Great Western Coffee Shop

All across the Great Western territory => The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom => Topic started by: grahame on July 01, 2015, 14:33:15



Title: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: grahame on July 01, 2015, 14:33:15
A good pint and a good meal for ^7 from Wetherspoons. The same in the MBB will be around ^14.

Are there Wetherspoons at any stations?

Busy stations outlets tend to have to pay a premium for space rental, and it's those franchises which allow differential pricing which seem to be frequently found (and charging more) at stations.   Love the fact there's a McDonald's at Paddington at (I think) standard McDonald's prices!


Title: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Fourbee on July 01, 2015, 14:46:49
Are there Wetherspoons at any stations?

I can think of Victoria (mezzanine level) & Leeds (used the latter recently, bit of a trek to the platforms), think the Liverpool Street one is just outside (again "upstairs").

Not a massive fan of Fullers beer in general (preferred the Three Guineas in its previous guise), but some of their outlets do go in for guest ales. Again, recently, the Doric Arch just outside Euston had 5 guests on.


Title: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: JayMac on July 01, 2015, 14:48:57
Are there Wetherspoons at any stations?

London Victoria
London Liverpool St
Leeds

Less than three minutes walk:

Bristol Temple Meads
Putney
York
Newcastle

No doubt many more within the sound of a guard's whistle.


Title: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: basset44 on July 01, 2015, 14:50:51
Hi

Believe Aberystwyth has one built into the old Station which you can access platforms from.

At airports all the Spoons charge higher prices.

Basset


Title: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: JayMac on July 01, 2015, 15:03:26
Ah yes, Aberstiffwhistle.

I forgot about that one. And to think I had a very agreeable breakfast in there a few years back.


Title: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: TaplowGreen on July 01, 2015, 15:44:57
Heathrow too.

The "best" one I have been to is without doubt The Counting House in Glasgow, it's their Scottish flagship and you really wouldn't know it's a Wetherspoons - it's got a lot of character & enough barstaff at busy times for one thing!

Doesn't have that "converted warehouse" feel that you get in so many of them (.....although I guess that's because a lot of them are converted shops etc, whereas this one was a rather grand Bank!)

Worst one? Without a doubt the Gog & Magog on the Barbican in Plymouth, a genuinely awful experience in every way and I find you tend you get this if they are interspersed with other pubs charging "normal" prices......the lowest common denominator will gravitate there together with a sprinkling of 16 year olds! (....present company excepted on both counts!!!)  :)


Title: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: bobm on July 02, 2015, 10:00:57
This one is a short walk from the station at Oban, and serves haggis while the ships sail by.

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/obanjdw.jpg)


Title: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: eightf48544 on July 02, 2015, 10:52:44
The Barking Dog, Barking | Our Pubs | J D Wetherspoon

Turn left out of station and it's above the GOB platform


Title: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: bobm on July 02, 2015, 18:01:04
Another Wetherspoons set open near a station later this month.

The hoardings came down this week in Teignmouth.  In the distance you can just see the railway station.

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/jbfront.jpg)

Looks a pretty big building with a large open area at the back.

(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/jbback.jpg)


Title: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Brucey on July 04, 2015, 19:02:22
At airports all the Spoons charge higher prices.
I find their prices to be quite variable in general.  In Cambridge, there were two 'spoons (until one burnt down).  A pint of guest ale cost ^2.49 in one and ^1.99 in the other.  Steak club (8oz steak or mixed grill plus pint) was ^7.15 in one and ^5.15 (yes, really) in the other.  The Victoria station branch charges around ^3.50 for a pint - quite expensive in comparison, but well priced for the area.

Also worth noting the Victoria station branch only serves a limited menu.  Possible due to the limited space available in their unit on the mezzanine.  Same at airports: the menu at The Windmill (Stansted Airport) is totally different to high street pubs.  They even have gourmet burger toppings you can't get elsewhere.

On the subject of the Gog & Magog in Plymouth, I've only been there once last year but had a great chicken club meal (half roast chicken with rice and side order of salad).  Staff were friendly, beer was served well and good portion of food.  Couldn't want more.

Also, does anyone know what they mean by "real cider" on the CAMRA vouchers?  I rarely see a guest cider, so assume this means the products like Thatcher's Gold or Stowford Press, instead of Strongbow?


Title: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: bobm on July 04, 2015, 19:17:16
I can't lay my hand on the letter which came with them at the moment, but from memory the offer includes any hand pulled ciders plus those dispensed from fridge based cider "bag in boxes" - can't remember the correct term just now.



Title: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Richard Fairhurst on July 04, 2015, 21:39:49
Usually Wetherspoons serve cider from a bag-in-a-box in the fridge, even if there's a pump clip - the latter is just advertising. The Westons range is the most common - particularly Marcle Hill, which is a Wetherspoons "exclusive" - but you'll often see Gwynt y Ddraig, Thatchers, Mr Whiteheads and a few others.

Most Wetherspoons now have at least one bag-in-a-box; many have more (I think there were six in the Hereford one last time I was there). Speaking of which, the 'Spoons in Hereford is a shortish walk from the station, and the Postal Order in Worcester is very close to Foregate Street.


Title: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: ellendune on July 04, 2015, 22:23:55
Having difficulty relating any recent content on this thread to the title. Have M & S taken over Wetherspoons without telling anyone?


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: JayMac on July 05, 2015, 01:47:42
Fair point ellendune. I have therefore split this discussion on Wetherspoons away from the topic about Marks and Spencer at Paddington. The original thread can be found here:

http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=15829.0


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: chuffed on July 05, 2015, 05:54:10
Casting a magic wand into the future , the as yet as un-named Wevvers is under construction at Portishead and it will be within 300 yards of the as yet unbuilt station!
I have started a thread on the Portishead streetlife page , and have written to Wetherspoons suggesting names in keeping with local history. My  first suggestions is 'The Fred E Weatherly'. He was a prolific Victorian songwriter brought up in Portishead, the John Lennon of his day. His most famous lyrics are those of 'Danny Boy'. For the real Posset locals this could be parodied as 'Denny Buoy'!. in his autobiography 'Piano and Gown' he mentions catching the train from Portishead to begin his studies at Oxford. I strongly suspect it was the very first one in 1862!
My second suggestion is  'The Power and the Phosphorus', relating to two aspects of local history long since demolished. Other suggestions have been made on Streetlife which range from IMHO most imaginative to 'what have you been drinking' ?! ???


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Rhydgaled on July 05, 2015, 11:44:37
Believe Aberystwyth has one built into the old Station which you can access platforms from.
You can indeed (normally) access the platform(s) (there's only one heavy rail platform at present). There is a gate between the Wetherspoons and Network Rail property but that is seldom closed (the one time I remember was when trains were replaced by road transport and the gate was shut with a notice telling you there were no trains so go find the bus/coach).

The Wetherspoons is called 'The Old Station' (but I think it is only written in Welsh) and is built into the GWR part of the station buildings, Arriva Trains Wales use the older pre-grouping station buildings. There are small windows in part of the pub (perhaps former ticket windows?) through which you can see trains using the heavy rail platform, and there is an 'outside' seating area (not sure if they call it a 'beer garden') under the station roof.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: caliwag on July 05, 2015, 21:42:22
York (as has been mentioned) turn right on station exit. At traffic lights...it's there, Cross Keys...so 3 mins. Better go to Brigantes though, turn left at said lights, 100 yards on left: Micklegate. you won't regret it. 10 wickets and good imported bottled...oh and good food.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Ollie on July 06, 2015, 01:57:01
Reading has 4 Wetherspoons, 2 of which are within a short walk from Reading "main" station - both are on Friar Street but at opposite ends.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: TaplowGreen on July 06, 2015, 08:19:33
Whilst the Allied Arms and the Greyfriar are vastly superior to anything Wetherspoons has to offer in Reading in terms of beer/atmosphere/clientele/ambience, the Hope Tap isn't bad but I wouldn't recommend the Monk's Retreat, very gloomy and some of the customers tend to bring the Jeremy Kyle show to mind (as befits a pub that opens at 0700).

Back of Beyond is a bit livelier if you don't mind a longer walk, lots of students.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Fourbee on July 06, 2015, 09:14:29
Whilst the Allied Arms and the Greyfriar are vastly superior to anything Wetherspoons has to offer in Reading in terms of beer/atmosphere/clientele/ambience, the Hope Tap isn't bad but I wouldn't recommend the Monk's Retreat, very gloomy and some of the customers tend to bring the Jeremy Kyle show to mind (as befits a pub that opens at 0700).

Back of Beyond is a bit livelier if you don't mind a longer walk, lots of students.

Last Saturday a group of us were intending to get breakfast at The Three Guineas, but their kitchen had no gas apparently. Deciding instead to have a JDW breakfast I remembered The Monk's Retreat from a previous visit so we went to The Hope Tap instead ;-). We also visited The Back of Beyond for the first time and had a pint out the back near the river navigation. Very pleasant!


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Thatcham Crossing on July 06, 2015, 14:26:58
Nice to see The Greyfriar near the Station in Reading getting a shout out - it's owned by a mate of mine  :)

They use Social Media (FB) to publicise their "Tap take-overs" etc. which are quite frequent.



Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Palfers on July 06, 2015, 19:05:30
I highly recommend downloading the wether spoons app it has a map where it will locate the nearest wether spoons to your location!


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Brucey on July 06, 2015, 19:18:13
I would also recommend The Great Western and The Prince of Wales.  Both a short walk from Cardiff Central.

The Great Western is better for eating, but the Prince of Wales has a better atmosphere later in the evening.  Spent many a night in there chugging pints of skull attack.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: TaplowGreen on July 07, 2015, 05:49:51
Nice to see The Greyfriar near the Station in Reading getting a shout out - it's owned by a mate of mine  :)

They use Social Media (FB) to publicise their "Tap take-overs" etc. which are quite frequent.



Well deserved - your mate deserves praise, like the Allied Arms it's an oasis in a sea of identikit bars and pubs in Reading.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: readytostart on July 07, 2015, 08:57:55
York (as has been mentioned) turn right on station exit. At traffic lights...it's there, Cross Keys...so 3 mins. Better go to Brigantes though, turn left at said lights, 100 yards on left: Micklegate. you won't regret it. 10 wickets and good imported bottled...oh and good food.

If memory serves this one is called The Punch Bowl.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: readytostart on July 07, 2015, 09:04:29

The "best" one I have been to is without doubt The Counting House in Glasgow, it's their Scottish flagship and you really wouldn't know it's a Wetherspoons - it's got a lot of character & enough barstaff at busy times for one thing!


There's a new one opened up even closer to Queen Street station, the Camperdown Place is situated at street level under the station occupying an area comprising the site of an old bar and the old lower level of Burger King.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zuhZ2LqY-e0/TavwiyXur7I/AAAAAAAACr0/4TxBmFVXwzw/s1600/DSCF1873.JPG)


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: TaplowGreen on July 07, 2015, 11:36:57
Beer & Burger King..........perfect.......Deep fried Mars Bars too?  ;D


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: phile on July 07, 2015, 20:37:39
David Protheroe in Neath and Malcom Uphill Caerphilly both across the road.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Brucey on August 09, 2015, 18:26:26
Visited The Company Inn in Nottingham today (about 5 mins walk from the station).  A Lloyds Bar, so it played background music (even during the day).  Not too busy at lunchtime, very clean and staff were friendly.

It appears JDW have changed their Sunday Club offering.

Previously you would receive meat, one Yorkshire pudding, three roast potatoes, carrots, peas, brocolli, gravy and a drink.  A ^1.50 upgrade got you mash, an extra Yorkshire pudding and something else.

Now (for the same price), you get meat, one Yorkshire pudding, three roast potatoes, mash, sausage with bacon, carrots, peas, brocolli, gravy and a drink.  A ^1.50 upgrade gets you an extra Yorkshire pudding plus extra turkey or beef (even if you chose a different meat for the main course).

The previous pork loin option has been replaced with sliced turkey.  But I would still recommend the chicken option as being the best in terms of quantity (half a roast chicken).

For ^6.49 including a pint of Bullion (a local golden ale), I was rather impressed and left feeling very full.
(http://i58.tinypic.com/339rknq.jpg)

The price varies (usually between ^4.99 and ^8.75) depending on pub, but I believe the food offering has changed eveywhere.  Just hoping JDW get my local rebuilt soon (after it was partially destroyed by fire) as they offered all the "clubs" for between ^4.99 and ^5.75!


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: bobm on August 09, 2015, 18:55:20
Ironically the Wetherspoons I was in this lunchtime had a problem in the cellar and had no draught beers, ciders or lagers!


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on August 09, 2015, 19:54:31
My own local Wetherspoons (The Glass Maker, Nailsea (http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-glass-maker)) is within 15 minutes' walk of my local railway station - although a certain two members of this forum have baulked at the effort involved (it's mostly uphill).  ::)

I enjoyed an excellent ^1.99 pint of one of the guest beers - 'Piston Broke', from the Box Steam Brewery (http://www.boxsteambrewery.com/) - this evening.  ;) :D ;D


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: readytostart on August 09, 2015, 20:50:46
The Spoons here in Edinburgh don't do the Sunday Club any more, have to jump on a train to Berwick for my fix.  :'(
Alternatively if it's pay weekend then I head to The Grosvenor and get super-thick-sliced beef (bordering on steak) and all the trimmings. Supposed you get what you pay for!


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: JayMac on August 09, 2015, 20:52:13
I think it may be I that was one of those who'd complained to Chris about the walk from Nailsea and Blackwell station to Nailsea town centre.

Today I've been mostly in a field drinking Tribute. More of that elsewhere on the forum for regular readers.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on August 09, 2015, 21:55:36
I think it may be I that was one of those who'd complained to Chris about the walk from Nailsea and Blackwell station to Nailsea town centre.

Indeed you were - and you've 'blotted your copybook' even further by mis-spelling Backwell.  :o ::)


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: JayMac on August 09, 2015, 22:30:38
I'll leave in the typlo wlith the exltra L. My phlone's dictionary has Blackwell in it but not Backwell. Didn't notlice the aulto-correlct.

Rectiflied.  ;D


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on August 09, 2015, 23:09:54
I think it may be I that was one of those who'd complained to Chris about the walk ...

... and I'm still waiting for the other culprit to own up. :-X


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Brucey on June 18, 2016, 21:09:34
At airports all the Spoons charge higher prices.

Indeed.  I have recently used both the airside 'spoons at Glasgow and Edinburgh airports.  Prices are the same at both.

The drinks are reasonably priced (not Wetherspoons typical prices, but still cheaper than many pubs on the high street): £3.55 for a pint of Doom Bar (CAMRA vouchers accepted).

Food is pricey.  The burgers (typically £4.59 with soft drink or £5.59 with alcoholic drink, outside Central London) were only available as "gourmet upgrades" (typically £6.59 or £7.59) but priced at £10 to £11.50 without the drink and without the onion rings.  Add on £3.55 for a pint and you're looking at minimum £5.96 more for less food.  Also meals like chilli con carne are around £11.50 (again, slightly different meal contents to the standard high street chilli and rice option).  No steak on offer, presumably because steak knives are not permitted airside.  No daily "clubs" (steak, curry, chicken, mexican, fish).

I visited both airports on a Wednesday evening two weeks apart.  In Glasgow, we were the only customers in the pub and speeded through security in less than 30 seconds.  At Edinburgh, the pub was almost completely full and security was painfully slow.  Service in Glasgow was much better than in Edinburgh.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: eightf48544 on June 18, 2016, 22:42:12
What's the Wetherspoon's at Bristol like? Are there any other pubs or restaurants close to station you'd recommend for a lightish lunch?


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: TaplowGreen on June 18, 2016, 23:01:03
What's the Wetherspoon's at Bristol like? Are there any other pubs or restaurants close to station you'd recommend for a lightish lunch?
Grim.....like most Wetherspoons. There are far, far better options in Bristol. Try a proper pub like the Barley Mow, not far from Temple Meads.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on June 18, 2016, 23:27:29
There, I would disagree.  ::)

The Wetherspoons near Bristol Temple Meads (The Knights Templar) is a good example of its type - comparatively cheap real ales, and their predictable full range menu of food.

The Barley Mow in Barton Road has relatively expensive beer and an uninspired menu, in my experience.

If you're prepared to walk ten minutes from the railway station, there are far more options available, in Welsh Back, Queen Square or the harbourside generally.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: TaplowGreen on June 19, 2016, 09:02:38
There, I would disagree.  ::)

The Wetherspoons near Bristol Temple Meads (The Knights Templar) is a good example of its type - comparatively cheap real ales, and their predictable full range menu of food.

The Barley Mow in Barton Road has relatively expensive beer and an uninspired menu, in my experience.

If you're prepared to walk ten minutes from the railway station, there are far more options available, in Welsh Back, Queen Square or the harbourside generally.

All a matter of taste/opinion of course - I cited the Barley Mow because I've had several good nights in there, it's proximity to the station and it has character unlike most Wetherspoons warehouses.....of course it is a bit pricier, but where isn't than JDW? In my experience you get what you pay for.......in this case the ale is far superior, and benefits smaller independent breweries.

Agreed re: Queen Square/Harbourside, as you say a bit more of a stroll.

I'll leave this here for eightf48544's consideration (I'm not on commission!!!)  :D

http://www.barleymowbristol.com/


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: eightf48544 on June 19, 2016, 10:18:43
Thanks for the suggestions.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: devon_metro on June 19, 2016, 12:04:00
At airports all the Spoons charge higher prices.

Indeed.  I have recently used both the airside 'spoons at Glasgow and Edinburgh airports.  Prices are the same at both.

The drinks are reasonably priced (not Wetherspoons typical prices, but still cheaper than many pubs on the high street): £3.55 for a pint of Doom Bar (CAMRA vouchers accepted).

Food is pricey.  The burgers (typically £4.59 with soft drink or £5.59 with alcoholic drink, outside Central London) were only available as "gourmet upgrades" (typically £6.59 or £7.59) but priced at £10 to £11.50 without the drink and without the onion rings.  Add on £3.55 for a pint and you're looking at minimum £5.96 more for less food.  Also meals like chilli con carne are around £11.50 (again, slightly different meal contents to the standard high street chilli and rice option).  No steak on offer, presumably because steak knives are not permitted airside.  No daily "clubs" (steak, curry, chicken, mexican, fish).

I visited both airports on a Wednesday evening two weeks apart.  In Glasgow, we were the only customers in the pub and speeded through security in less than 30 seconds.  At Edinburgh, the pub was almost completely full and security was painfully slow.  Service in Glasgow was much better than in Edinburgh.

The 'spoons at Gatwick south terminal is considerably worse. £4.90 for a pint!

Edinburgh 'spoons is always packed when I pass through, but from what I can tell it's the best place to be in the overcrowded terminal other than the BA lounge!

Regarding Wetherspoons at railway stations, a new one is due to open at the top of the ramp outside Edinburgh Waverley (it might already be open).


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: bobm on June 19, 2016, 17:04:15
Been in two near stations today - The Duke of Wellington in Minehead which is very spacious and also a good value hotel and The Tremenheere in Penzance.  Doombar £2.55 a pint in Penzance.  Exmoor Stag was £2.50 in Minehead.

Almost tee-total me....  >:(


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: LiskeardRich on June 19, 2016, 17:25:04
Been in two near stations today - The Duke of Wellington in Minehead which is very spacious and also a good value hotel and The Tremenheere in Penzance.  Doombar £2.55 a pint in Penzance.  Exmoor Stag was £2.50 in Minehead.

Almost tee-total me....  >:(

But Doombar doesn't have a "tee" in it. Exmoor Stag does though

 ;D


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: 6 OF 2 redundant adjunct of unimatrix 01 on June 19, 2016, 20:17:55
The star in Honiton is a winner and only a two min walk from the station


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Brucey on June 19, 2016, 20:54:09
Just been in Yr Hen Orsaf at Aberystwyth station.  Staff friendly and pub clean.  Nice outdoorish seating area with views directly out onto the station platform, under the station canopy.

The mixed grill (£9.99 including a pint, not on steak club day) was ok but not very big.  The steak and lamb were quite small but cooked perfectly.  There were approximately 12 chips which didn't seem very generous (I won't go into calculating the volume of each item).

(https://s32.postimg.org/dwtcx8n2d/IMG_20160619_191416.jpg)

Beers on offer included Doom Bar (£2.45) and a local(ish) beer Dragon's Revenge (£2.19).  Disappointed to see no Brain's S.A. and no "Welsh" products on the menu except flaming dragon curry (seem to recall a steak+ale pie, faggots and something leek related in the past).


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on June 19, 2016, 21:04:32
I called in at my local Wetherspoons (The Glassmaker, in Nailsea) after work this evening, at 5:45, and they'd run out of mixed grills altogether - as well as mashed potato, soup and several other things.  ::)

To be fair, it's Father's Day, so I suspect they'd been extremely busy earlier in the day.  ;)


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: phile on June 19, 2016, 21:27:16
Just been in Yr Hen Orsaf at Aberystwyth station.  Staff friendly and pub clean.  Nice outdoorish seating area with views directly out onto the station platform, under the station canopy.

The mixed grill (£9.99 including a pint, not on steak club day) was ok but not very big.  The steak and lamb were quite small but cooked perfectly.  There were approximately 12 chips which didn't seem very generous (I won't go into calculating the volume of each item).

(https://s32.postimg.org/dwtcx8n2d/IMG_20160619_191416.jpg)

Beers on offer included Doom Bar (£2.45) and a local(ish) beer Dragon's Revenge (£2.19).  Disappointed to see no Brain's S.A. and no "Welsh" products on the menu except flaming dragon curry (seem to recall a steak+ale pie, faggots and something leek related in the past).

Brains SA is not a regular Spoons ale but might available as guest on occasions.  Spoons Ales always on tap are Doom Bar, Greene King IPA and Ruddles Bitter.  Any others are guests.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on June 19, 2016, 21:30:40
Abbot is also a regular real ale - apparently, it's Tim Martin's favourite.  ;)

We don't have Greene King IPA here in Nailsea.  :-X


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: ellendune on June 19, 2016, 21:37:49
Abbot is also a regular real ale - apparently, it's Tim Martin's favourite.  ;)

We don't have Greene King IPA here in Nailsea.  :-X

Speaking as a cider/wine drinker - Why should a Suffolk Ale be sold in Somerset or West Wales? 

They say around here that Wadworths 6X is at its best when not more than 30 miles from Devizes.  Aren't real ales supposed to be local?


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: phile on June 19, 2016, 22:35:09
Abbot is also a regular real ale - apparently, it's Tim Martin's favourite.  ;)

We don't have Greene King IPA here in Nailsea.  :-X

Sorry, I meant Abbot as a regular not IPA.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: phile on June 19, 2016, 23:05:51
New Spoons opened a few months ago virtually at Liverpool Lime St station.    The Booking Office opened this week in Edinburgh just on the corner at the top of the slope leading to the Waverley Bridge.  Believe Pen Cob at Pwllheli is more or less opposite.  The John Wallace Linton at Newport was just across the road from the former station entrance but a little further now since the awfully designed and hopelessly thought out alterations to the station.  Talk of the Town in Paignton approx 50 yards in direction of seafront.   Lord Roseberry in Scarborough just across the road.   The Esquire House at Anniesland just across the road after coming down to street level from the Platforms.  The Samuel Romiley at Barry approx 100 yards on the opposite side of the road from the Town station.  The Imperial at Exeter just across the road and up the steps to the road leading up to the city centre.  The Last Post in Southend opposite Central station.  The Tumble in Pontypridd across the road.The Central Hotel in Shotton next door to the High Level (Wrexham-Bidston route) Platforms.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: John R on June 19, 2016, 23:10:48
Abbot is also a regular real ale - apparently, it's Tim Martin's favourite.  ;)

We don't have Greene King IPA here in Nailsea.  :-X

Having lived in Greene King territory (Sandy, Beds) for several years, I have to say I found their IPA to be one of the most disappointingly insipid brews. I kept on trying to like it, but never did...


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: TaplowGreen on June 20, 2016, 06:01:25
Abbot is also a regular real ale - apparently, it's Tim Martin's favourite.  ;)

We don't have Greene King IPA here in Nailsea.  :-X

Having lived in Greene King territory (Sandy, Beds) for several years, I have to say I found their IPA to be one of the most disappointingly insipid brews. I kept on trying to like it, but never did...

I agree - they were serving it at Twickenham in the bars at £6 per pint a few weeks ago when we played Wales - pre poured and ice cold!  >:(


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: didcotdean on June 20, 2016, 09:58:15
Abbot is also a regular real ale - apparently, it's Tim Martin's favourite.  ;)

We don't have Greene King IPA here in Nailsea.  :-X

Having lived in Greene King territory (Sandy, Beds) for several years, I have to say I found their IPA to be one of the most disappointingly insipid brews. I kept on trying to like it, but never did...

I agree - they were serving it at Twickenham in the bars at £6 per pint a few weeks ago when we played Wales - pre poured and ice cold!  >:(

How they can get away with describing their bland 3.6% beer as an IPA I don't know. In reality it is a very ordinary bitter.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Fourbee on June 20, 2016, 14:51:54
How they can get away with describing their bland 3.6% beer as an IPA I don't know. In reality it is a very ordinary bitter.

Most ones I've had are creamy, flat with a hint of vinegar. I don't like their "smooth" handled glasses either. Maybe I have just had bad examples, but I'd always tend to avoid GK in as much as I'd avoid Fullers brews and Shepherd Neame.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on June 22, 2016, 01:59:11
Oh, I say, steady on!  :o ::) :D

Fuller's London Pride is an excellent pint!  ;)


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: bobm on June 22, 2016, 06:30:19
.... and Fullers ESB an even better one!  ;D


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: TaplowGreen on June 22, 2016, 08:32:21
.......and Fullers "Chiswick" tops the lot, but is very hard to find!


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Western Pathfinder on June 22, 2016, 23:02:33
I'm fond of a pint of the old Ernst Stavro Blofeld myself.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: John R on June 23, 2016, 21:02:04

Most ones I've had are creamy, flat with a hint of vinegar.

You've now reminded me why I didn't like it. I never put the vinegar word to the taste, but you are absolutely spot on.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: plymothian on June 24, 2016, 09:48:24
The North Western at Liverpool Lime Street is the former hotel.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: TonyK on June 24, 2016, 17:52:07
In Blackpool, you are a little spoilt for choice. The Velvet Coaster is on the sea front between Pleasure Beach and Blackpool South stations. The Layton Rakes and the Albert and the Lion are a 10 minute walk from Blackpool North, but will be a quick tram ride soon, when the railway goes inland to BPN. And a couple of minutes stroll down the delightfully named Hardhorn Road from Poulton-le-Fylde station is the Poulton Elk, although to get there, one would have to pass the Golden Ball. I'm not sure I could do that, even despite the globalisation of Boddingtons, which I first drank there around 1972. Old times sake and all that...
 
If you include close to the trams, the Jolly Tars in Cleveleys is 3 minutes from the tram stop. The Thomas Drummond is in London Street, Fleetwood, just round the corner from London Street tram stop.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: ellendune on June 24, 2016, 20:21:22
In Blackpool, you are a little spoilt for choice. The Velvet Coaster is on the sea front between Pleasure Beach and Blackpool South stations. The Layton Rakes and the Albert and the Lion are a 10 minute walk from Blackpool North, but will be a quick tram ride soon, when the railway goes inland to BPN. And a couple of minutes stroll down the delightfully named Hardhorn Road from Poulton-le-Fylde station is the Poulton Elk, although to get there, one would have to pass the Golden Ball. I'm not sure I could do that, even despite the globalisation of Boddingtons, which I first drank there around 1972. Old times sake and all that...
 
If you include close to the trams, the Jolly Tars in Cleveleys is 3 minutes from the tram stop. The Thomas Drummond is in London Street, Fleetwood, just round the corner from London Street tram stop.

A warning to anyone considering a 10 minute walk from Blackpool North - In some directions at least it is not the most salubrious part of town, and I would think twice before walking to North Shore after Dark. 


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: TonyK on June 25, 2016, 10:57:12
I would think twice before going anywhere near there after dark! But straight down Talbot Road should be OK, then left towards the Tower.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: eightf48544 on April 02, 2017, 15:26:55
Not a Wetherspoons but a great pub even on match day!

The Great Western opposite the old Wolverhampton Low Level station at back of existing station.

Go through subway at left of entrance to station and turn right and follow path on other side.
 
We choose a match day! place heaving bt fully geared up to task 5 bar staff so drinks obtained quickly. Match day food served from kitchen main dishes curry et al preprepared and served from pots chips continuously frying. Again minimal wait. I had Grey Peas and bacon with crusty bread and chips thick cut home fried. Excellent. Others had chicken curry large chunks of chicken, pork baps crackling and lots of meat. Must return-on a non match day.

Proves the point that as you go north portion sizes increase and price decrease.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: TonyK on April 03, 2017, 09:08:12
Grey peas! Black peas in my old hometown, and a gourmet treat I have not had in a long time!

In re Wetherspoons, I had a very acceptable steak and chips in the Albert and the Lion recently, washed down with Lytham Blonde before catching the tram back to mum's.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: JayMac on April 03, 2017, 11:09:49
Word reaches me from a trundling trencherman (guess who?  ;)) that Wetherspoons have added black pudding to their breakfast menu.

Excellent.  :)


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: Richard Fairhurst on April 03, 2017, 16:19:26
Not a Wetherspoons but a great pub even on match day!

The Great Western opposite the old Wolverhampton Low Level station at back of existing station.

Agreed - it's a cracking pub. We've stopped there a couple of times when boating through Wolverhampton.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: eightf48544 on April 03, 2017, 19:25:54
I've had black peas, also excellent in eh Refreshment room at Stalybridge Bridge Station.

Pity the trains are so boring!


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: stuving on July 14, 2018, 18:32:01
Wokingham is now a Wetherspoons-free town. But...

Wetherspoons announced last September that the Gig House would close, giving a year's notice. That might suggest they don't love us Wokingham residents any more - or that we don't love them enough in the commercial sense (but see below for evidence to the contrary). However, it was always clear the lease was up for renewal, and maybe they were just arm-wrestling with the landlord.

Then a month ago this closure was suddenly brought forward with one week's notice. There was muttering about the loss of trade due to the obstructive building works, by then on both sides of the Gig House. But, again, the real explanation is obviously the lease - a new tenant had been found, so the old lease could be terminated by mutual agreement. (Bear in mind a lessee can't transfer liability to pay rent to another without the lessor's agreement.)

So it's been quickly and minimally refitted by its new proprietors, Bear Inns, as a Wannaspoons house - they have said as much: "It's the Wetherspoon idea ... so we're not using the Bears model". It opened last night, though I've not been to look yet. Of course that's not near the station, the pub down there is the Molly Millar - or was, as that's also been relet (or sold) and refitted (closed most of April).

In this case the new operators are Stonegate, who have listed it among their Craft Pubs chain, though that's not a strong branding you'd notice. Menu and service-wise it's pretty much a Wannaspoons - and still trying harder when I was there soon after it opened. Beer prices may not be quite that low, though. Certainly the craft offering from the "beer wall" I had was pricey, and the general bar prices were not visible. With the weather so far allowing them to fill the large patio/decking area, even when shh...you-know-what has filled the indoor viewing zones, the new owners probably mark this one as worth taking on.

And it's got a new name: the Station Tap. Historically, it was the Railway Hotel most of the time from being built (ca. 1860) until quite recently. For most of the 1900s, the Railway Tap operated round the back for those not posh enough for the main "commercial" hotel. That building is still there, as part of the "Crisis House" on Station Approach.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: broadgage on July 14, 2018, 19:10:23
How they can get away with describing their bland 3.6% beer as an IPA I don't know. In reality it is a very ordinary bitter.

Most ones I've had are creamy, flat with a hint of vinegar. I don't like their "smooth" handled glasses either. Maybe I have just had bad examples, but I'd always tend to avoid GK in as much as I'd avoid Fullers brews and Shepherd Neame.

Preference regarding real ales is very subjective, but I agree that Green King IPA is rather bland and tasteless, very ordinary, also very cheap wholesale.
Fullers London Pride is one of my favourites, ESB better still but too strong to drink in quantity, Fullers "golden pride" is exceedingly strong and not regularly available on draught, but well worth looking for IMO.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: bobm on July 14, 2018, 19:53:26
Just finished a bottle of Golden Pride - always look a bit more distinguished drinking that than the similar strength Carlsberg Special Brew!

The Mad Bishop & Bear at London Paddington occasionally have it on draft. Handy when they do as it then qualifies for the CAMRA member discount.


Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: TaplowGreen on July 15, 2018, 08:48:47
Wokingham is now a Wetherspoons-free town. But...


Lucky Wokingham - especially as the Molly Millar has also gone!



Title: Re: Wetherspoons on or near stations
Post by: TonyK on July 15, 2018, 20:58:32
I don't think I've ever been to Wokingham. If I have, I don't remember it. I probably never will now.



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