Common Ales

[RogerB]

Had a discussion down the pub on common ales which I thought would throw open to wider audience to compare it regionally. We had a few thoughts on whatt some of the regional nominations will be si it will be interesting to see what you all come out with.

Taking an imaginary freehouse with say, 4 hand pumps, what are the 4 worst ales that they could put on purely on the basis that they are found regularly everywhere else in your area? In London, I would have to say it would probably be Youngs Ordinary, Bombardier, London Pride and Greene King IPA.

[ETA]

Had a discussion down the pub on common ales which I thought would throw open to wider audience to compare it regionally. We had a few thoughts on whatt some of the regional nominations will be si it will be interesting to see what you all come out with.

Taking an imaginary freehouse with say, 4 hand pumps, what are the 4 worst ales that they could put on purely on the basis that they are found regularly everywhere else in your area? In London, I would have to say it would probably be Youngs Ordinary, Bombardier, London Pride and Greene King IPA.

For the Salisbury area I would only nominate 2 locals beers, Ringwood Best and Badger Best. We do see Landlord and Courage Best a fair bit, both of which I avoid if there's a choice.

[an_ecumenical_matter]

For the Salisbury area I would only nominate 2 locals beers, Ringwood Best and Badger Best. We do see Landlord and Courage Best a fair bit, both of which I avoid if there's a choice.

I wouldn't turn my nose up at Landlord being in every pub near me!!!!

Bristol was always Courage Best and Bass,but in recent years it seems a choice from Bath Gem,Sharps Doombar and Wells Bombardier.

[Conrad]

I wouldn't turn my nose up at Landlord being in every pub near me!!!!

Bristol was always Courage Best and Bass,but in recent years it seems a choice from Bath Gem,Sharps Doombar and Wells Bombardier.

Just to add Butcombe to that list, seems to be in any pub not doing the Doombar.

[Gann]

Had a discussion down the pub on common ales which I thought would throw open to wider audience to compare it regionally. We had a few thoughts on whatt some of the regional nominations will be si it will be interesting to see what you all come out with.

Taking an imaginary freehouse with say, 4 hand pumps, what are the 4 worst ales that they could put on purely on the basis that they are found regularly everywhere else in your area? In London, I would have to say it would probably be Youngs Ordinary, Bombardier, London Pride and Greene King IPA.

Yep, you've got it almost spot on for most London venues, with the possible exception of Old Speckled Hen replacing one of Youngs or CW Bombadier.
And if you replace the Youngs with Draft Bass, then you have my local Free House...

[Grailhunter]

Taking an imaginary freehouse with say, 4 hand pumps, what are the 4 worst ales that they could put on purely on the basis that they are found regularly everywhere else in your area?

In my neck of the woods it would be Greene King IPA and Old Speckled Hen, Marstons Pedigree and Brakspear bitter.
Strange really, years ago when it was brewed in Henley you couldn't get Brakspear in Oxford for love nor money. Now it's brewed by Wychwood it's as common as anything (and not as good !!). Brakspear special used to be my favourite beer.

[aleandhearty]

what are the 4 worst ales that they could put on purely on the basis that they are found regularly everywhere else in your area?

I wouldn't turn my nose up at Landlord being in every pub near me!!!!

In West Yorkshire we're probably talking John Smith's, Tetley's, Black Sheep Bitter and Landlord. Although, as AEM suggests, my heart never sinks when I see that green pump clip.Had a session on Landlord last Thursday that re-confirmed how good it is, when it's on form.

[oldboots]

what are the 4 worst ales that they could put on purely on the basis that they are found regularly everywhere else in your area?

North Yorks isn't much different to West Yorks. In order of the amount of depression their appearance engenders, most depressing first:-

Tetleys Cask
John Smiths Cask
Theakstons Best
Black Sheep Bitter

Ironically each brewer makes much better beers (except John Smiths now they've stopped Magnet), as examples; Tetley Mild, Theakstons XB and OP, Black Sheep Ale and Riggwelter. Taylors Landlord is pretty freely available but my heart only sinks when I taste a bad pint of it. Even Greene King makes Strong Suffolk and St Edmunds.

[Farway]

Round here it is Fullers London Pride & HSB, with a smattering of Ringwood "guesting"

Not that I mind as the LP & HSB are decent pints in the main

[ROBCamra]

In general we don't have the same problem around us. GK IPA gets a look in of course but
the most common beers around Rochdale are probably both from Phoenix, Navvy & Arizona and I don't mind a pint of either.