The Old Dungeon Ghyll - ODG - Langdale

 Ah, the ODG - the classic climbers pub in the heart of Langdale in the Lake District. Not to be confused with the New Dungeon Ghyll down the road which is its polar opposite.

This has to be one of my favourite places on earth. When we're in there, we've either just set up camp at the local National Trust campsite and are excitedly preparing for the exploits ahead of us, or we've just returned from off the mountains. If it's the latter, there is no beer sweeter than one you truly deserve!

Great range of real ales here. Always a good mix of the light and refreshing and the heavy and strong. Old Peculiar is always on tap, and that's what I'll be having, thanks! If even that doesn't pack enough kick, Old Rosie scrumpy cider resides at the end of the bar and at 7.3%, should provide the required buzz.

Food is regarded as fuel rather than gastronomic delight. There's usually a hearty stew or chilli on, and it's good stuff after a day on the mountains. The 'fly pie' (currant slice) is well worth buying to stick in your backpack the next day.

Occasionally there's music, but there's always good crack in the evenings. Walkers and climbers are friendly folk, and it's rare to leave the pub without having a conversation with someone you've never met before.

Rare viewing of an empty stall.

The Fat Lamb Country Inn - Ravenstonedale

 We popped into the Fat Lamb for lunch while driving around the beautiful, but underrated Sedburgh\Kirby Stephen area just below the Lake District.

It was pretty quiet as it was mid-week and we were a little early, but we were glad that our bellies had forced a diversion into the Fat Lamb as it turned out to be a classic example of a proper old country inn. Just a small bar, but plenty of seating and no doubt a much bigger kitchen. Lots of old hunting ephemera on the walls,as well as the odd rams head, plus a lovely warm fire.

They have their own nature preserve too, which was bought when a large parcel of land behind the pub went on sale and they saved it from getting into the hands of the local shooting fraternity.

Our sausage baguettes were really good, but I feel a bit ashamed not to have gone for something a bit more interesting, as the menu was gratifyingly unusual. Good beer and very friendly staff too. 

The Pilchard Inn, Burgh Island Devon

Just off the Devon coast near Bigbury on Sea lies Burgh Island. For much of the time, you can just walk across the sands to it, but at high tide your options point to the sea tractor. This is actually far more fun. I'll always remember the time we shared the tractor with a small orchestra dressed in their finest and carrying their instruments, ready to play at the art deco hotel looming over the pub.

The pub itelf was built in the 14th century and serves terrific crab sandwiches, best washed down with the local strong cider. In sunny months (are there any anymore?) the outside tables overlook the bay and are a great place to while away a few hours. The inside is even better, with thick walls providing cover from the most ferocious sea storms.

Unfortunately, the pub is now owned by the hotel and a significant part of the pub is now off limits to those who aren't hotel guests. This leaves one tiny side of the pub open to the public, which basically means this part is filled with a couple of tables and a queue for drinks. I find this attitude nauseating, to be honest, and it put me off staying at the hotel. (If you want to visit an amazing art deco hotel, visit the Midland in Morecombe instead).

So, a great British pub, spoiled by the attitude of it's owners.

Swan Inn Liverpool

Liverpool has it's fair share of great pubs, but you'd be forgiven for walking straight past the dubious-looking Swan on your way to check out the toilets in the 'Phil'. I first went in the Swan on my wife's insistance, as she'd spent many a debauched night there in her youth.

This is a rock/metal pub, and a real spit and sawdust type of a joint. The jukebox is loud and the first time I ventured over to it, I was met with dozens of disapproving eyes wondering what the straight-looking bloke was going to ruin their afternoons with. Fortunately I know my grunge/punk and managed to fill the air with something suitably brutal.

This may make it sound like like the type of place you should give a wide berth to, but it's actually a really friendly place. A real night out, get lashed and have a laugh type of place. You've got a far greater chance of getting into trouble at one of those god-awful city centre pubs where the blokes all drink small bottles of expensive yet crap lager and stink of Lynx deodorant.