Wetherspoons on or near stations

[whole diary]

[Chris from Nailsea]

My own local Wetherspoons (The Glass Maker, Nailsea) 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 - this evening. 

[readytostart]

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!

[JayMac]

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.

[Chris from Nailsea]

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. 

[JayMac]

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. 

[Chris from Nailsea]

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.

[Brucey]

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.

[eightf48544]

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?

[TaplowGreen]

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.

[Chris from Nailsea]

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.

[TaplowGreen]

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!!!) 

http://www.barleymowbristol.com/

[eightf48544]

Thanks for the suggestions.

[devon_metro]

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^» (British Airways - about) 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).

[bobm]

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.... 

[LiskeardRich]

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