Damn & blast, after my having erred & bought JS Smooth in ASDA I was looking forward to my promised Boxing day lunchtime pints down my local

Walked in at 1230, saw the 6x [my normal tipple] beer clip was turned round, run out , oh joy, the guest was HSB

Ordered a pint, as it was being pulled the pump gurgled ominously, I said that it did not sound to good, Karen [ co owner] went out back & came back with sorry news, run out of ale, next lot due late PM

Alternatives, could I really order a JS smooth after sinning badly & having a case at home? No

Lager? Bu66er that

Strongbow? Served too cold for me, I prefer ambient temperature and less gassy

Walk up the road, long walk in rain BTW, and even longer walk home, to the alternative which is now more of a a foody gastro pub now [Bird in Hand http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/14086/]

Solution was Guinness, not the icy stuff, the old style one. Did the trick but not what I was really looking for

I have just checked the Bird in Hand web site and found they have 3 real ales on, including the local Havant Brewery "Finished" which is Hampshire beer of 2009, and local to me http://www.lovedeanbirdinhand.co.uk/...?action=drinks

So maybe I will get along there over the Christmas break and sample the place now it has had a makeover

Every cloud / silver lining etc