Natom, your exit strategy was perfect. I was out briefly for drinks after work. No one let me buy a round as I was only drinking lemonade. It seems unfair that you have to pay £11 for a round when your drink is only £1:50! I think another strategy I'll employ is just to buy my own drinks. That way I don't have to explain every time there is a round or pay ridiculous prices for other people to get tanked! I don't plan on going to those places often though.
I liked reading about your lightening quick reflex to leave. You would have suspected something anyway if your friends friend hadn't told you and that may have been very hard.
Well done
S x