The Bankes Arms Hotel, Studland, Dorset.

How does it feel?
Definitely the best pub I've been to in a long time. This pub has it's own brewery, it's warm and friendly inside, and an amazing view across the sea from the beer garden.



Another plus is that dogs are allowed inside. That is normally a good sign.
Did they serve you ale in a glass?
Yes they did! So many delicious ales brewed right here to choose from. I went for a pale ale being that it's a very hot day. Pale ale can be a very hit and miss affair, but this one delivers! I wonder if they do brewery tours....
Salty snacks/pickled eggs?
No pickled eggs! I asked, the bar maid laughed! I surely cannot be the first person wanting to take in the beautiful view and delicious ale with a lovely pickled egg! Good menu though, but this is not a restaurant guide!
Will you be sad to leave?
Yes! I never want to leave.... Ok, well maybe one day, but not soon.

Rating (out of 7): 6******. If only I could have had an egg!

The Emporium, Fleet Road, Fleet, Hants.

How does it feel?Like a pub. Nothing special, just a pub. It's a thumping hotspot at night, but we're here on a sunny afternoon for lunch. Despite its weekend reputation it's actually alright during the day. Friendly staff, and fast service always help. Comfortable beer garden that catches the sun makes for a relaxed afternoon pint!

Did they serve you ale in a glass? Yes they did, but dry limited selection. They serve mojitos on tap if that gives you an idea of the type of place this is.

Salty snacks/pickled eggs? No eggs! Lunch was a wrap and chips though so the salt craving was satisfied.

Will you be sad to leave?
Not today. It was good whilst it lasted but it is time to go.

Rating (out of 7): 3***

The Links Hotel, Station Road, Fleet, UK

How does it feel? Familiar, but that's about as good as it gets. It's more like a sports bar, than a pub. Lots of large TV screens, and some pool tables. If that's what you're into, you'll probably be very happy here. If you're after a sit down and brown, it might be best to try somewhere else. When it comes to the toilet, this place feels outright unsafe. No locks!

Did they serve you ale in a glass Well no. Smooth flow just doesn't count. Lager just doesn't count either.

Pickled eggs/salty snacks? No eggs! The usual supply of crisps and nuts only. The food from the kitchen looks salty, but I'm not that hungry!

Will you be sad to leave?Nope. Unless something really weird and unexpected happens very soon.

Rating (out of 7):. 2 Just!

The Market Porter

How does it feel?Wow, busy! So much ale, this is a real treat! We've been forced outside due to the sheer popularity, but still I like it here. There is a peculiar smell, can't tell if it's the number of people here, or just the place. I'll try to get back here fora repeat review at a quieter time

Did they serve you ale in a glass Only if you stay inside. We told a little lie, to get ale in a glass, but the bouncer was quite astute, and quickly directed us back into the sanctuary of the Porter's own four walls.

Pickled eggs/salty snacks? So busy I didn't even ask. There is a tasty looking snack/sausage shop next door though.

Will you be sad to leave? Yes, so much ale to choose from, rarely do you find a pub with this variety. On the plus, there is a good curry house round the corner which is where we're headed.

Rating (out of 7):This is a hard one. Plenty of ale, good atmosphere, but nowhere to sit and so busy! Overall it's got to be a 5!

Location:Borough Market, London, UK

The Clifton, 16 Regent Street, Bristol, UK.

How does it feel? Smooth, and brown. It's got a kind of bistro vibe, but not in a bad way. Plenty of seating, and by the seems of things you can reserve a table if you are planning a visit.

Did they serve you ale in a glass? Yes, plenty of choice of ale and for those interested some exotic lagers. We were offered a choice of glass - with or without a handle, which was a nice option.




Salty snacks/pickled eggs?. Sadly no eggs, but a fine selection of nuts etc were available from jars behind the bar.

Will you be sad to leave? Actually yes, in a way. Its very comfortable and relaxing in here. Very quiet crowd tonight which helps the atmosphere. But I'm consoled by the fact there are plenty of other pubs to visit in this part of Bristol.

Rating (out of 7): Another 6! Well worth a visit.

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.