Fuller's "Golden Pride"

Deeply flavoursome, Fuller's Golden Pride comes in at 8.5%

Fox & Anchor, EC1M

Karl's great choice for a first meet-up in 17 years. Had a Flying Dutchman, Colchester Red Diesel and an Adnams Mild as well as the Hook Norton Hooky Bitter pictured here.

Windsor & Eton's "Knight of the Garter"

A tasty golden ale at the Crown & Anchor.

Sekforde Arms, N1

Had a couple of post-squash ales here. It's a lively, triangular pub with a young crowd.

Elgood's "Black Dog"

Used the first of my Wetherspoons' coupons to nab a pint of full-bodied mild for £2.19 at the Angel.

Eastnor Castle, NW1

This Somers Town pub smelt less than The Cock down the road. Real ale was advertised in big letters on the side of the building but I had to make do with Guinness and a sudden surge of people onto the pavement after I had taken my half outside. A lively local with a friendly enough smattering of people in the crowd.