Doggett's Coat and Badge, 1 Blackfriars Bridge, London, SE1 9UD

How does it feel?
This is quite a large pub. There's a fair choice of seating, so you can find yourself a quite corner if you like. Quite an anonymous sort of place, good if you just want a quite pint of brown and happen to be on the Southbank. Otherwise, fairly average. You could be sitting in any large pub/diner in the country.

Did they serve you ale in a glass?. A good choice of ale. I didn't count, but I'd say at least 8 draught ales to choose from. Such a good choice really helps to make more of this place.

Salty snacks/pickled eggs?Just the normal selection of crisps at the bar though there is a reasonably priced lunch/food menu.

Will you be sad to leave?
Yes, it's comfortable in here, and it's freezing out there.

Rating (out of 7): 4****.

The Hampshire Arms, Crondall, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 5QU

How does it feel?
Welcome! It's cold outside today, and this place has a massive fireplace. It's nice and warm in here, and the barmaid is friendly but not intimidatingly so. It has a country pub that sells food feel to it, which is welcome as I was concerned it may be a Gastropub.



Did they serve you ale in a glass? Yup. 2 ales to choose from, offered by the WhiteHorse and City Of Cambridge breweries.

Salty snacks/pickled eggs?Trusty KP offerings and some crisps. Also big jars of sweets which I have taken to be a sign of 'family friendly pub'. Our youngest reviewer today is less than one year old so this was a welcome sign. No eggs. Disappointed.

Will you be sad to leave?
In a way yes. This has been a great way to spend a cold autumn afternoon.

Rating (out of 7): 5*****. Nice ale and surroundings. No egg.

The Bramley Inn, The Street, Bramley, Tadley, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG26 5BT

How does it feel? Honestly I'm not sure. A bit like a hotel lobby, but with a bar at the side. A bit like an average village boozer, but with less people in it. Spacious, echoey, comfortable, hospitable. The staff and other people in here have been welcoming.

Did they serve you ale in a glass?Only an unimaginative offer of London Pride. Otherwise there's plenty on offer if you like that yellow fizzy stuff. I wonder if this place would be busier if the football was on?

Salty snacks/pickled eggs? Again, a Walkers selection and Scampi Fries. Nothing to get excited about.

Will you be sad to leave?
Not today. Despite a poor selection of ales and snacks it has been a comfortable visit though. The locals were friendly and chatty (in a good way), and we were made to feel welcome.

Rating (out of 7):4****. Friendly staff and locals made it.

The London Inn, 17 Caen Street, Braunton, EX33 1AA

How does it feel?A fairly recent refurb by the seems of things. There's no one else here, so I'm not sure what the normal atmosphere/crowd are like. Even though there's no one else here, I don't feel awkward. That's pretty unusual for this kind of place (well for me anyway).

Did they serve you ale in a glass? Unusually for this part of the world there's no Tribute. They do have 2 cask ales to choose from though.

Salty snacks/pickled eggs?Nope. Just the usual. I do like the odd packet of scampi fries though. Mmm. Dirty fish snacks.

Will you be sad to leave?I don't think so. I've enjoyed my stay, but this place makes me feel kind of lonely. Personally I prefer somewhere where there's other people.

Rating (out of 7): 2**. Comfortable, but that's all really.

Goldies, 36 High East St, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1HN

How does it feel?
We were instantly made to feel welcome. There's plenty of real ales to choose from, I hope I stay a while! It's comfortable, there's loads of places to sit without it feeling cramped, and a nice garden/smoking area out the back. There's a sign on the wall saying it is the oldest pub in Dorchester serving real ale. Having had a brief look around the town this pub must be really, really old. Dogs are allowed, which for me is a massive plus. It's nice to have dogs and ale in the same place together.

Did they serve you ale in a glass?Yes! The main offering seems to be from the Ringwood Brewery which is to be expected in this neck of the woods. I'm happy though as Ringwood normally deliver the goods. There's also a few other offerings to compliment the selection. I'd be surprised if this place wasn't in the Good Pub Guide next year - so much choice of quality ale.

Salty snacks/pickled eggs?We're here at a private function that offers canapés so I haven't checked the bar snacks just yet. If I have room later I'll go egg hunting...

Will you be sad to leave?
Yes, but then I'm sure I'll be back soon. There is an open mic session later that I'd have loved to stay for. I'm not sure if music nights are a regular thing here or not. Personally I like some music with my dogs and ale.

Rating (out of 7):7! The first one!

The Exchequer, Crondall Road, Crookham Village, Hants, GU51 5SU, UK

How does it feel?Great! There's been a recent refurbishment, and it's looking good. Modern interior, but still manages to keep hold of that country pub feeling. Very quiet inside today, I'm surprised as I'd of thought this place would pull a crowd on a lovely summers afternoon. Still relaxed though, I don't feel uneasy despite the lack of other customers.
Did they serve you ale in a glass?Yes, three Ringwood Ales to choose from. Not a bad selection at all.
Salty snacks/pickled eggs? I GOT AN EGG!




It came from a big jar, but it tastes like some from the local supermarket. Beggars can't be choosers though, what a delicious surprise! Egg...beer...sunshine. Happy!
Will you be sad to leave?
Yes! I wonder if we could set up a small commune in the beer garden. I could call this place home.
Rating (out of 7): 6. Eggtastic.

The Foresters, Aldershot Road, Fleet, Hants, UK

How does it feel? Relaxing....a Lovely Pint of Brown in a welcoming garden. Inside is nice too, quite quiet today but there's enough people to give the place an atmosphere. Seems quite child friendly, which today is a Good Thing.



However our youngest pub reviewer is getting some funny looks for his high decibel input to the blog.

Did they serve you ale in a glass? Yes, a fine pint of Doom Bar. I had fancied something a little different, but Doom Bar rarely disappoints.

Salty snacks/pickled eggs? Crisps etc, no eggs. When will I next get an egg! I know people rarely read this blog; but please if you happen to read this and own a pub - get some eggs in!

Will you be sad to leave? I don't think so. We only popped out for a walk and a beer, and both are now satisfied. I would like to come another day and stay a little longer though. Maybe try the food....

Rating (out of 7): 5. Lovely garden, lovely ale, no egg!