So enquire, encourage, enthuse and enjoy. Celebrate all that is Best of Britain’. Surprise yourselves. Britain’s rapidly increasing number of enterprising chefs - the best of the British culinary revolution is happening, amazingly, north and west of Watford! Britain’s incomparable countryside, man-made treasures, and her numerous alluring country lanes and rewarding footpaths. Britain’s marvellous pubs. Most overseas visitors, who make the effort to journey beyond London, are captivated by the friendly atmosphere of our unique public houses. The Best Bed and Breakfast in the World. Though I criticise the high prices of hotel bedrooms elsewhere in this book, what does partly compensate are the numerous private houses and cottages, pubs, stately homes and friendly farmhouses providing value-for-money bed and breakfast accommodation.