We are loving the real ale Micropub scene that is developing around Bournemouth, as it is around the country.

We did a little mini-micropub crawl the other weekend and thoroughly enjoyed the venues and the chats with the owners and fellow drinkers alike. You can't really do that in other pubs as easily can you? Try that in 'Spoons or some high street pub and you will probably be met by a strange look.

Starting off in Winton, we called into the Silverback Ale House - I tried a Porter and then a Blue Monkey 10.5% Russian Imperial Stout in a bottle.

A short walk back down the High Street, during one of the worst stormy nights to hit England in 2016, we ended up in the Micro Moose (their Micro Moose Facebook page). A few more beers and chats with the locals. Had a great conversation with a gentleman at the bar, talking about all sorts of stuff, including hats, neckties, Strictly and more. I'm sure we both enjoyed the ramblings and I left him with a nice cigar for his time!

Next it was a taxi ride to the Saxon Bear in Christchurch. By that time, I "barely" had room for one more and just sipped away whilst enjoying the fun and laughter.

A fantastic afternoon to early evening outing for sure, and fully recommended.