The Crown, Grove Road, London, UK.

How does it feel? Nice! Small inside, but comfortable seats with cushions! Views out across the park help me forget I'm in the East End of London. I also like places where all the furniture doesn't match.

Did they serve you ale in a glass? Yup, Doombar is on offer here. It's good to see this ale growing in popularity, and available outside the West Country.

Salty snacks/pickled eggs? I didn't indulge, but they had nuts etc in jars behind the bar. I did eat here, and the food was exceptional.

Will you be sad to leave? I think so, I'm enjoying my sit down in here.

Rating (out of 7): 6. Friendly and helpful staff always add to the rating. Dogs were allowed in as well which is also a plus point.

Three Tuns, Broad Street, Hay on Wye, Hereford, UK

How does it feel? Good! A pub of two halves. One side is cosy, full of wood and stone, the other quite airy. Relaxed place to escape all the excitement in the town of books.

Did they serve you ale in a glass? Two ale choices, both from the Wye Valley Brewery. I am told with good authority that this is the only place in the world where Butty Bach is delicious! I enjoyed it enough to have two.

Salty snacks/pickled eggs?. Only high quality crisps on offer here, including the previously undiscovered Stilton and Grape flavour.

Will you be sad to leave?
Probably, but we are yet to eat so may be here some time yet.

Rating (out of 7): For a beer and a sit down this is a 4. A disappointing wait for food, but this isn't a restaurant review so I won't let that influence the rating. I think they struggled with our large group, when the food arrived it was delicious.

The Crab and Dragon, Frimley Road, Camberley, Surrey, UK

How does it feel? Wow, this is a hard one. First appearance wasn't good, it's one of those modern re-fits which are not normally my first choice. The refit was possibly a year or so ago by the seems of things. However as I settle in, it is ok. There's lots of leather seats. You know how a schnauzer's fur is softer than it looks, it feels like that.

Did they serve you ale in a glass? Yes!

When I walked in I expected that a 'cream flow' affair would be the closest to ale that I would get. I was pleasantly surprised to find they seemed to have Young's as standard, with a couple of others available. However the focus seems to be on the yellow stuff.

Salty snacks/pickled eggs? McCoys again! Might just be me, but my boat won't float on a sea of crumpled crisps. Peanuts were available but I didn't even ask for an egg, it just didn't seem worth it.

Will you be sad to leave? Not tonight, but I am quite enjoying my sit down and brown here. First impression aside, I'm actually having a nice time.

Rating (out of 7): Again only a 3. I'm really stuck on the fence with this. Maybe I'll come back another day, maybe not.

The Thatch, Hobbs Hill, Croyde, Devon, UK

How does it feel? Like I haven't been away! This is sadly only a holiday haunt for me, but it's always welcoming. It's like your own front room, but looking like a pub, with more people, and a consent supply of surfing videos. It's a plus being here out of season, able to find a seat and order drinks easily.

Did they serve you ale in a glass? Oh my yes! A whole host of St Austell ales on draught. I could stay here a while.

Salty snacks/pickled eggs? Sadly no eggs, but legendary nachos. The chef does to nachos what Jesus did to fish. I can't believe that was one serving!

Will you be sad to leave? Yes, but luckily I'm on holiday and will be back tomorrow. Maybe even later on today.

Rating (out of 7): It's got be a 6 from me.

The Manor, St Mary's Road, Croyde, Devon, UK.

How does it feel? Like when you walk into a pub, and everyone looks at you, except there is no-one else here. Totally deserted. It is a Monday afternoon out of season though. Otherwise a comfortable bar area and a large restaurant. Unless anyone else turns up I doubt we'll stay to test the menu.

Did they serve you ale in a glass? Yes, a few decent ales on offer. Nothing inspirational though on this front.

Salty snacks/pickled eggs? Just the usual selection of crisps etc. Nothing stands out here either. Again there is a menu for snacks.

Will you be sad to leave?I hope I do get to leave, pubs this empty always freak me out.

Rating (out of 7): I'll give the benefit of the doubt, and offer a 2. Reasonable ale, and probably ok when there are more/some people.