The Fountain Inn, Gloucester

As well as ticking pubs, I was also following the Tourist Information audio guide to the city - which was quite illuminating. This place got a mention as Gloucester's oldest brewery/pub dating from the C14th. Worth a listen, history fans - https://www.gloucestertours.co.uk/tours/city-centre-tour/fountain-inn/ Tucked down a gated alley way, there is a lovely external courtyard - which I imagine is very atmospheric at night. The building itself is low ceiling, with a long lounge wrapping around a bar. 7 cask on - mainly trad offerings from SW brewies like Jail Ale and Tribute. Tribute was fine. Full of pensioners dining and not a comfy seat to be found. I didn't really warm to this one as a drinking place but maybe would be better after dark.

As described below, this GBG regular is a friendly, welcoming establishment with decent beer and a convivial atmosphere. There was a large fight going on in the street outside, blocking the main door, but a helpful bystander directed us to the side door so we could enter without getting involved in the histrionics. Inside it was calm and pleasant. The staff went out of their way to entertain us, especially the young Scottish barmaid who has missed her vocation as a comedienne, while the solitary bar fly chatted and amused us for a couple of hours as well. Ales on were Jail Ale, Tribute, Stroud Brewery OPA, BBF’s Fortitude and Landlord. The ale was in excellent condition. The keg choices were Amstel, Madri, Guinness, Henry Weston’s, Thatcher;’s Haze, Stowford Press and Carling. An excellent inclusion in a town crawl.

Tucked away down an alley with a courtyard and quite a dark interior. 7 real ales and food served.

Old courtyard pub down an alley. Inside has a plush 80s vibe with carpeting, dark varnished wood trim, subdued lighting, a big sandstone hearth with wood burner and a selection of newspapers. There's also a neat little room in one of the outbuildings in the enclosed courtyard. Six cask from regionals - TT Boltmaker, St Austell Tribute, Hogs Back TEA, Dartmoor Jail (not cellared long enough for full flavour, NBSS 3), BBF Independence and Otter. GBG listed. The kind of place where you can while away a quiet afternoon.