Williams Ale & Cider House, Bishopsgate, E1

I had high hopes for this place and there was a good choice of 10 keg beers. Unfortunately only 1 lonely handpull in operation with a handwritten badge saying "Solid Gold". Being the adventurous type I took a chance and it wasn't a bad pint. Very friendly service but I expected a bit more choice of cask ale. According to the barman they had struggled with deliveries due to the recent "petrol panic buying" and this seemed a good enough reason. I will certainly call in again when I am next in the area.

This place has a history going back to at least the late 18th century and was known as the Ship until around 1980. A first in here the other night, and as mentioned, it's a bit like a cellar bar with the actual bar running down part of the left wall, all of which is bare brick. The floor is modern bare boarded and there is a divide of sorts as there are in effect two bare brick rooms separated by brick arches. The second half has opposed semi-booth banquettes, probably for eating. There's an upright piano though I don't know if it's used. There are a couple of TVs but these were off, even during an Arsenal match so it's clear that unlike the Woodins Shades and especially the Kings Stores, this isn't a sports bar; music played at a sensible level. There's a large array of keg taps and in addition, seven pumps - my half of Truman's Lazarus was very steep at £2.50 and it was also too cold. This isn't a bad place and light-years better than the Kings Stores but it's very pricey and the beer wasn't in brilliant condition but it's worth a visit.

Despite being a street level, this place has something of a cellar feel to it, with much bare brick and dim lighting. Not unpleasant however and more of a local feel than most in the area. The front bar has a splendid selection of 7 casks and 9 decent keg beers (or thereabouts), while the rear part of the bar has 7 handpumped ciders and perries. Breweries represented included By the Horns, New River, Trumans and Old Dairy as well as a couple of GK. At the back are a couple of dartboards and the odd sports TV.