The Old Buttermarket, Canterbury

Not wishing to end our tour of Kent's pubs in such a poor pub as the nearby City Arms, we moved on to this Nicholson's pub in the shadow of Canterbury's impressive (albeit scaffolded at present) cathedral. We sat in the dark and atmospheric front bar of the pub. There were undoubtedly further spaces to the rear that we didn't explore. On the beer front, Nicholson's outlets appear to have really gone downhill in recent years. I finally used the opportunity to sample my first St Austell Nicholson's Pale Ale, as neither London Pride nor Doom Bar appealed. It was better than I'd expected. But I won't be rushing to seek out another.

A small Nicholson's pub right in the heart of the tourist area, with the main draw being outdoor tables in the market square. Inside is a smallish bar with flock wallpaper and brass fittings, with a larger dining room behind. On handpump were London Pride, Summer Lightning, Doom Bar and Old Rosie, plus the house brew from St Austell.

Nicholson's pub with the name = the address, located in a prime position by the cathedral entrance. As traditional in appearance as you would expect, both outside and within, with a smallish bar at the front and a split-level arrangement of various dining areas further back with a separate servery. A (duplicated) bank of five handpumps can be found on each counter, dispensing the 'house' NPA, Doom Bar, Pride, Windsor & Eton Knight of the Garter and the seasonal Thornbridge Wild Holly (£4.35).

This historic pub is currently run by Nicholson's. Previous embarrassing incarnations as a trendy bar, drug den and scabby dive are long gone, and the pub is now an exceptionally pleasant place to enjoy excellent beer and averagely good food. Its location – right by the Cathedral gate – means it attracts a fair load of tourists. The original building, which dates fron the 14th Century, has been adapted and changed over the centuries, most recently with the addition of a slightly anomalous conservatory at the back, but it remains atmospheric and quaint for the most part. Five ales on – I had Hopdaemon Incubus and Leeds Brewery's Gathering Storm stout, both in superb condition. The staff were mixed – a slightly idiotic prepubescent male yoof who insisted on addressing everyone as 'guys' and a Rubenesque female who was charming, helpful and efficient, while the manager was professional and welcoming. Well worth a visit and inclusion in a crawl.

The Old Buttermarket page at the Nicholsons site - www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk