The White Horse Inn, Beverley

I had the pleasure of working in Beverley for a year or so, and Nellie's became my regular lunchtime watering hole. An amazing pub, gas lit, full of little nooks and crannies, real fires and real ales. The Sam Smith's is particularly good there and, although stronger than the John's, is a lot cheaper, and tastier to my mind.

It's a must-visit place for any ale lover who gets anywhere near Beverley. Try to avoid race days though, if you want to get near the bar.

14 Jul 2008 20:39

The One Eyed Rat, Ripon

It's rare to find a pub like The One Eyed Rat these days, but find it - if you love pubs and love beer. No music, no telly, just a great atmosphere and real ales to savour.

There are usually about six real ales on sale, and these change with startling speed. You try one, like it, and within a couple of days it's been replaced by another because the demand for real ales is so great. The blackboard behind the bar and over the real fire (in the winter) will tell you what's on offer and what delights are to come. It changes every day!

I'm giving it a perfect 10, because I can't think of a better real ale pub; and I used to live in Dudley, with the delights of The Beacon at Sedgley, Ma Pardoe's and the Bull and Bladder in Brierley Hill, amongst many others, to choose from.

14 Jul 2008 20:27