Start the Bus, Bristol

This place continues to surprise. Challenging the notion that any youth oriented city bar has to pander purely to the lager market, it has stood up for British beers and places them squarely alongside the draught lager offerings.

While Butcombe is the staple, guest ales are rare and adventurous, from raspberry porters to unfiltered wheat beers. They're happy to talk beer with you, and the place equally welcomes boringly family types like me alongside the young hipster with skinny jeans and experimental hair. One of a kind and all the better for it.

16 Apr 2012 20:59

The Pride of Spitalfields, Shoreditch

Convivial respite from the heaving Easter madness of Brick Lane. A warm welcome from staff and regulars alike, who all kindly made room for our multi-generational family gathering of Crouch Vale drinkers. One of those pubs you just don't want to leave.

16 Apr 2012 20:46

The Shakespeare, Bristol

A sensitive refurbishment and an imaginative selection of guest beers make this welcoming hostelry Bristol city centre's most improved pub. Capable and friendly staff know how to keep both their beer and their customers, and it's good to see them pushing the Greene King guest ale roster as far as it'll go. A recent visit brought offerings from Titanic (how apt) and Nottingham Brewery, and thankfully I can't remember the last time I had to resort to GK blandobeers. Curioushistory can be assured that his January experience isn't the norm here.

16 Apr 2012 20:39