The Criterion, Weston Central, Weston Super Mare

Friendly locals pub that encourages loyalty. I know this, as overheard conversations were continuation from whatever banter was happening the night before. Sunday - and the round bar was hogged to completion by people sat at bar stools. A bored looking dog gnawing at the leg of one of them. Some interesting paraphernalia, including an ancient guide dog collection tin and more recent evidence of guide dog sponsorship. Good work, we approve. Proper Job (excellent, and branded glass) and tribute noticed.

On the street behind the seafront, so less frantic and has the feel of a local’s local. A sideways staple-shaped interior with a gently faded feel, much like the punters. You can spot 40 years of partial refurbs once you get your eye in and the piped 60’s music seemed apt. Of note is the attractive curved wooden servery and a cove area at the rear with a dart board (no sign of the bar billiards table mentioned in more aged reviews). Four decidedly unexciting cask over six pumps; 2x St Austell, Hobgoblin and Courage Directors, the latter of which was cool and fresh (NBSS 3.5) if a far cry from the beer it was years ago. Stan's cider, because West Country. A decent place that’s worth a pint – GBG’23 listed, and one of the few that justifies its place.

Old fashioned (in a good way) side-street pub on the higher ground to the north of the town centre. Narrow frontage, with a staple-shaped layout that rises a few steps up to the very traditionally furnished (and quiet) rear seating area beyond the busier bar. The decoration is also of a similar nature, apart from the flashing lights on the new-fangled slot machine. I found Courage Directors, Proper Job and an excellent Tribute (£4.00) being served from a total of seven handpumps on different parts of the counter.