The Pop Inn, Mansfield

Real ales and ciders are prominently advertised on the end wall of this pub, though there was only one ale on hand pump at the time of my visit - I didn't see any cider: perhaps a polypin would have become apparent on closer inspection. The three hand pumps showed signs of regular use, so it may have been just bad luck to find just Thwaites Lancaster Bomber represented on the bar. The beer was in good enough shape, but it seems likely that the clientele, represented on this occasion by a couple of lads in Nottingam Forest and Liverpool shirts, playing pool, are more likely to be lager drinkers anyway. It must be hard to try to break into the real ale market when you're just around the corner from a Project William pub, so the effort must be applauded. This one is not really a must-visit from the real ale point of view, though. Date of visit: 23rd January 2016