The Smoking Goat, Ayr

Basement bar whose entrance is hidden away in an alleyway just off the main road. There are a couple of different sections, but the bar itself is just off to the left as you enter the premises. We visited on a Tuesday evening, tempted by the menu of pizzas, burgers and the like. The Smoking Goat features in the latest Good Beer Guide as has Fyne Ales Jarl on as a regular beer, in addition to a guest beer, which was Fyne Ales Avalanche for our visit. I'd seen a poster for a local cider company on the staircase, one that I'd read had won the local CAMRA cider of the year competition. Sadly, it hadn't arrived in the pub yet. Nevertheless, my Avalanche was in good nick and I even indulged in a special cocktail advertised on the bar to honour a barman who was leaving that week. I'm not sure what was in it, but it was topped up with the keg beer Jubel (a peach lager). It was tasty, but seemingly quite strong. Tuesday is quiz night. Luckily we'd reserved a table, as it was quite a popular venue with the town's trendier youngsters, not all of whom were there for the quiz. TVs were showing Sky Sports News, whilst there was a modern soundtrack playing over the speakers. Our food was nice, if not a bit too filling, whilst both bar staff and waitresses were friendly and chatty. This is undoubtedly one of Ayr's best options for a drink.

Excellent cellar bar that has a hidden entrance from street level, lots of stone, candles, alcoves and fairy lights, plus good beer

Very inconspicuous side-street cellar bar that is very easy to walk past (as I did first time). Once located, it is gratifying to see that they have avoided the Gothic look; instead, the furniture and decor is relatively light and modern (with a few twists such as the milk churns for bar stools). Two cask beers on handpump: Fyne Ales Jarl and the local Ayr Jolly Beggars (£3.50, but rather disappointing).