The Sportsman, Darnall, Sheffield

On a more recent visit, there appears to have been a change of licensee. There are no longer any hand pumps on the bar and I was told that there is no call for real ale.

Just one real ale was available here when we called in, the other hand pump being naked, but what a beer - and what a price! The landlord is apparently an enthusiast and frequently has low-priced real ales on offer. This one was Concertina Supreme, a 4.5% pale ale, in superb condition and only £1.10 a pint. We'd been on halves up to this point, but felt obliged to drink a full pint on this occasion. Only about 10 minutes' walk from the Carlton and five from the Don Valley, it's well worth the additional effort if you're in this part of town. The front door admits to the main room, with a games room (pool table) to the left. The walls and fake stone chimney breast are covered with photos of motor bike racing and boxing, and there's a collection of helmets on the back wall. It's a comfortable room and was well populated by a number of regulars who were drinking lagers, smooths and bottles and totally ignoring the brilliant real ale. We'll be back!