After the exertions of walking around London encumbered with backpacks in 80 degree heat for several hours, it was decided to congregate at The Pillars of Hercules pub in Greek St, Soho, a favourite stamping ground for some of our London guides. Rendezvous time was set for around 7pm.

I was the first on the scene as I had a relatively short hop on the tube to get to Tottenham Court Road station, from where it’s a 5-minute stroll down Charing Cross Road to the Pillars. Within a few minutes, other guides appeared along with Cameron and Cia who occupied a space outside the pub, pints clutched in hand. I was pleased to find a wide range of real ales on offer along with several lagers, including one of my Cornish favourites, Tinners Ale. Chris (Mutt) turned up with a couple of pals to join us and Brian materialised at 8:15pm.

For a central London establishment, the beer prices are very reasonable at £2.40 per pint and the few I sampled were well kept and just at the correct temperature, which usually indicates a well looked after cellar. It was still very warm outside so we all elected to stay there, watching the various life forms meandering up and down Greek St. In fact, the Pillars is very much an "outside" pub for this is where all the entertainment is, namely the people.

It was good to see Steven supping some real ale as it isn’t always to the taste of our American friends. Cia and Cameron, however, looked like they’d been bottle-fed on it since birth!

The atmosphere of the pub is superb and you didn’t need to be inside to experience it. It seemed to attract a good natured crowd who liked their beer and the only noise inside was that of a hundred separate conversations--no jukeboxes or fruit machines clanking away in the corners.

Everyone was certainly feeling the pace of the day and started to drift off around 10pm. It had been a great informal gathering and one that I sincerely hope will feature on any future trips to London.