The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer, Bristol

A difficult place to choose a beer from their confusing wall board, after visiting some normal pubs. I thought I'd be a bit clever and walk to the bar and take a look along the handpumps on the bar, to choose an ale, but to no avail as there was no clips to be seen anywhere. Prices here were OTT, so only managed a half of Siren Undercurrent at £2.05. I asked the barmaid why not just call it two quid, she replied I don't do the prices and waltzed off.

Upmarket, modernised pub that won't appeal to everybody but at least there is some reasonably conventional seating near the front. Another room is located to the side, with our visit enlivened by a procession of some oddly-costumed people passing through the bar for a private function. Beer-wise, the eight anonymous handpumps and 12 plain craft keg taps allow for a wide range of styles, and my almost random selection of No 19 (£2.05 for a half) turned out to be Red Ink 100 Porter in good form.