What I have noticed recently here, is that given the only ales available in 'mainstream' pubs is Doom, Pride, GK or - if you're lucky - Landlord, is the quality. It's never been so good, which I suppose just goes to show what happens if you reduce choice and increase throughflow. If only the choice were worth choosing...
After a recent trip to Putney I can now see where you're coming from, John. Lovely pubs, but the cask ales were, if not a second thought, certainly not a priority. I mean, if you don't take the trouble to find out how to make sure they are in top condition, they're obviously not a priority, right? Beers going on before they were ready, beers having no life left in them, beers that were called Youngs Ordinary, sorry Original. (Apologies that I hadn't previously understood what a serious abomination this beer is nowadays.)
And then I arrived at the Bricklayers Arms, where the beer was singing.
Come On You Hatters!