I was brought up in a Kentish family where the mark of a consummate real ale drinker was the person at the bar buying the round was able to sink the first pint before the publican had drawn the last pint in the order. A bit like the 'bakers dozen' ~ one orders a pint more than there are people requiring drinks.

As someone who survived the 'Watney's Red Barrel' era by supporting small local breweries I pray English Ale is never faced with that terror again!

*hic*