On arrival at the fest we paid our quids (thanks North London CAMRA for keeping member discount on this event), collected our pint glasses and handout and headed to the bar.

Beer notes were up on their website in advance again so we were well prepared for some quality ales, but alas it seems the Wednesday and Thursday sessions had been busy, and quite a few of the beers had run dry. We started off with a pint (a Buntingford's Oatmeal Stout for me) and perused the beer notes for the next one.

As last year, the handout was very good, with short, useful notes on each beer. After scouting around the two bars we eventually found a couple that were in stock, and I ended up supping a half of Dark Star's Equinox.

We noted there were far fewer tables set up this year, which was great - far more space for standing, and not having to skirt around all those seated in the middle of the hall. There was also the usual tombola and gift shop to keep you amused during refills.

Whereas in previous years the beers have been kept well, this year seemed a bit disappointing, with both being served at room temperature. A quick look at the barrels suggested that there wasn't any cooling system, which seems unusual. Fancying something a bit fresher, we headed down to the imported beer bar.

The bar staff here were knowledgeable about the beers, and were able to help select a good one for our tastes. I went with a Urtypisches Schwarzbier and was very pleased with it. What would have been great is a take-away tasting list for this bar, even if it was just a cheap A4 one like at GBBF.

After a visit to the Duke of York in Kings X for a cheeky shot and mixer (and the use of a free toilet), we hastily made our way down the Piccadilly line to the Salisbury (1).

Visited previously when we were impressed by a good selection of ales, most of them appeared to be off on this trip. I had a pint of Youngs Bitter (not great), and Dan went for the safer option of a Newcastle Brown. Fortunately we at least got a seat in this place, so were able to sit down whilst grumbling...

Whether it was the NBA or the need to avoid beer in case we got another rough pint, we spotted the welcoming blue of Belushis (2) and went for a cocktail. Whilst Dan went for a wander, I ordered up a Viagra and a Long Island Iced Tea. During this short time I got accosted by some random girl who, within the space of 5 minutes, had me convinced that she was clearly a couple of sandwiches short of a picnic. As soon as Dan was back, the cocktails were downed and we were on our way (checking over our shoulders that we weren't being followed)

A short walk later and we were in the Coal Hole (3) . Which was packed. A vodka tonic and southern comfort coke were bought, and we squeezed over to the It Box to spend some of Dan's earlier winnings.

In an attempt to find some breathing space, we headed to the legendary Porterhouse (4), with their extensive range of microbrewery beers on tap. I opted for a Fruli, whilst Dan chose a Chiller. Very pleasant, although the place was getting pretty busy with the Friday afternoon/early evening crowd.

No trip to Covent Garden would be complete without a visit to the Cove (5) (and a Cornish pasty from downstairs). A couple of HSDs each - on the wet and windy (and funnily enough, empty) balcony - and we were ready to call it a day.

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