Nags Head, Reading

Perfect example of how to run a pub - well worth seeking out. Outside the ring road and down a residential side street, they have done enough to make it worth the effort of a trip. 12 real ales on - they offer advice and testers. Pleasant boozy atmosphere, from the decor (loved the whisky tubes light fitting) to the games available. Proud of the Camra awards - a whole wall dedicated to the certificates. 2nd visit. I spent longer than expected due to being trapped by the first thunder storm of the summer. West Berkshire Old Boy in good form tonight. They now do rolls as well as pies! Visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2ueRF1J

I finally made it to one of the South's most famous pubs and was pleased to find that on an early Saturday afternoon it wasn't packed out. It's been described lots of times but it's a single square room with basic furniture that some people would probably call uncomfortable. It was Cup Final day so I found a seat away from the TV screen. By chance this happened to be at the strong end of the row of twelve hand pumps which had beers from all over the place. I noticed Bristol Beer Factory 12 Apostles, Dark Star Hophead, a Brewster's beer, a joint venture with the Uprising brewery and two from a brewery called Five Towns. I went for these, Nowt (£3.40) and Secret Life Of Arabica (£4.80) both of which were excellent stouts. I could easily have stayed for a third but it was getting busy and doing so would probably have impeded further progress. This is a genuine no frills ale house and I loved it.