My favourite ale drinking partner...

My favourite ale drinking partner, just to prove gorgeous women do drink ale, only problem is that she's always jilted me when I fix up a session, oh well ;-)

The White Hart Inn - Exeter

This was something of a pilgrimage back to an old stomping ground for Steve the Beermeister when I joined him to visit Exeter a couple of summers ago.

(The White Hart Inn, South Street, Exeter)

As is often the case when visiting a former home town, there were plenty of pubs to reacquaint ourselves with and this large former coaching house within the city walls was probably the one that sticks in the memory. Perhaps the reason this was more memorable than others was due to the fact it was one of the first we encountered on that afternoon. A couple of pints of Old Wallop probably wreaked havoc with the memory banks.

The occasion was a 1st Round League Cup encounter between Exeter City and Queens Park Rangers. The result of the game was never really in doubt on that warm evening in Devon with Jim Magilton's men running out deserved 5-0 winners. The Grecians had caused a few first half scares but flagged in the second.



A large yet pleasant pub with a selection of beers and ales available. The bar staff on duty were friendly and didn't mind being regaled with stories of Steve's misspent youth in the City or how far we'd travelled and what we were going to do to their home town team.

"This is only the first St James' Park we'll visit this year!"

The food on offer looked good too.

Precisely the kind of Beermeister pub I've grown accustomed to visiting in the years I've known Steve. A man who is quickly a local wherever he goes.

Next time you're in Exeter give it a look.

(The Beermeister himself, seen here enjoying an Old Wallop)

We're Not The Good Beer Guide . . .

First rule of Beer-Meister is not that nobody talks about Beer-Meister.

Our first rule, or perhaps thing you'll need to be aware of, is that although we are keen on "Real Ale," we are not CAMRA, and this is not the Good Beer Guide.

Great British Beer Festival, Earl's Court, 2011

We admire and respect everything they do, but this blog and Beer-Meister's main site is more to do with pubs and pub experience, particularly matchday pub experience. The Good Beer Guide is a source of constant inspiration to us; as is word of mouth recommendation,

We drink "fizzy tasteless stuff" as well as ale, and really do enjoy a pint of the black stuff. In fact, "mass produced" cider served over ice is ok too if a thirst needs quenching.

We're about the drinker as much as the drink, and supporting the pubs we drink in.

Cheers!