520. 05-01-91 LONDON W14 - WEST KENSINGTON: COB; WPR; Anth. Pubs in Warwick Road were surveyed. The WPR got lost and took 40 minutes to get from Earl's Court to the first location, the "WARWICK ARMS" (Fullers), although it was only half a mile. Anth arrived later. Large Yorkshire pudding had by WPR. The party next moved 2 doors along to the "BRITANNIA TAP" (Youngs), which the COB and WPR had previously visited when the WPR had moved flat. Loud Guinness salesmen singing salesmannish songs. Horrible. After a final drink in the "RADNOR ARMS", claiming to be the only Everards pub in London, Anth went home and the WPR took up the COB's kind offer of a bed for the night.

521. 08-01-91 LONDON SW16 - STREATHAM: SAR & N; WPR, COB, GR, SOS (not Greyhound). The meeting was opened in the "GREYHOUND" where the GR and COB arrived first. The SAR and WPR independently rejected the Special, although the GR had already consumed half a pint, which was not refunded. Strong was then had instead. Members then struggled through adverse weather conditions to the "PIED BULL" where there was a welcoming atmosphere. Activation of ceiling fans by radio control was noted and applauded. There was a delay in providing Baked Potatoes. Then the "BEDFORD PARK" was visited; an improved atmosphere after renovation by Youngs; uncrowded. The SOS gave the WPR a lift, and the COB chased after a 49 bus, leading a puzzled GR.

522. 11-01-91 LONDON SW15 - PUTNEY: WPR; BS. Evening meeting to introduce the BS to South London and also discover some new pubs in Rick's territory. "SPOTTED HORSE" (Youngs): Good as usual. "JOLLY GARDENERS" (Fullers): Olde worlde - dual identity toilet door. A salubrious pub. Different aspects displayed between lunch time (chaps with baccy and books) and evening (lively). "QUILL" (Charrington): Went into dull garden bar - crossed to luxurious saloon bar. "HALF MOON" (Youngs): BS not keen - "common". WPR enthused about old 60s acts on. BS joined in feeling old by going on about how he liked sitting by the heater. "DUKE'S HEAD" (Youngs): Large, overlooking river, seats by gas (log) fire. "STAR AND GARTER" (Courage): Various artifacts overhead including a number of signs such as "A bird in the hand is safer than one overhead" and "Be obscure clearly". Felt to be a young person's pub by the BS. Halves had. "KING'S ARMS" (Charrington): On a corner of New Kings Road. Halves had. Final drink had in a now forgotten establishment nearby.

523. 19-01-91 LONDON SW1 - VICTORIA: COB; WPR, Anth; Kevin (from Xionics). Sat in "Pie and Ale" bar of "ORANGE BREWERY" and drank pints of SW1 and Pimlico light. COB declared this to be his current favourite pub on grounds of price and quality of beer and lack of heavingness. Members took two hours over the Guardian Prize Crossword, almost finishing it.

524. 25-01-91 LONDON W2 - PADDINGTON: WPR; BS, COB. A complex and extensive review of facilities in the Paddington area. "DICKENS INN" (Watneys), London Street. Recommended. Narrow but practically endless - 5 bars end on end. WPR and BS present. Plenty of room, quite good - used as a starting point before. Curious lady emptied her purse and carrier bag on the table and kept trying to sell the contents - doll's wig, smoke alarm etc. Sales pitch went, "What is this? Huh? Do you want it for �5?" Very dubious. "SUSSEX" (Tetley), London Street. Largish single bar, fizzy Watney beer. COB arrived. "SAWYERS" (Watneys), London Street. Recommended. The "pub of many levels" - bar upstairs and downstairs, very cosy. All wooden panels and wooden railings overlooking central area. "PRIDE OF PADDINGTON" (Watneys), Spring Street. Very Large L shaped bar, bright and modern but not much character. Trivia Machine. Watneys again. Trains rumbling underneath - not sure whether Circle of Bakerloo. COB went for curry, while BS and WPR continued research. "MITRE" (Courage), Craven Terrace + Moriarty's downstairs bar. Recommended. Preceded by a visit to Burger King for the BS where the WPR had his SECOND meal of the day. WPR located toilet and superior area of pub - 2 fires in a "drawing room" style area. Food available. 2 Gents toilets behind each other, Back-illuminated fish on walls. "WHITE HART" (Courage), Brook Green Mews North. Totally different atmosphere, council estate, although only 30 yards from the previous pub. "THE SWAN" (Ruddles), Bayswater Road. Large garden at the FRONT - excellent for inhaling car fumes (previously experienced by SLBS). Good coal effect gas fire (fooled the BS); food looked good; time around 9:00. L shaped bar, fairly loud music, pleasant decor. Service brusque and perfunctory. "ARCHERY TAVERN" (Free), Bathurst Street. COB - preferred. The COB rejoined the meeting and partook of 560 ml of 6X. More crowded and lively. COB speculated that this was where Carrington sorted out Zimbabwe. "VICTORIA" (Fullers), Strathearn Place. Recommended. Claimed "Queen Victoria came here for a pint after declaring Paddington Station Open". Had some sort of atmosphere, reflecting the proximity of Burns Night. Food at 22:10. Crowded. BS getting boisterous. "MONKEY PUZZLE" (Charringtons), Sussex Gardens. Not recommended. Modern 80s style pub, universally reviled. "ROYAL STANDARD" (Taylor Walker), Sale Place. Recommended. Very dark and dingy, appropriate for winter night. Not crowded. Nice atmosphere - spears around doorway, medieval tapesstries, castle towers above spirits. Computerised till "running under DOSH". WPR knocked COB's beer over. BS finished WPR's beer. "ROYAL EXCHANGE" (Free), Sale Place. COB - preferred. Unnecessarily bright, fairly small and bustling, with another fish tank. BS finished WPR's beer again.

525. 02-02-91 LONDON - HAMMERSMITH RIVERSIDE: SOS; WPR. "DOVE" (Fullers): London Pride for WPR, ESB for SOS. Many Trivia facts distinguished this place: (a) it is called "THE DOVE" from Middlesex but "THE DOVES" when viewed from the Surrey station; (b) it contains the smallest bar room, 4'2" x 7'10". This was inspected by the SOS but rejected on the grounds that someone was already in there; (c) the landlord's name was displayed with excessive prominence; (d) Rule Britannia was written there (after a good session probably). Altogether a deservedly popular historic pub, with 4 bars, although the total size was around the same as 1 bar of a normal pub. Difficult to get to, on Upper Mall, north side of Thames, quarter of mile west of Hammersmith Bridge. Recommended by WPR - but get there early, as fills up quickly. Nearer Hammersmith, "RUTLAND" (Chef and Brewer): Ruddles Best for WPR, Half of Ruddles County for SOS. Much more empty, especially unattractive bar at back with gas stove. Unusual mix of music - Sex Pistols hits merging seamfully into 90s dance music then T. Rex. More oak beams, etc. Sign outside only 42% functional, saying "AND". Further towards Hammersmith, "BLUE ANCHOR" (Courage). Candles on table, friendly bar staff very interested in checking write-up in London Pub Guide. Lots of banknotes above bar, US $2 note pointed out by barman, also noted were 100 Romanian lei and 2 Polish notes - enthusiastically guided round collection by barman. The drinking was followed by a bus trip (interrupted by an over-zealous driver) to Chiswick Park for an Indian meal.

526. 03-02-91 LONDON W14 - WEST KENSINGTON / SW1 - VICTORIA: COB; Anth, BS, WPR. The COB prepared lunch for members and Iona; a pre-lunch meeting was held in the "FRIGATE AND FIRKIN", W14; beer mats were taken. The COB asked for half a pint, got a whole pint and drank half of it. Then back to the COB's place for a 3 course meal of stuffed mushrooms, moussaka and fruit. In the evening a bus ride to "THE ORANGE BREWERY", SW1 was taken by the COB, BS and WPR. Pimlico bitter and lager were had, to end an alcoholic day.

527. 07-02-91 LONDON W2 - PADDINGTON: WPR; Chair, Rick, Judy. Members met in "THE DICKENS" amid appropriately Dickensian scenes on a very cold and snowy night. The WPR led the freezing party through deep snow to one of the 11 other pubs he had recently researched, namely "THE MITRE", which had warm fires. However, it was so cold outside that members spent all the time getting up and shutting one of a series of doors at the other end of the pub, eventually resorting to piling up furniture against it.

528. 09-02-91 CITY OF LONDON, KING'S CROSS, ISLINGTON: WPR; BS, SOS. The WPR had decided to take snow pictures only to find that the BS and SOS had both bought new cameras and also had the same idea. They met in the West End and fed birds in Trafalgar Square. The SOS looked terrified but bore up bravely. A photographic tour of Whitehall, St. James's Park and Piccadilly Circus was undertaken, followed by the "Man Fu Kung" Restaurant for a late lunch where the SOS displayed admirable command of local custom as he dealt with an immediate logjam of trolleys all trying to sell members food. Then down to the Embankment where the WPR kept out of a snowball fight between the BS and SOS. Becoming worried about fading light, members went on to the Tower area and then to the "TIGER INN", where they remarked that they had spent the whole day up until then not going into pubs. The SOS departed and the BS and WPR then made up for this omission. The BS, turning down the WPR's suggestion of a ride on the DLR, led the WPR to King's Cross where two new pubs were sampled. " THE DUKE OF YORK" - large, quite good. "RAILWAY" - Customers and staff who were all ex train drivers, discussed various railway jobs they had applied for. Two small bars, ordinary. Then an old favourite of the WPR, the "WATERSIDE INN", where the canal outside was frozen. Finally a new favourite of the BS and WPR, the "RAILWAY TAVERN", for a late night drink, followed by a snow lump fight between the BS and WPR which made up for the WPR's earlier lack of contact with snow.

529. 26-02-91 LONDON SE1 - SOUTHWARK: SAR & N; WPR, Sec, BS; Bison and Patricia. The meeting took place in the crowded lower bar of the "ANCHOR" where members nostalged about previous riparian meetings. The WPR became unusually inebriate and began to brag about the more sordid events in his life.

530. 02-03-91 LONDON SW2 - STREATHAM: WPR & N; SAR, COB; Bison and Patricia. The meeting took place in "J.J.MOON'S" (J.D.Wetherspoon). The pub was spacious, popular, decorated with a variety of ethnic appendages and boasted library facilities. The WPR presented a geographical document about Milton Keynes, which he had visited that afternoon, and as a result, members dedicated themselves to the finding of an anagram of the same. "The Universal Book of Hobbies and Handicrafts" (which did not appear to include drinking as a hobby) was examined and provided the party in previously unimagined ways, viz. how to run a rhubarb race, how to prevent attack by attacking yourself first, how to throw off an assailant from your running board, and how to balance several men on a pole. The COB expressed brief comments about Florida, the place he recently visited, and Patricia reported that "it was really nice being with the group in this PUB. Lots of fun". The meeting closed at 22.41.

531. 03-03-91 LONDON SW15 - PUTNEY: WPR; Chair, SOS; Marta, Anna, Emily. A long-heralded reunion with Marta and her retinue held in the "STAR AND GARTER", Lower Richmond Road at lunch time. The Chair was suffering from the effects of the previous night. Discussion re: Poland, and attempts to speak Polish (and English, for some non-members).

532. 07-03-91 KENTISH TOWN / TUFNELL PARK: WPR; Rick, BS, Sec. Members met in the "ASSEMBLY HOUSE", Kentish Town Road - large and very dull before continuing to the "TOWN AND COUNTRY CLUB", Highgate Road, for a "Ride" concert. An enjoyable, if ear-bludgeoningly loud, performance of neo-psychedelia was then enjoyed from the relative comfort of the former cinema balcony, accompanied by steady consumption of Pils and regular lager. The Sec's cap was utilised in a novel way, to cover an obtrusive table lamp. Following the concert, members stopped on the way home at the "BOSTON ARMS", for further lager and alternative musical entertainment in the form of a jazz band featuring TV's Chris Searle on drums and a dirty-raincoated saxophonist alleged by Rick to be an off-duty Judge.

533. 14-03-91 LONDON - KING'S CROSS: WPR; Sec. London Drinker Beer Festival, held in the "CAMDEN CENTRE" which was in fact in King's Cross. A very hard-core occasion, with members negotiating Spartan facilities and hugely bestomached CAMRA veterans to sample halves of Eldridge Pope Dorchester Bitter, Moles Bitter of Melksham, Morrells Graduate bitter from Oxford, Fullers London Pride, Ringwood Best Bitter and Goldfinch Tom Brown's Best Bitter of Dorchester. All of these met with approval in their diverse ways except the last, which had a virulently soapy aftertaste.

534. 16-03-91 LONDON N6 - HIGHGATE: COB; Patrick, WPR, BS. A largely forgotten meeting in "THE CROWN".

535. 23-03-91 KENT - HIGH HALSTOW: WPR; Sec. A motorised tour of North Kent included a beer garden lunch in High Halstow in a pub which was called the "RED DOG", despite sign showing a brown dog.

536. 26-03-91 READING / BANBURY: Chair; WPR. The Banbury meeting got off to a false start as the "Dorset Scot" from Reading was cancelled, so the Chair and WPR passed the time in the "BLAGRAVE ARMS". On reaching Reading, "THE UNICORN", near Market Place was visited. Fizzy bass displayed but good cask conditioned version available on request. Chair had Guinness. Failed at quiz machine. "THE OLDE REINE-DEER" (Hook Norton), Parson Street. "Italian Bar Staff" less effusive than compatriots - must have picked up local manner. Genuine coal fires. Generally like a twee olde pub fallen on hard and sordid times. Bits of animals stuck on walls. Gloom led to discussion re poor economic prospects for UK plc and repercussions on members. Reasonable beer, though. After this, the "DOG AND GUN" (M&B) (Smart dress required) was entered but quickly retreated - too much plastic and fizz. "WHATLEY ARMS HOTEL", near Banbury Cross. Courage and Hook Norton had. Large comfy sofa full of businessmen, who left soon after the SLBS arrived. A food stop was made at the "Deep Pan Pizza" for deeply explosive pizze featuring 7 toppings all tasting of chili. Members left a boiled egg on an adjacent table. SLBS, sole customers at this time, were served by Kelly, or Nelly, or similar. A non bacchanalian visit to the Banbury tourist museum to view a fascinating display celebrating the advent of the M40 was followed by a flying visit to the "WHEATSHEAF" (M&B). Both members left their pints unfinished. Noisy gaming room, full of locals. Packet of drugs from chemist handed to one of them by bar staff: "Your mum says 'take them this time'". The final establishment researched was "THE SWAN" (Courage), with Strauss music on speakers (Blue Danube) followed by frantically played music ("The way we were"). The Chair won on the fruit machine.

537. 29-03-91 LONDON N1 - ISLINGTON: BS; WPR. Good Friday. "THE ECLIPSE" (Charrington), Barnsbury Road. Reputed late night haunt, but visited this time at 7:00. "Inter-war" decor. SLBS comprised 50% of custom. Horseshoe shaped bar with darts room and trophies at end; lugubrious saxophone and strings muzak; members' half pints IPA decanted from one glass. "KING OF DENMARK" (Whitbread), Cloudesley Road. Everything that's wrong with a pub, and all in one place! Awful muzak, rotten furniture, fizzy beer (2 halves Whitbread Poacher), ancient "locals" in raincoats coughing into their Guinness. Landlord craftily saving electricity by removing lights from Gents toilets. "GEORGE" (Greene King), Liverpool Road. Recommended. 2 halves Rayments special and loud jukebox playing Abba and Bowie. Good old-fashioned decor - books above bar. Greene King Abbott on sale. Area for live music. "MINOGUES" (Courage), Liverpool Street. 2 halves John Smiths - Directors was off. A late strong contender for the title "most pretentious pub in London". Of the hundreds of Irish pubs in London, this was "Irish" with a difference. Celtic decoration, surprisingly crowded, ludicrously expensive bar, posey restaurant with menu to match ("Minogue's" prefacing every item"), surprisingly pleasant live music, and inevitable "fir" and "mna" for toilets - never again! Says a lot for the population of N1 that this was the only crowded pub. "WINDSOR CASTLE", Liverpool Road. Recommended. 2 halves Pedigree. Very good "pub" atmosphere. Delicious looking menu (mixed grill �5.50) but not enough time to sample. Quiz machine and very noisy fruit machine. Large CD jukebox not being used. "FOX AND FIDDLE", Liverpool Road. 2 halves Websters. Nice pub but real ales were off (Ruddles). Eurosport on TV - very soggy game of American football. Sole "railway compartment" occupied by members. "RAILWAY" (Fullers). Recommended. As good as always. Pubs spurned were the "CLOUDESLEY ARMS" - another Whitbread, and "REGENTS OF ISLINGTON" - tasteless nightclub type pub with stupid dark, coloured lights.

538. 30-03-91 LONDON W11 - NOTTING HILL: COB; WPR. The "EARL OF LONSDALE" (Sam Smith), Westbourne Grove: large with non smoking conservatory, but sat in very smoky main bar with yobs. "SUN IN SPLENDOUR" (Charrington), Portobello Road: more normal pub preferred by WPR.

539. 06-04-91 SOUTH WIMBLEDON: Rick; Judy, John, BS, WPR; Simon (future BRA), other members of Rick's band. Rick's band played 3 sets in "THE GROVE" opposite South Wimbledon station. The music was well received and the house packed, with a late night bar until 12:30.

540. 07-04-91 ESSEX - LEIGH ON SEA: WPR; SOS. The WPR drove the SOS on a tour of Canvey Island, SOS itself, Leigh on Sea and Burnham on Crouch. In the "SMACK", the SOS had Crouch Vale SAS, and both members admired the static view of where the sea might have been had it not been a mile away.

541. 13-04-91 LONDON N19 - UPPER HOLLOWAY: WPR; COB, Anth. Members gathered in "THE DOG" (Wetherspoons), Archway Road. Small "local" pub probably not very much changed from pre-Wetherspoon days. Yards of ale attempted by customers, some successfully. Charity events for the local hospital featured beds with bandaged patients. All beers were 99p. The WPR sampled: Butcombe Bitter (From Bristol) - strong bitter taste, recommended; Marston Border Exhibition - quite good, not as bitter; Wadworth 6X; Youngers Scotch Bitter - noticeably weaker taste. The COB bought a raffle ticket but left before the raffle, to get to Chicago. Anth arrived late after going go Holloway instead.

542. 18-04-91 LONDON NW1 - CAMDEN TOWN: WPR; Sec. Avian expedition. Members met in the "OLD EAGLE", Royal College Street. Cold and seedy; not as remembered by Sec when a regular in 1978. Locals at front but members sat at back. Sec didn't find WPR at first and stood outside. Freezing cold so moved to nearby "EAGLE", Royal College Street. 2 bars with entrances in separate streets - saloon bar chosen. 19th Century iron columns; less shabby than outside appearance would suggest. Finally the "DUCK INN" - worth revisiting. Shabby exterior revealing lively "young" but not too young interior. Much the pleasantest venue of the evening. Followed by failed attempt to find the "HAWLEY ARMS".

543. 20-04-91 LONDON N1 - ISLINGTON: WPR; BS. Mainly Upper Street. "ANGEL AND CROWN" (Whitbread). Two disparate bars. One was finishing an obviously long session prompting the bar staff to encourage its early termination, while in the other the WPR was the first arrival followed by the BS and later a friendly dog which became obsessional about squeezing past the table where the party were sitting. Local maps consulted and pubs identified. Pints of Whitbread and Heineken. "FOUR SISTERS" (Courage). Recommended. Looked very unassuming from the outside - BS didn't realise it was a pub. Inside was very comfy and quiet! Party were second and third customers and the jukebox was not playing. 2 good pints of Courage best were enjoyed. "Directors on Hand Pump" advertised in stained glass. Sepulchral atmosphere encouraged whispered conversation. "HARE AND HOUNDS" not visited - sordid in the extreme and looked like someone's kitchen. "FLORENCE". 2 halves Youngs Special. Comfy unassuming corner pub - standard, empty, nothing special. "ROYAL MAIL". Largish, long and narrow with Dylan, Stones on jukebox - louder at back than at front. 2 halves Websters. Nevertheless fairly lively but party made headlong exit when "3am" disco mix came on jukebox. Members were overshadowed by an enormous white piano (unused). "ALMEIDA" Wine bar selling bottled beer only - not patronised. "CROWN AND ANCHOR". 2 halves Ruddles keg beer, unmemorable pub. Pool table by door. "HEMINGFORD ARMS". Recommended. Old haunt of BS and WPR and especially Rick (absent). Crowded; discreet music praised by BS. Various ales on offer; 2 halves Boddingtons had. Plenty of artifacts hanging around. Large waggon wheel by door. "RAILWAY" (Fullers). Recommended. Old favourite. Crowded night - standing room only. Met a friendly local who had been taken to all of the local pubs - i.e. the ones the BS and WPR had been to.

544. 23-04-91 WEST END: Chair; WPR. St. George's Day. Apologies received from SAR - didn't want to go out - and BS - suffering from effects of previous night. "SHERLOCK HOLMES", Craven Street. The Chair won and lost a fortune in 5 minutes on a fruit machine. Bar became progressively more crowded but members performed their usual trick of causing sitting guests to flee their tables on the SLBS's approach. Chair noted tree still there outside but adjacent building had moved, demolishing the surrounding wall. "QUEEN MARY", Thames (Embankment). 2 lagers had on deck. Passing launches rocked the boat causing members to feel drunker than they really were. Then made their way, belching, to "MARQUESS OF ANGLESEY" (Youngs), Bow Street. Not as crowded as usual - obtained seats by usual method (next to noisy detective from Police station). "NAG'S HEAD" very sweaty and omitted. "WHITE HORSE", Bow Street. 2 IPA's had but beer was off so was left. Chair's California book reviewed. WPR rashly vowed to supply names of good California pubs. "ROUND HOUSE" (Youngers). Chair experienced fruit machine while WPR enthused about loud volume Brain Damage/Eclipse. The "LEMON TREE" omitted on grounds that it was a lemon; Chair pining for Indian food. "CHANDOS", (Sam Smith). More fruit machines and trivia machine. Several pubs not entered on way due to lack of trivia machine. Strange bingo card display ensured loss of money.

545. 01-05-91 LONDON N1 - ISLINGTON / EC1: WPR; BS. WPR convened meeting at short notice to drown his sorrows / celebrate after receiving redundancy notice. "PINT POT" - a well known meeting place. "LONDON SPA" (Charrington), Exmouth Market / Rosoman Street. Looks OK from the outside but pretty ordinary inside. "THOMAS WETHERED", Rosoman Street. Large selection of beers on tap - 5 ales (Flowers IPA and Original, Wethereds, Abbott and Pedigree), 1 scrumpy, 2 stout and 4 lager. No beer mats! Very wooden - panelling, tables, chairs. New looking and empty. "RED LION" (Watneys), St. John's Street. 2 pints Ruddles Best. Very large and smoky. Large picture of Red Lion above BS's head.

546. 04-05-91 LONDON NW1 - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: Chair; Sec, WPR, BS, COB, SOS, Rick, BRA, Patrick; Paul, Fiona. Held in the "MAN IN THE MOON", Chalk Farm Road. Youngers, SAS, Theakstons XB, Greene King, bottled Birrell had. A new member was recruited in Simon, taking the title "British Rail Alcoholic" (BRA), although Paul and Fiona left early and declined membership for the moment.

547. 11-05-91 SURREY: Sec; GR. Surrey miscellanea. A topographical tour of mid-Surrey was made in the GR's new company car, visiting Mickleham, Box Hill, Dorking, Leith Hill, Holmbury St. Mary, Abinger Hammer Gomshall (where altercation had with surly post office staff re car parking), Shere. "RUNNING HORSE", Mickleham.. Flowers. Pleasant pub opposite church at foot of Box Hill. "National Trust Cafe", Box Hill. "ABINGER ARMS", Abinger Hammer. Pleasing timbered pub on village green, spoiled only by very flat King and Barnes ale. "VICTORIA" (Youngs), Surbiton. The day concluded in the familiar fish-tanked surroundings of the back room.

548. 11-05-91 LONDON W6: COB; Anth, WPR, BS, Patrick. The COB invited people to his house to celebrate his completion of the Youngs tour and to help him drink his barrel of Youngs Special. Met beforehand in the "WARWICK ARMS" (Fullers); Patrick arrived at house later.

549. 14-05-91 FINCHLEY: WPR; COB; Xionics staff. WPR was in Finchley at lunch time so convened meeting with staff from COB's office. "JOINER'S ARMS", next to Tesco, serving Fullers London Pride as guest beer but it went off as party were buying first round.

550. 20-05-91 LONDON N19: WPR; Sec. Members attended a guided tour of the architectural and other curiosities of Highgate Cemetery East and West, given by suitable eccentric heavily-bearded/mildly drunk/anti-American/anti-scientist tour guide, before recovering from the experience at "THE DOG", Archway Road, reached via the archway. Discussion re: other cemeteries visited.

551. 24-05-91 EAST LONDON: SOS; WPR. Tour of East London by SOS's car. Included a visit to a "Steve Davis" type pub; sat outside. SOS kindly produced dinner, mild and millefiori as his residence, followed by a trip to "GREEN MAN" - SOS's local though refurbished.

552. 25-05-91 SURREY - RICHMOND: WPR; BS, COB, Anth. Part 1 - WPR and BS. Sat outside the "WHITE CROSS INN" (Youngs) and enjoyed the sun. Had planned to go to 1:00 film at Odeon to use up vouchers but decided to have drinks first. Garden bar, friendly crowded lazy atmosphere. BS didn't like plastic glasses. "WHITE SWAN" (Courage). Patches of sun enjoyed in beer garden. Reflections of BR trains in conservatory glass. Large queue for food bar. Conservatory at back looked fairly new. "PRINCE'S HEAD" (Fullers), Richmond Green. Sat outside on public bench - BS tried to deter old (lady) gits from sitting next to him but they insisted, throwing previous occupants out. WPR braved COB's officious phone message to brief him on his later engagements for the day. A rapid search for sweets was followed by the original reason for the outing viz viewing "Misery" in the Odeon, in Pullman seats. Part 2 - WPR and BS were joined by the COB and Anth. All parties met as they arrived at a CLOSED "PRINCE'S HEAD" at around 5:50, so decided to convene at the nearby "WATERMAN'S ARMS" (Youngs). 2 bars, one with cricket on TV and the other side more quiet so drinking was continued there. Loud jukebox started soon before departure. Possibly COB's favourite Young's bar. "OLD SHIP" (Youngs). 2 long bars. WPR's current favourite band was playing before leaving (UB40). Members returned to the "PRINCE'S HEAD" and were given glass glasses this time. Random conversations ensued; punk era music from the Stranglers, Sex Pistols and Buzzcocks.

553. 01-06-91 SOUTHEND: SOS; WPR; Gary Bracher. On a cold day, the SOS and WPR met on the train at Barking. The SOS tried to worry the WPR about his lack of train ticket with fearsome tales of penalty fines. On arrival at Southend Central station the SOS led the WPR into the "DICKENS", where 2 halves of IPA were had despite ridicule from the barman. Large, loud and laddish bar but perhaps breezy atmosphere suitable for the location. Seems to have lost any connection with Charles D. Then via "Bailey's Fry Inn" and a successful pursuit of the SOS's �10 note which blew away along the main road to "CROMWELLS" (Free/Watneys), Woodgrange Drive / Southchurch Avenue (Formerly "Woodgrange"). 2 halves Websters. Presented a previous contrast to the previous pub, with everything "themed": carpets, Gents, the lot. Nearest PH to SOS's former residence. The hotel now occupying this residence was thought to be a PH by the WPR. Previously looked in (and rapidly out again) at a large number of increasingly raucous seafront pubs which members found not to their taste - perhaps they would seem better on 6 pints: "HOPE HOTEL", LIBERTY BELL" - looked in each for about 15 seconds; "CORNUCOPIA" - gleaned ambiance from about 50 yards range. Members were joined at this point by Gary and taken to the "CRICKETERS" (Grays), London Road. Recommended. 1.5 pints Rayments special, Rayments having taken over Grays previously. Timbered, large, quiet, everyone lined up in row by bar. Best so far. "ARISTOCRAT" (Castle Eden), Queens Road. Recommended. Discussion en route of which local mobsters, murderers and molesters were back at large. "Nice beer and nice women" (Gary). Local youth pub, very loud juke box, good atmosphere but put off by condom on carpet. Gary thought it was left over from the beach. "CORK AND CHEESE" (Free). Recommended. Crouch Vale SAS had in pub in middle of 60's shopping centre. WPR got searched by bouncer, for carrying the SOS's bag. Dark, underground, wooden fittings, dive bar style but not smoky. More loud music. Strangely divided into cosy compartments. "GUILDFORD" (Free), Sutton Road. Recommended. Old haunt of SOS and Gary. The bar had been moved and the pub youthified but Gary still seemed to know all the inhabitants. 3 halves Boddingtons. A bit young and crowded for the WPR. "Real DJ" (i.e. not a record, CD, microchip or inflatable balloon) by door. "SUTTON ARMS", South Church Road. Gary expertly guided the party back to this pub, missed out between the previous two, via nightmares of spiral concrete walkways. Entering the pub from the back, a barbecue smell was encountered, encouraging the party to revise their opinion of the establishment and to enjoy large hot dogs and spare ribs, the latter of which were rapidly passed on by the staff to an attendant Rottweiler. SLBS members then departed to London destinations and Gary to Westcliff, promising to attend London meetings with the intention of gaining SLBS membership. In summary, the WPR announced that he had been informed, educated and entertained.

554. 12-06-91 KENTISH TOWN: WPR [absent]; Sec, BS, Rick, Judy, BRA. Members assembled for an introductory lager in the grubby surroundings of the "ASSEMBLY HOUSE", before being entertained to an energetic performance by "Blur" plus 2 support bands from the balcony of the "TOWN AND COUNTRY CLUB" where the customary canned lager was had. Apologies received from the Convener who was in Florida.

555. 19-06-91 WPR; Chair, Sec, BS, COB, Patrick, Rick, Judy, Paul; Simon. WPR's Birthday. Youngers, Hook Norton, Pils consumed. Paul was recruited as a member, offering to buy all present a round; title to be chosen at a later date. Pub surprisingly empty, despite Youngers at 99p per pint, but similar group to the Society (albeit older) having equally convivial meeting in adjacent corner.

556. 21-06-91 HOLBORN: WPR; COB. An unusually heavy session in the "RUGBY TAVERN" (Fullers), Great James Street, during the course of which the WPR got drenched when a drunk office worker came lurching towards the party's table and collapsed into it.

557. 01-07-91 KENTISH TOWN: WPR; Sec, Rick, BS. Members forsook the customary "ASSEMBLY HOUSE" for a pre-concert pint at the "VULTURE'S PERCH" nearby, which was reasonably bright and spacious and much pleasanter. The main venue of the evening was the "TOWN AND COUNTRY CLUB" where, after a long wait and a dodgy support band, they were entertained from the balcony by an energetic and spectacular concert by "Siouxsie and the Banshees", with multiple encores.

558. 09-07-91 WHITEHALL: WPR; SOS. Very sunny day. WPR late due to intensive interview by Bank of America in Croydon area. SOS quizzed WPR in Embankment Gardens on world populations, after which members proceeded to a ship on which they did not get served. "SHERLOCK HOLMES" located with difficulty. Then to King's Cross curry restaurant which was actually not there but in Drummond Street. Vetoed by WPR who led party to another restaurant.

559. 10-07-91 WEST END: COB; Anth, WPR. "Dutch-style" (expensive) "DE HEMS" followed by cinematic visit to Swiss Centre to see "Jules et Jim" which Anth had seen before. Pasta afterwards.

560. 11-07-91 BARBICAN HINTERLAND: Sec; GR. After meeting at the GR's palatial office, "THE VAULTS" (Pedigree), the cold and stylish basement of the former Whitbread brewery in Chiswell Street was sampled. "THE ARTILLERY" (Fullers), Bunhill Fields. Pleasant pub with mixed clientele, but evening dominated by protracted close encounter with seriously drunk former BT programmer, telling members his life story since being a Borstal Boy from East Ham and attempting to sell members a stake in an ambitions/implausible software systems synthesis package which he claimed to have patented.

561. 16-07-91 WEST END / LONDON SW16 - SAR & N'S DINNER: SAR & N; WPR, Rick & Judy, Sec; Solange, Jeremy (neighbour). Rick, Judy and WPR had a drink in the "HOLYROOD" before an consuming an excellent meal and much alcohol in Streatham.

562. 19-07-91 WEST END: WPR; COB. "Mock Turtles" concert in the "ASTORIA", Charing Cross Road, accompanies by very strong canned beer which the WPR later had cause to regret (in Colindale).

563. 23-07-91 SUFFOLK - LAVENHAM: SOS; SAR & N. Members met at Leytonstone Underground Station and were ferried thenceforth by the SOS. A largely cultural event, which took in the Saxon Church at Greensted-juxta-Ongar, Finchingfield, the Guildhall, Lavenham and Ickworth Rotunda. In Lavenham, a Meeting took place in the "ANGEL", opposite the Guildhall, where members sat outside.

564. 26-07-91 LONDON SE1 - SOUTHWARK: WPR; SAR & N, COB. A meeting took place in the "FOUNDERS ARMS".

565. 30-07-91 WEST END: Rick; WPR; PRS staff. PRS after-work drink in "THE CAMBRIDGE". Left before the Karaoke started.

566. 02-08-91 WEST END: Rick; WPR; PRS staff. PRS after-work drink in "THE CAMBRIDGE", and leaving do for Paul Andrews in wine bar next door.

567. 06-08-91 LONDON W6 - HAMMERSMITH: WPR; Chair & K, SAR & N, Rick & Judy, Sec, SOS; Bison & Patricia. Most of the members met in the "HOP POLES" in Hammersmith and then proceeded to "Paulos" Brazilian Restaurant in Greyhound Road where the Chair and SOS appeared and agreeable multiple helpings of Brazilian catering were had. The eating record was held by Simon, with 3 plates of the main course. Caipirinha and Brahma beer and cocktails were had by way of bacchanalian research.

568. 20-08-91 LONDON W1/SW17 - SOHO/TOOTING: SAR & N; WPR, Rick (pre-meeting only), Sec; Bison and Patricia. The WPR and Rick had a pre-meeting drink in the "CHAMPION" whereupon leaving they witnessed a spectacular accident involving a somersaulting biker (apparently not hurt) and dented motor vehicle. Venue: "J.J.MOONS" Tooting Broadway. Drinks: Scots Bitter, Abbot, 6X, IPA, Tonic Water, Butcombes. Decorations: Naive Ecuadorian Art. Newcastle Brown Ale was identified as a foreign beer. A puzzled local asked for an interpretation of a picture of the frog and moon, explaining that 40 years ago it was the British Empire and there was a photograph of the Queen there (but not her mother). "The Universal Home Doctor" was consulted from the in-house library; specifically the section regarding the diagnosis of drunkenness, which was described as proceeding as follows: 1. Stimulating; 2. Depression; 3. Suspiciousness and Quarrelsomeness; 4. Silliness; 5. Stupidity; 6. Sleepiness; 7. Drunken Stupor or Sleep. To this, members added the following sub-stages from their own experience: 4a. Singing; 5a. (Visit to) Kebab (Shop); 5.5. Grandiose plans which come to nothing; 7a. General Incomprehension. In order to formally document this exercise, a flowchart was produced (available from the Archivist) illustrating that these may not necessarily all take place in the order defined. Following the departure of the Sec, members investigated the local Kebab scene, about which Simon had been enthusiastically reminiscing.

569. 23-08-91 WEST END: Rick; WPR, Judy; Eduardo. PRS after-work drink in "THE CAMBRIDGE". Several pints consumed.

570. 26-08-91 LONDON SE1 - ELEPHANT & CASTLE: SAR & N; WPR. "GOOSE & FIRKIN". Tired members had a drink here on the way back from Eynsford Castle and Lullingstone Roman Villa.

571. 30-08-91 WEST END: Rick; WPR; PRS staff. PRS after-work drink in "THE CAMBRIDGE". Leaving do (Lawrence Powell).

572. 06-09-91 ESSEX/SUFFOLK - MANNINGTREE/ORFORD: SOS; SAR & N. Another of the SOS's motorised tours, which convened at Newbury Park Underground Station and proceeded up the A12, inspecting first the extremely boring Lexden Straight Road at Colchester, and proceeding on to Mistley Towers, stopping for Lunch at the "SKINNERS ARMS" in Manningtree. Then the meeting crossed into Suffolk, investigating Flatford Mill and Orford Castle. An early evening pint of Adnams was had by the SAR in the "KING'S HEAD" in Orford.

573. 11-09-91 LONDON SW1 - VICTORIA: COB; SAR & N, WPR, Sec. "ORANGE BREWERY". 4 rounds of the in-house SW1 were had by way of refreshment. Lack of bar staff a challenge to members' assertiveness techniques in getting served. Another bout of members drawing caricatures of each other occurred.

574. 20-09-91 LONDON N6 - HIGHGATE: SOS; WPR. The SOS drove the WPR to the "SPANIARDS" which neither had been to before. Many bars of varying sizes, most full. Worth revisiting on a quieter night. Then by car to "THE WRESTLERS" where much was made of the ancient ceremony of Swearing on the Horns, a forgotten local custom.

575. 01-10-91 BLOOMSBURY: Sec; WPR, GR. Bloomsbury back streets. "LAMB" (Youngs), Lambs Conduit Street. Busy old favourite, where members sat outside discussing their recent trans-Atlantic travels. "RUGBY TAVERN" (Fullers), Millman Street. More down to earth, but equally full. Altercation occurred when the WPR and GR ordered pizzas; the latter's appeared promptly, but the former's was not produced until 20 minutes later and with a sector missing; landlord commented "What's wrong with it?" and then (accompanied by expletive) offered fifty pence as compensation, but the WPR reclaimed his money, and members proceeded to "THE DICKENS" (Ruddles), Northington Street. Large bar; other customers largely present for an office leaving party for one "Mike", to whom the landlord gave ambiguous tributes by microphone. Hair-curling multi-coloured scotch eggs etc. in the food cabinet, which looked as if it had not been touched for several months. "DUKE OF YORK" (Youngs), John's Mews. Very quiet "local" in back street, with members only customers apart from two snooker players in other room. Recently redecorated; largely reliant on lunch time trade; according to voluble Irish barman. WPR partly compensated for pizza fiasco with tuna sandwiches. "KING'S ARMS", Doughty Street. IPA and Fullers had. Very quiet. Pleasing woodwork.

576. 02-10-91 LONDON N19: WPR; COB. A quiet get-together in the WPR's local Wetherspoons pub.

577. 09-10-91 KENTISH TOWN: WPR; Sec, COB, BS. The Sec and WPR met at the latter's residence before proceeding to the "VULTURE'S PERCH", where Fullers and Fosters were had and the BS and COB appeared, the latter displaying commendable dedication in attending, having to be up at 5 a.m. next day for a Dutch business trip. Members the attended the Psychedelic Furs concert in the "TOWN AND COUNTRY CLUB", witnessing excellent lights and a good long set in two parts exhibiting heavy and quieter styles. Viewed from the balcony, with customary canned lager accompaniment.

578. 11-10-91 LONDON N19: COB; WPR; Xionics staff. Another get-together in "THE DOG", this time for a Xionics leaving do.

579. 13-10-91 LONDON N6 - HIGHGATE / ALEXANDRA PALACE: WPR; SAR, N. Breakfast had in "THE WOODMAN" which had recently started serving said meal at 11:00 on Sundays. WPR later found out that this meeting, plus another time when he went on his own, accounted for all the breakfasts they had sold, and they stopped doing so shortly afterwards. SAR convinced pub was closed but WPR managed to get them to open up. WPR then led the party by bus and foot to Alexandra Park and Palace, previously unvisited by the SAR and N. After inspection of said area, drinks had first outside and then inside the Palm Court of the "PHOENIX". SAR impressed with views and unusual location and suggested that the Sec should visit. Crouch vale 991 and Woodman had.

580. 18-10-91 LONDON N19: WPR; COB, BS, SOS, Patrick; Kevin from Xionics. Beer festival in "THE DOG", comprising 100 guest real ales in a week. Customers were enticed to try all 100 but SLBS decided they were no longer able to meet such an exacting pace. Beers sampled included: SLBS - SOD, Brakspear Special; SOS; Monmouth Rebellion, Festive, Gibbs (Salisbury); WPR - Adnams Best, Farmers Glory, Wards (Sheffield), Summerskills BB, Exe Valley (which he confused with Wye Valley); COB - Arkels BBB. Later the BS and Kevin from Xionics continued to the WPR's residence for whisky, which put Kevin from Xionics soundly to sleep.

581. 23-11-91 SURREY - HINDHEAD / SURBITON: Sec; GR. The Sec and GR took advantage of the GR's company car to investigate Hindhead, Thursley, Compton and Wonnersh. "DEVIL'S PUNCHBOWL HOTEL", Hindhead. Well kept Ruddles County, but otherwise pretentious and tacky venue; the venerable contents of the food cabinet rapidly curtailed the GR's appetite, and let to enforced consumption of (almost equally nasty) sandwiches in the National Trust property across the road. The visit included afternoon tea in the Watts Gallery tea room, Compton and concluded at the "VICTORIA" (Youngs), Surbiton, where some spectacular additions to the fish tank were noted.

582. 26-11-91 LONDON WC4: WPR; SOS, COB; Sue, Sonia. The WPR, SOS and COB met in the "PUNCH", 9a Fleet Street, which was crowded and full of city types. Moved to a drinking establishment near Brick Lane, where they met Sue and Sonia, then to a curry of dubious quality which the SOS did not manage to hold down.

583. 04-12-91 LONDON N19: COB; WPR. A small gathering at the WPR's local Wetherspoon's pub, "THE DOG".

584. 06-12-91 LONDON W1 - FITZROVIA: WPR; SAR, Rick & Judy (partially), BS; Vicky from Logica. The meeting took place in the traditional venues, the "CAMBRIDGE" and the "ONE TUN". After that, Rick & Judy departed, he to perform a gig in High Wycombe, and the other members adjourned to "Garfunkels" where it was possible to eat an infinite amount of pasta at low cost. The SAR then determined that he had to go home; but the WPR and BS rounded off the evening in the "FALKLAND ARMS".

585. 08-12-91 LONDON SW16 - THE SAR'S BELGIAN/DUTCH BEER TASTING: SAR; WPR, SOS, BS; Phil (neighbour). The following Belgian and Dutch (indicated by NL) beers were experimented at a newly redecorated SAR & N residence: Chimay Peres Trappistes, 8%; Duvel, 8.5% - "Tasty and strong, well liked (WPR); Gueuze Mort Subite, 4.5% - "Undrinkable" (WPR), "Champagne like" (BS), "Horrible" (SAR), "Unique and "acquired"" (SOS); Brugse Tripel, 9.5% - "Very drinkable, smooth" (WPR), "Fruity, has guts" (SAR), "Comparable with Adnams Broadside" (SOS); Westmalle, 9%; La Trappe (NL), 8% - "Strongest taste yet" (WPR); Leffe, 6% - "Highly commended" (SAR); Maredsous, 8% - "Interesting bottle" (WPR); Hoegaarden, 8.7% - "Must be getting used to this strong stuff" (WPR), "Gives a sort of 'vodka' effect on the roof of the mouth, but not throat" (BS), "Justified and ancient" (SAR), "OK" (Phil); Brand Imperator (NL), 6.5% - "Pleasantly dusty" (WPR), "Good nose, quite sweet" (BS); Leeuw (NL), 6.5% - "Strong dark and fizzy" (WPR), "Darker" (BS), "Full-bodied" (SAR). Afterwards, members proceeded to "HORSE AND GROOM" for yet more beer.

586. 11-12-91 LONDON NW3 - HAMPSTEAD: WPR; COB; Jeff, Sue. After a rendezvous at the "HORSE AND GROOM" the WPR introduced the COB and Sue to the "KING WILLIAM IV", although they both announced that they had been there before on separate occasions. During the course of an amiable evening Sue gave Jeff some Useful Advice. Afterwards, the WPR and Jeff continued to "Ed's Diner" for hamburgers.

587. 14-12-91 FINSBURY PARK / ISLINGTON: SOS; WPR; Gerald. The SOS convened a meeting to watch Arsenal v. Norwich and so the WPR and Gerald duly met outside the "SILVER BULLET", despite having heard on leaving Finsbury Park station that the match had been cancelled due to freezing fog. The pub was found to be horrible. After a short wait the SOS appeared, declared the meeting abandoned and then left again, and the WPR and Gerald proceeded to "THE ANGEL" in Islington.

588. 23-12-91 WHITEHALL: Sec; BS, WPR, COB; Sue. First of Christmas traditional meetings for 1991, held in "OLD SHADES", Whitehall. Depleted meeting compared to other years. Lager had, as beers already sold out to the seasonal revellers. The adjacent "SILVER CROSS" was inspected and found too full, so move ensued to the "SHERLOCK HOLMES", Northumberland Avenue. Marston's Pedigree had. "HAND AND RACQUET" (Ruddles), Whitcomb Street. Video trivia game played by the BS and WPR, but other members reluctant to join in. Seditious talk towards end of evening.

589. 24-12-91 LONDON SW19 - WIMBLEDON: Rick; WPR. The Christmas Eve tradition was once again preserved by Rick and the WPR, the former having spent most of the day drinking in the W1 region. After the "ALEXANDRA" had been so quiet the previous Christmas Eve, it was decided to go up the hill to the packed "DOG AND FOX", in which Rick met (as is also traditional) an ex-KCS man whom the WPR did not know, and in which Christmas was duly celebrated at midnight.

590. 27-12-91 LONDON SW19 - WIMBLEDON: WPR; COB; Martin. Another tradition of the Christmas period was observed, this time including ex-KCS and Logica man Martin, who found a fellow bus fan in the COB. The non-smoking bar was commended.