The Robert Hamilton, Airdrie

There were six handpumps on the counter, and a sign by the door advertised real ale. But alas the handpumps were a relic from the pub's Wetherspoons' days, as the sign was a clear misrepresentation as they no longer sell real ale. Although they open at 9.0 AM, they don't serve alcohol until 11.00. My companion and I arrived a few minutes before 11.00 and as we were drinking pints of Guinness the barman was prepared to start pouring our pints so that they would be ready to purchase at just after 11.00. Although it's no longer a 'spoons, it still has that 'spoons feel about it. Airdrie really is now a real ale desert now that the 'spoons has gone.

Larger-than-it-initially-looks 'spoons with a split-level interior housed behind an impressive stone façade. Not a lot of seating in the front bar area, but rather more up the central flight of stairs and the mezzanine above. Fairly restricted range of real ales from five of six handpumps, with the Kelburn Goldihops (£3.19) being the most interesting.