Drink 4/5 Decor 2/5 Food 1/5 Price 4/5 Atmosphere 3/5 Staff 4/5

The Lord Holmesdale probably isn't a pub you'd go out of your way to visit, unless of course you're a local. But, passing as I was one Friday lunchtime, and spotting a chalkboard ad proclaiming Now serving real ale', I decided to drag my sidekick in to sample the delights on offer.

Despite the decor, the obligatory part worn/part sticky carpet and compulsory torn bench seats, we received a warm welcome from a barmaid who looked more like a barmaid than anyone else I have ever seen.

Our charming and friendly host then explained the selection of aforementioned real ale was in fact limited limited to a choice of one Old Speckled Hen.

However, it was an excellent pint and at £2.70 was well priced. My partner's Stella was only 10p a pint more expensive.

Avoiding the more damaged seating on offer we settled in to enjoy our drinks undisturbed the jukebox was set to a very respectable level and the locals, who seemed to feature in dozens of photos adorning the Holmesdale's walls, nodded politely.

The standard two screens weren't obtrusive and, behind a makeshift sort of stage (boards and beer crates) there was even a guitar leaning invitingly against the fireplace.

Perhaps a sign of lively, interesting evenings.

Unfortunately, there was no food on offer, maybe the smoking/eating rules have been adopted early? Smoking was certainly encouraged, each table was equipped with a large dog-bowl-like ashtray.

The toilets were pristine, bordering on dazzling with polished white tiles covering every visible surface. Maybe they should tile the seats.

However, decor apart, this unpretentious boozer on Holmesdale Road has a really friendly feel.

You might not travel miles to experience it but if you're passing I can highly recommend a pint of Speckled Hen with a real barmaid.