6.00pm - 6.30pm

The Viaduct Tavern
126 Newgate St
London EC1A 7AA

- Another great Victorian pub interior - what else would you expect of Nicholsons?

6.35pm - 7.10pm

Bishop's Finger
9 West Smithfield
EC1A 9JR

- An old favourite in Smithfield, this ones had a bit of a 'café-style' makeover of late, though nothing too serious to degrade the feel of a pub in such an earthy bit of London. A good range of Shepherd Neame ales to work your way through and a decent range of pub food to fill up on while drinking (though with Smithfield meat market across the road you'd expect nothing else). Some fine old cartoons and drawings decorate the walls and add to the pleasant air of the place.

7.10pm - 7.40pm

Barley Mow
50 Long Lane
London EC1A 9EJ

- Bucking the trend of small pubs closing down and being reopened as restaurants, this one was closed for a year or so but has reopened in the last couple of months. Its most noticable feature is its extraordinary plainness but such an establishment is not unwelcome given the area's relentless gentrification.

7.40pm - 8.15pm

Butcher's Hook & Cleaver
61-63 West Smithfield
EC1A 9DY

- The name is an obvious cash-in on the Smithfield meat-market tradition but this spacious and quite ornate beer hall is actually yet another converted bank. It's all there on paper. A longish, elegant bar, comfortable seating, high-ceilings and an almost majestic spiral staircase leading to the comfortable mezzanine. Fullers' beers speak for themselves. And yes you know whose is whose as you get them - the Pride comes in the traditional pint glasses with London Pride written on them while it's ESB marked goblets for the other favourite.

8.15pm - 9.00pm

Rising Sun
38 Cloth Fair
EC1A 7JQ

- An old, traditional style (but quite attractive) pub, this Smith's pub seems to attract an interesting mix of regulars. A comfortable place with darts and fruit machines up at one end. Well priced, well-kept Sam Smith's beer. A good pub if you happen by, and it's one of the few places open at weekends in Smithfield.

9.00pm - 9.40pm

Hand & Shears
1 Middle Street
Cloth Fair
EC1A 7JA

- This is a great little pub, with separate bar areas still divided up into public, private and saloon bars. It hasn't changed in years, and we guess it's only a matter of time before some well-meaning developer mucks it up. It's got a great atmosphere, but it can get a bit crowded - possibly the secret of it's avoidance of the renovator's hammer. It hasn't been neglected, though, it feels just like an English pub should. With Courage Best and Director's on the taps and regular guest beers, it's a real drinker's pub which happens to get a bit busy on Friday nights.

9.50pm - 10.20pm

The Gate
18 - 20 St. Johns Street
Smithfield EC1M 4AY

- A modern looking pub from the Smith & Jones chain, the Gate is refreshing in that it doesn't pretend to be a bar (rare in these parts). There's Adnam's on the hand pumps and a typical range of gas-propelled lagers for the less nostalgic. The wine is acceptable enough, but only appears to be offered in quantities of 250cc and 750cc (we didn't ask about magnums). Service is OK, the decor modern and comfy.

10.25pm - closing

Sutton Arms
6 Carthusian Street
EC1M 6EB

- This handsome pub has been given the refurbishment it deserves and has been brought into the 21st century with a bit of style and attention to detail. On the beer pumps we have well kept beers, including Belgian beer, and we also have a pretty imaginative and well-presented food menu. The décor is a bit eclectic with its plaster busts etc, but the place feels much more comfortable and in keeping with the building and its environs and for this we salute the new owners. The upstairs restaurant has now taken on the role of lounge/restaurant, hinting at a more leisurely approach to the excellent menu, but judging from how busy it was last time we were in it's not hurt business.