The Herbert Wells - Woking

Visited 15th November 2009.

It was Mr Sinners birthday this week so Mrs S thought she would take him out for breakfast. Woking was selected to provide this gastronomic treat and although it did involve an early rise we made it to the pub at about 11.50. Whew just in time - no pun intended. I always enjoy a cooked breakfast, especially as I almost always end up eating some of Mrs Sinners as well.
I liked the pub, the ceiling decoration and the statue (no photo of the statue - you'll just have to go and see it for yourselves). The pint of Red Hunter slipped down easily as well.
I also noticed a sign stating that if you look under 21 you will need ID and that you can only use a valid passport or a new style photo driving license. I do hope this is a Wetherspoon protest against the governments introduction of the national ID card!

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The Maidenhead Inn - Basingstoke

Visited 17th October 2009.

We are still in Basingstoke, still shopping but now we are out of Festival Place and in to the old town. And now we're hungry. We find 'The Maidenhead Inn' and enter what appears from the outside to be a small, narrow offering. Inside, it's still narrow, but bigger than it looks, like the TARDIS. We went downstairs into a small cellar type area and had our usual beer and burger. A pleasant, cosy atmosphere and a chance to have a chat with the barmaid about the wristband promotion. Still only for students and I've still no idea why...
Coincidentally, if you leave the pub and pop down a nearby side road then you can find a toyshop with a fine example of a full size Dalek suitable for all fans and geeks.

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Lloyds Bar - Basingstoke

Visited 17th October 2009.

Mrs Sinner wanted to go shopping and I fancied a beer so we decided to combine the two with a trip to Basingstoke. Festival Place is a fairly new shopping centre with the rather unimaginatively named Lloyds bar positioned at the end of a restaurant isle. Still it was nice inside and as we hit it at about lunch time, very busy. No interesting ales for me to try so I settled for a pint of Ruddles with my driver (sorry dear) hitting the coke.
I asked about the wristband promotion but it turned out to be only for students although I did not see that mentioned anywhere in the promo posters... Drinks promotion required for over 45's please!

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The Prince Arthur - Fleet

Visited 11th October 2009.

I was looking forwards to visiting this one as I have driven passed it several times but never had the opportunity to stop and pop in. Well today's the day. Sorry I didn't get a photo of the whole of the front of the building as it is an attractive view and a nice pub inside as well. There is a pay and display car park next door but it's free on Sundays. Always useful. I opted for my usual, the Gourmet Burger with a pint of Strongbow and later a pint of Filly Drift with Mrs Sinner opting for her usual, the chicken burger. No problems with the food and service was swift. All in all a pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

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The Railway - London, Putney

Visited 3rd October 2009.

Our last Wetherspoons today and for my money the best of the bunch. Downstairs was busy so we went upstairs where it was also busy but we did manage to find an empty table to sit at. Drip, drip and now we know why. The seat was soaking wet where a leak somewhere was causing water to run down the wall, over a painting and onto the seat that Mrs Sinner had chose to sit on. What a wheeze! A pub with character and an Australian barman with loads of character made this a great visit.
Just for a change we're now off to O'Neills back in Shepherds Bush for a very large slice of chocolate cake and coffee, woohoo!

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The Oyster Rooms - London, Fulham

Visited 3rd October 2009.

Our second pub today that is inside a shopping centre. Clean and bright but with a limited ale selection. So limited in fact that I was forced to go for a double Buffalo Trace.
Nothing to do with Wetherspoons but while taking the photos a security guard asked me not to take any more while he was present . However he was completely unable to give me a reason why. I complied with his request but as the shopping centre itself was completely "camera'd" up I felt a certain double standard was operating. I try to be careful while taking my photos. I don't want to upset anyone by intruding upon their privacy, after all we should be able to have a drink without being molested by the paparazzi. But... maybe it's something about the friendliness of Wetherspoon patrons that makes them jump in front of the camera, it's happened on several occasions now!

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The Plough & Harrow - London, Hammersmith

Visited 3rd October 2009.

Hammersmith tries to redeem itself with The Plough & Harrow and if you like large, bright, modern pubs then it largely succeeds. I thought I would try the Marcle Hill still cider as it felt like the right sort of drink for the pub. Ultimately I was disappointed with both, nothing wrong with the cider or the pub, just not to my taste.

© John Sinner. None of the material contained in this post, or this blog as a whole, may be reproduced without the express and written permission of John Sinner. All rights reserved.