Magpie

This pub over delivered in every way that the previous one did not. We walked in just after eleven to an empty pub but a warm welcome. The barman was reminded by the manager to draw off some beer before serving and to install a sparkler, giving a northern pour to our choice of a northern brewed beer.

The beer was cool, clear, fresh and very tasty. It was a new beer to the pub and the manager was interested in our opinion. He knew which brewery had brewed the beer even though the pump clip did not state it - it was Brian Turner Golden Ale - badged by the celebrity chef but brewed at Thornbridge.

He gave us the very sad news that Thornbridge Jaipur was falling off of the list of beers available in the autumn. I am all for choice and variety so I hope this fine beer is replaced with others from the Thornbridge stable (it's not really a stable you understand, more a brand new stainless steel emporium but you get my point).

We were never going to make this pub rich, we stopped for a quick half before our train, yet we were welcomed and bid farewell as though we were the most regular of customers.

I make no apology for saying again that the Nicholson chain of pubs are fast becoming among the most reliable in the capital.