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

Whispering Moon, Wallington

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

John Jakson, Wallington

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