Hook Norton "Double Stout"

Coffee undertones with liquorice notes, tasty.

Gadds "80 shillings export"

Nutty and malty, full-bodied offering from a brewer I'd not tried before.

New Rose, N1

This Essex Road pub has reviews on a chalk board outside that seem to make it everything to all men. It was standing room only for the first half in the Arsenal v Utd game but the Elbow beer made up for that. It's got character: I'd revisit.

The Harp, WC1

 Great little place voted CAMRA pub of the year 2011. I was offered a try after I'd ordered, which may sound odd but impressed me. Great range, with 3 Dark Star brews here when I came. I had the Milk Chocolate Stout (delicious) and the Smoked Porter, a lingering beauty.

The windowsill outside

The Cock Tavern, Somers Town, NW1

The pub sign proudly says 'your friendly local'. It certainly was full of locals, but as my friend and I walked in, we did not exactly receive a friendly welcome, not that it was hostile either. If you want to experience a pub which has barely changed in 30 years, this is one to visit. It's the type of pub you wouldn't expect in zone 1, just off the Euston Road; rather, it's a pub you're more likely to find in the centre of a town in the home counties. The first thing you notice when entering is the distinctive musty smell. Luckily, this soon disappears while you're waiting for your Guinness to settle. The range of ales on tap was limited to the Irish stout and John Smith's. But for the welcoming fire and the black cat, I wouldn't hurry to go back again.

Buxton's "Wild Boar"

An India Pale Ale which at 5.7% smelt and tasted much fruitier than expected. Notes of peach to the nose, followed by a malty finish. A full-bodied, yet light coloured ale.

Euston Tap's "One for the Road"

Lighter in terms of colour than I expected for this 5% ABV ale; the taste began with citrus notes followed by a hoppy finish.

Red Willow's "Reckless"

Peachey on the nose, but hoppy to the taste. A light ale, perfect for balmy summer nights.

Skinners Arms, Bloomsbury

Strictly a post-work pub, this 5-minute walk from King's Cross station does a fair range of ales. I tried Newman's "Winter Hog Ale" and felt suitably warmed.

Elgood's "Thin Ice"

Backin the Doric Arch, enjoyed a flavoursome Elgood ale.

Somers Town Coffee House, NW1

A stylish joint that looks as if it should have more choice than Courage Best and Directors. With the Euston Tap and Doric Arch less than five minutes away, I won't be a regular here.

Hook Norton's "Double Stout"

Yum, no roasted coffee bean. Went down nice with a bit of champers too.

Oakham Ales "Citra"

You have to try them even when you know they are not going to be the full-bodied dark ale you like best.

The Southampton Arms, NW5

A great way to end 2011: a visit to the CAMRA London Pub of the Year in Kentish Town.