The Fat Cat, Norwich

Huge selection of real ales on pump and gravity, with a good mix of old favourites and new faces, plus belgian beers and fruit wines. This pub's only downside it its own popularity, although atmosphere is never lacking (but it can be quicker to get to the loo by going out of one door and in the other one, rather than alongside the bar). Also it can get very smoky, and with no food besides pork pies and cheese rolls, that's probably not going to change.

(PS - "Mark 2" is the Cider Shed, used to be the Wherry, to the north of the city.)

18 Dec 2006 18:12

The Hoop and Toy, South Kensington

Reasonably spacious, but perhaps slightly dingy in the corners and a bit smoky. Several real ales advertised but only one actually on. This pub served us well enough for a group meeting place before going on elsewhere.

A word of warning - avoid the "sharing platter" - four potato wedges and four oily chicken strips aren't much of a snack to share, especially not at �7 a pop. Nachos are far better, featuring surprisingly decent chilli.

18 Dec 2006 18:08