University's in lead by a stroke, switching bars a few times? (3-5)

I believe the answer is:

pub-crawl

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But I can't explain it at all! Could you help me understand?

(Other definitions for pub-crawl that I've seen before include "Hostelry tour" , "Drinking outing" , "Alcoholic journey" , "Drinking session spread over several bars" , "Night out (ending on all fours?)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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