Old Red Cow, Smithfield, EC1

I have in my notes that I was last here in March 2013. 10 years on and I can honestly say that I don't remember my previous visit. It's a noticeably small place with a tiny ground floor bar and further seating upstairs which I didn't investigate. The barman seemed on the grumpy side and served me a very cloudy Jimbo from Purity. I gave it a quick sniff and taste before walking away from the bar. It was still drinkable, but presumably coming to the end of the cask. A second cask beer was Mad Goose, also from Purity. Keg options included Fourpure IPA & Citrus Session, Magic Rock Murk-Life Balance, Lervig House Party, Purity Bunny Hop & Pulpt Flare. One young customer was sat at the bar and another group of punters all seemed to be young shipping magnates. Alternatively they just happened to have an unhealthy obsession with the shipping industry. I scored this pub a 7/10 on my last visit, but I'm not so impressed on this visit. Perhaps I'm getting harder to please as I get older?

Official site of Old Red Cow - www.oldredcow.co.uk