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At around 28,000 pints, this surely has to qualify as the world's largest round. But for the beer buffs at Cask Marque, this wasn't about drinking but rather quality checking traditional, hand-pulled ale in thousands of pubs and bars throughout the country to see who's best.

Huddersfield in West Yorkshire came out on top, with local pubs averaging a near perfect score of 19.5 out of a possible 20 points. Their ales were rigorously tested by Cask Marque inspectors for serving temperature, appearance, aroma and taste during a series of mystery shopper-style visits.

Also making the top ten real ale towns and cities were Truro, Twickenham, Exeter, Northampton, Bristol, Lancaster, Plymouth, Southampton and Leicester.

Paul Nunny, director of Cask Marque, an independent organisation responsible for monitoring real ale quality in British pubs, said: "For pub goers to really enjoy and appreciate their ale, it has to be served just right.

"We were extremely impressed by the consistent quality of pints being pulled in Huddersfield, and offer our congratulations to local publicans, many of whom have already gained Cask Marque accreditation."

Cask-conditioned ale differs from lagers and 'smooth' bitters because it's a living product that arrives at the pub not fully fermented.

Publicans play a key role in finishing the ale, using their skill, knowledge and experience to look after the product and serve it when the quality is at its best.

Paul added: "Cask ale is unique to British pubs, and when it's well kept and well presented, there's nothing else quite so refreshing and flavoursome. Get it wrong, however, and you run the risk of putting the consumer off for life."

Cask Marque has inspected and accredited 4,300 real ale pubs throughout Britain. Its inspectors say the perfect pint must be served between 11 and 13 degrees centigrade in a spotlessly clean glass. The beer should have good clarity, a fresh aroma and a refreshing aftertaste.