real ale

[penanglad]

why is real ale sometime froth up quite a lot?

[Goodsoulette]

Lots of reason, gas mix might be slightly off. It might have been sat for a while so needs pulling farther. Barrel might not have been settled for long enough after delivery. Or your barman might be pants at pouring it.

[spudqueen]

There is also a 'sparkler' on the end of the pumb, where the beer comes out. In the North it is tightened up so that you get a good head. In the South is it loose or missing altogether so that there is not as much head.

[Goodsoulette]

Not quite true, in the south we still use a sparkler if the beer requires it. Some are meant to be served without so they serve it without it.