The Empress, Romsey Town, Cambridge

Semi-traditional side-street pub, thankfully still doing reasonable business on a Thursday evening despite limited visibility to anybody apart from the locals who know where it is. Anyway, it retains a separate bar and lounge on either side of the entrance, but only the entrance to the former is in use. However, the largest seating and games area spans across the back. Three cask beers available from a bank of six handpumps: Doom Bar, Landlord and (thankfully) the Ripchord from BrewBoard (£5.60) as something a bit different.

Really nice back street local, probably finding it's way after a new team had to take over after the death of a former landlord, as I was told locally. Half a dozen hand pumps, with a cider, two nationally available beers (Landlord and Hophead) and a local beer from NVB. I went for the Dark Star, which was in very good condition. It was just after opening time when I was here, but I expect it gets busy later, as this looks like just the sort of inner city area that would embrace a pub like this.

A well-feted back street pub on the end of Victorian terrace. The pub appears to have spread from its original curtilage into the adjacent house, making it a large and very functional community hub. The interior is much as described by Malden Man, below, though part of the circuit – presumably the lounge to which he refers – is now laid out as a dining area. Pizzas are on offer but we didn’t eat so can’t comment on the quality. There is bar billiards, pool, darts, TV screens and an array of gaming machines to entertain people, but it’s real strength is as a boozer. Ales on were Landlord and Spring Knowle from Timothy Taylor, WB Manhatten Project, Nene Valley Egyptian Cream and Adnam’s Broadside, plus a cider on draught. The locals were reasonably friendly, though it was a bit annoying to be drowned out by gangs of unruly children whose parents’ petitions for proper behaviour went unnoticed. Screaming brats aside it was a pretty enjoyable visit, and I’d be happy to come back as part of a crawl or just for a few beers.