As a variant on the usual opinion piece, I would like to be factual.

Since becoming tee-total three years ago, I have sampled a range of lime cordials in local watering places in Brighton and Hove.

The cheapest pint was in The Evening Star, which was free, probably because they were taken aback by the visit of a non-aler.

This was repeated in The Mesmerist.

A pub near the Peace Statue on the seafront charged me 30p.

The average across the city was 75p.

A Wetherspoon charged me £1.25 while another pub in The Lanes charged £1.35 after initially trying £1.85.

The most expensive cost me £4 in a place in Preston Street.

Given that tap water is nominally free, and that lime is too for a lager-drinker, it is time to stop lamenting the decline of the English pub.

The more avaricious pubs bite the dust, the better.

Andy Steer, Windlesham Road, Brighton