"The beer (Everard's) isn't fit to mop the floor"

Sad to hear that. I used to like the odd spot of Tiger when I lived in Rutland and worked in Leicester. Not as good as Ruddles County, though -and there was a minor outcry when Everards took over Ruddles' pubs.

Now I don't have a local within walking distance. However, the two folk clubs I go to are in pubs - one owned by a sensational guitarist who is too shy to play anywhere outside his own premises, so started his own folk club. Brilliant range of real ales, brilliant location down by the river, brilliant music (when we've had a few). I only wish it was in my village.