Masonic Arms, Belle Vue, Shrewsbury

I wasn't planning to call in here, but it looked like quite an interesting corner building as we walked past. Unfortunately, the partly opened-out interior turns out to be more of a sports-bar type, with various TV screens in the two seating areas and a pool table in the back part. On the other hand, I found three of the four handpumps in use, offering Doom Bar, London Pride and Shropshire Gold from Salopian (£1.55, half).

Never take tips from taxi drivers: ours mentioned, on the way to the Prince of Wales, that this was a better pub: it is not. What it is is a sports bar with half a dozen large TV screens and a lively atmosphere on a Saturday lunchtime. I was distressed to see young lads sitting on the pool table and placing their pints on the playing surface. On the plus side, there were three hand pumps: I went for the St Austell Tribute which was OK, but I didn't stay long as this is not my sort of pub; at least, not on a Saturday afternoon it's not.

Called in here last night. Walked past the cask marque sign and the advert for real ale. Two handpumps, no real ale. Didn't stay for a pint, no real beer = no pint for me, especially as there were only about 3 people in the bar. Not impressed on this visit, may try again in a few weeks.