Swansea Camra members enjoyed a leisurely post-Christmas walkabout of city centre pubs on Saturday, 28 December and found a good choice of real ales in almost every pub they visited.

The tour started at the Queen’s Hotel in Gloucester Place where Bombardier, Theakstons Best, Old Peculier and – most interestingly – Evan Evans WH Buckley Grand Cru were on the hand pumps. The Grand Cru was a deep golden coloured ale, full of plum fruit flavours, with a full-bodied malt character, complemented by a delicious hop finish.

It’s described by brewer Simon Buckley as “arguably one of the finest beers we have ever brewed” and Camra members who tried it were impressed.

The next stop was the No Sign on Wind Street, which now has a regular selection of three well-kept and interesting ales. Members sampled Winter Bitter, Gower Gold and Reverend James. Camra members can also enjoy 10% off a pint of cask ale at the No Sign by showing their membership cards.

The Bank Statement, also on Wind Street, is an attractive Wetherspoons pub that usually has a good selection of interesting and well-priced real ales. Camra members also enjoy money-off vouchers to spend on real ale in Wetherspoons’ pubs, making the beer even better value. On this occasion, the selection was less than exciting, with Abbot Ale and Rhymney Export on tap.

The Cross Keys, on St Mary Street, had Gower Gold and Old Speckled Hen on tap. The Gower Gold was well-kept but both beers ran out before all Camra members could be served, leaving some disappointed.

Next stop was The Office on Castle Street. Formerly one of poet Dylan Thomas’s favourite haunts, when it was called The Three Lamps, the pub is now a music venue and also serves real ale. On our visit they had Doombar, Hobgoblin and Robinson’s Trooper and all were well-kept.

The final port of call was Eli Jenkins on Oxford Street. There was an impressive selection of ales – Brains and Bank’s bitters, Otley O3, Jennings Redbreast and Celt Bleddyn but unfortunately the Jennings was sour.

Swansea Camra members enjoy regular outings and events – for more details see our Events page. To join Camra, click here.