How we choose
POUR is an independent guide to bars and pubs with personality. We recommend places we have visited ourselves, and we say why each one is worth going to.
What earns a POUR pick
A venue earns a pick when it does at least four of these five things well, and none of them badly.
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Character
A clear identity you wouldn't mistake for the place next door.
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Craft
Drinks made with care, whether a well-kept pint, a considered cocktail or a strong whisky list.
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Atmosphere
A room that suits its purpose and feels good to be in.
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Hospitality
Welcoming, competent staff, including on a busy night.
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A reason to choose it
Something that makes it worth picking over the nearest alternative.
Price is noted, never ranked. We ask whether a place is fair for what it offers.
How we visit
Every pick is based on at least one visit by a POUR reviewer. We pay for our own drinks and food. Free hospitality never shapes a verdict. We record the date of each visit and the price of a standard pint and a house cocktail. We recheck every pick at least once a year.
What our labels mean
Visited, meets the criteria, with a written verdict.
Visited and details checked, but not a pick.
Details gathered from public sources, not yet visited.
We never show a venue as visited unless it is.
Independence
Picks can't be bought. Paying POUR never changes whether a venue is chosen or how it is described. Paid listings sit in What's on and are clearly labelled. Sponsors never choose, see or influence picks in advance. If two listed venues share owners, we say so on both listings. Reviewers declare any personal or financial link to a venue.
Corrections
Spotted a mistake? Email hello@discoverpour.com and we'll check and fix it.
Drinking responsibly
POUR is for adults aged 18 and over. We don't encourage heavy drinking.