As with many old market towns and cities, the back streets of Truro play host to some fine old ale houses, many of them occupying their sites for hundreds of years. Having my car with me meant that caution had to be applied this time but I did try a few of them and found them all to be decent establishments, some still catering for the locals whilst others looked to the visitors for custom with elaborate menus and modern furniture.

My favourite and the first one I tried was the ancient old "Crab and Ale House" in New Bridge Street, tucked away behind the cathedral. I was greeted as if I’d patronized the place for 20 years, always a good sign of a proper pub. There was a choice of several real ales including Cornish locals, as well as a good menu featuring everything from freshly caught fish to sandwiches. Low beams and a good level of background conversation, all-in-all, the sort of pub that everyone should enjoy.

Next up was the "Wig and Pen" in St Clement Street, slightly more modern than my first port of call but nearly as good. Again, real cask-conditioned ales were on offer, and they were well-kept and just at the correct temperature. There was a decent lunchtime menu available and judging by the number of folk in the place, it was obviously a popular meeting place and watering hole.

The next stop was at the "Market Inn" on Lemon Quay, which used to be home to the weekly market. This was packed to the rafters although it had a much more olde-worlde feel to it than the other establishments and appeared to be patronized mainly by locals, judging by the high level of "Cornish Brogue" in the air, all "yes, my handsome" this and "no, my flower" that, quite delightful and as sing-song a regional dialect as any Scandinavian tongue. Once again, well kept real ales (what a delight this city is!) and a lunchtime menu varying from snacks to the full shebang.

With the 2:30pm tour around Skinners Brewery beckoning, I bode a fond farewell to these pubs, having thoroughly enjoyed my experience and the easy conversations struck up with fellow drinkers in all three of them.