WHY 63 beers on tap, including some wonderful Belgians, along with such reliable pub standards as pasties and a tasty chicken curry. And with all the hipster gastropubs, we’re grateful that this is just a real pub.

WHAT Co-owner David Farnsworth is originally from the north of England, and with partner Peggy Simonian he’s created an authentically English pub in a brick-walled Old Town space, with nooks, crannies and a lovely patio on the pedestrian alley in back. Aficionados come from far away for such annual events as the Belgian beer festival in February and Oktoberfest, when German beers are front and center.

WHO Caltech students, professors and others who prefer earnest conversation over a good pint to a raucous bar scene.