The George Hotel, Salisbury

A nice looking building steeped in history (many a medieval king overnighted here). The inside is a place that might have been upmarket a few years back bit isn't now and is just dull, musty and gloomy. The main bar has black painted timbers and an unused hearth (with a cardboard box in it!). On the far left was a decent mirrored section with some cackling trainee fishwives in situ. Darts and pool room spotted. Three pumps with two on; St Austell Tribute which spluttered and died, and Doom Bar which neither looked, smelled or tasted of Doom Bar - some sort of nasty appley liquid which I dumped (NBSS 0.5) and which I squarely blamed for a bout of gut-rot a couple of hours later. Piss poor all round but could and should be the best place in town.

A fifteenth century town inn, with B&B accommodation, built on a structure dating from around 900 AD. It's reputed to have hosted various monarchs from Henry VIII to George VI. It was used as a HQ building by Cromwell's troops and most recently tried to be an internet cafe. It incorporates a small museum and is worth visiting for its history alone. The regulars were a decent bunch, but it was apparent that the landlord knows very little about beer. Ales vary, and on this occasion there was only Doombar on, which was freshly on so was still in very good condition. There's a lot to see and do here, so if the beer's ok, stay a while.

The George has an old-worlde feel to it and is a welcoming hostelry. On my recent visit, my 'vinegary' Old Speckled Hen was exchanged with no hassle (although the pump clip wasn't turned round) and the Hancock's HB was fine. The ubiquitous Doombar was also on sale. On buying a round, I was annoyed to see that not one beer was served in its proper 'named' glass. I do dislike drinking Doombar in a Guinness glass! It wouldn't take much improvement for my score to go to 8.