BITE user comments - pintofOrdplease
Comments by pintofOrdplease
It's enviable geographic position on the high street and a with a little imagination this place could and should clear-up the local trade. But it still continues to disappoint despite a recent refurb and some new furniture etc.
Sadly the 'Wetherspoons' name (and many of their pubs from experience) have become synonymous with cheap beer in a below-par environment.
The choice of bitters and real ale to be fair are wide-ranging and to be complimented, but served far too cold ... as is sadly the current trend everywhere.
Given there's no parity in pricing between them and the John Jakson across the road, it's not as if there's competition to stir them into doing something about it. Shame really.
19 Jul 2007 09:59
Well it seems since my last post things have improved at the JJ. Money has been spent, the place refurbished and a beer-garden cleverly constructed at the rear of the pub in an area that was previously at best described as desolate.
Been in there a few times since the refurb and it's been ok. Shame the choice of bitters/ale hasn't greatly improved but maybe that's not their niche, nor where a decent Friday/Saturday night's takings lie ... the Friday/Saturday night clientelle appeared suspiciously young on one or two occasion but opverall the pub's definitely improved which should be both encouraged and complimented.
With the rather disappointing Wetherspoons accross the road, Wallinton High Street needs a decent public house. Perhaps the JJ might fill the gap. Let's hope so.
19 Jul 2007 09:43
It's ok but that's about it, I'm not overrawed with the faux-Irish theme pub scene - it's a bit dated now and would be nice to see it return to being a more-mainstream pub (given its location I'm sure Youngs could really do something with this place). Quite an eye-opener when you see a doorman working the Sunday lunchtime shift but maybe that's a sign of the times?
Would be nice for the staff to be a bit friendlier/more hospitable, particularly when I've walked in and there's not a soul there. You'd think they'd be grateful for the custom?
As for cleanliness? Can't fault them on that. Always clean, always tidy.
17 Jul 2006 10:05
Can't help feeling this place is a little soulless. Shame because it could (and should) be a decent alternative to the Whispering Moon opposite. In the right hands this place could really thrive.
When first opened this place offered a decent array of lagers and bitters but sadly the latter have dissapeared from the menu. On my last visit it was a single cream-beer on offer which wasn't too palatable.
Ate here once after it soon opened (so NOT the fault of the current management) and was put off by them trying to pass off the brown stub-end of a lettuce as "salad". More surprising was it needing explaining to the staff at the time!
School report? Could do better ... much better!
17 Jul 2006 09:55
One of the poorest Wetherspoons I've been in which is a shame because it's a fantastic site for a pub (the old cimena with its sweeping frontage). The place is in need of a good clean as all too often you're met by the unwelcoming site of dirty tables and a sea of empty glasses. As for the food? No thanks.
Being cheap is no substitute for some basic cleanliness.
17 Jul 2006 09:46
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John Jakson, Wallington
Very dissapointed that since my last post (July 07) things have NOT improved as hoped ... and a result Wallington is still bereft of a decent pub on the high street.
Now it seems the John Jakson quite deservedly carries the mantle of being a bit of a 'chavs hangout'. The clientele are mostly the tracksuit/baseball-cap and trainer brigade who when the weather is good (as at the time of writing this) should be told by the management and staff NOT to leer and gesticulate at passing women, often late at night ... but also to use the pub's own toilets and NOT urinate in the nearby entrance to the train station or shop doorways.
Other pubs manage to control their clientele, why can't the John Jakson?
With places like the John Jakson and Wetherspoons and their respective clientele, is it any wonder Wallington High Street isn't the place of choice for families and couples at night.
13 Jun 2008 10:05