The Portcullis, Stirling

A hotel, but with a fair-sized bar and room and a couple of Orkney ales on which were promptly served in good nick by friendly staff.

It can get busy with tourists in season, unsurprisingly, and you can expect to pay old town prices. All the same, this makes a better choice for refreshment when visiting Stirling castle than the castle's own eaterie.

16 Oct 2012 21:11

The Hillsborough Hotel, Sheffield

They brew a very fine Ebony Stout here which made it difficult to resist coming back a few times on the tram. It only cost �2.50 a pint too.

The staff are friendly, service is prompt, and the Sunday lunch is pretty good. About 10 or 15 minutes' walk from the other very good pubs in the Kelham area.

16 Oct 2012 21:04

The Red Lion, Histon

Spent an afternoon here with friends just after Christmas and was entirely satisfied. Two large rooms, the lounge heavily decorated with old local views, brewery parpahernalia, etc., as well as a real fire. Cosy. No children in evidence on my visit.

Half a dozen real ales on pump, including Bateman's XB and Adnam's Old Ale - both served in excellent condition. Bar service was prompt and attentive. A range of pub food staples (scampi and the like) is offered for circa �7/�8, which other members of the party said were good. I had the special for �9 and it was piping hot, quickly served, and very tasty.

All in all, a very good house, reflected by increasing patronage as the afternoon went on.

Bus no.8 stops almost outside, to and from the city centre and Cambridge railway station.

8 Jan 2012 13:33