I wasn't going to say this but now you have raised it I don't think that reviews from more than two years ago prove anything about the current real ale situation.
The only Sam Smith's pub I want to revisit is the Princess Louise. I remember when Watney's gave it up and it became a free house as I was working nearby at the time. If this place, the Cittie of York or Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese got rid of cask then it would be a travesty.