Qualification drinks for one of my team at the Hydrant, a Fullers pub next to the Monument. It's got several fridges full of trendy beer. If I can get them to turn off the music it's in the running for my leaving drinks.
After a generic bottle of over-hopped pale ale with a trendy label I discovered that they had
Birdie Flipper on draught. Brewed by the Long Arm Brewing company (another two-man (sic) brewing startup, this time from Ealing) it claims to be a Red Ale. It's not. It's a strongish mild (4.something%) with a sweet malty flavour.
When my first pint was poured into a proper dimpled mug with a handle I was sold.