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Picture of The Observatory (JD Wetherspoon)
Image posted by Old Boots
Submitted on Saturday, 9th March 2024
With picture contributions to 3214 other pubs
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The Observatory (JD Wetherspoon), Ilkeston

14 Market Place
Ilkeston
DE7 5QA
Phone: 01159328040
Correct details

Pub Type

J D Wetherspoon

Served areas

Reviews of The Observatory (JD Wetherspoon) (Average Rating: of 10) Add Review see review guidelines

Old Boots left this review about The Observatory (JD Wetherspoon)

A modern glass fronted building with the counter down the left side usual 6+6 handpumps topped and tailed with T-bars and solos, the unholy trinity are at the far end plus the Ruddles repeated on the nearer set, all festival beers otherwise as it’s that time of year. Trainman’s twin brother passed me with a tray of halves of all of the festival beers. Floored with slabs around bar and a leafy carpet elsewhere. All on one level apart from extra seating on the upstairs floor, even the toilets are downstairs at the back, there is also an outdoor drinking area to the right. Very busy on a Friday lunchtime, it isn’t that big for a spoons. Some local history and other panels plus a couple of walls of space inspired pictures as décor and of course there are the usual screens and machines. Fairly standard although the staff were very much on the ball

On 9th March 2024 - no rating submitted
[User has posted 3209 recommendations about 2920 pubs]


Pub SignMan left this review about The Observatory (JD Wetherspoon)

I thought this pub was a bit of an eyesore on approach, thanks to its massive glass facade, but once inside it turns out to be quite a nice example of a modern Wetherspoons. The servery runs down the left-hand wall of a partly carpeted, partly tile stone floored room, and has a simple counter and bar back enhanced by some nice brass pot shelves. High tables and stools fill the open area to the front, standard tables and chairs emerge further back and banquettes trace the right-hand wall, broken only by a doorway leading out to a depressing looking side patio garden. TV screens could be seen dotted throughout the pub but they were all turned off during my mid-morning visit, so none of the usual rolling 24 hour news channels to be seen. Walls are generally painted in plain colours with a few old photos and local history boards to break up the monotony. Perhaps the pub’s most striking feature is a huge telescope sculpture standing high up at one end of the bar, in honour of John Flamstead - a local man who became the first Astronomer Royal at the Royal Greenwich Observatory. Stairs lead up to a first floor level which I didn’t explore, but presumably has overspill seating and some good views out over the market square and church.
I was here early in the day for a bit of breakfast and swerved the ales, but noted the usual three ‘Spoons regulars supplemented by four guest ales. My breakfast was the usual heat-it-up affair, but tasted fine and arrived nice and promptly courtesy of one of the friendly members of staff who were notably working hard to keep the pub clean and tidy.
I didn’t have very high expectations for this place, but came away thinking it was a pretty good modern ‘Spoons with a bright, airy interior, very friendly staff and a few interesting ales to sample. A good start to my time in Ilkeston and I’d be happy to call again to give the beer a try.

On 5th September 2023 - rating: 7
[User has posted 3102 recommendations about 3102 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Al Bundy left this review about The Observatory (JD Wetherspoon)

As noted, this is a fairly ugly looking place. Inside isn't much better with a small (for a Wethers) single long room. There is an upstairs bit that I never visited. The toilets being on the ground floor and not up the stairs was a surprise. 2 banks of 6 handpulls. The round porthole-like windows at the side gave it the look of a bar on a ship.

On 2nd February 2019 - rating: 5
[User has posted 3487 recommendations about 3390 pubs]


View more reviews of The Observatory (JD Wetherspoon) (9)
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Pub location see interactive map of local area
Map location corrected by Bucking Fastard
Ilkeston, 0.88 miles, 17 min walk (show)
Langley Mill, 4.03 miles, 1 hr 17 min walk (show)
Bulwell, 6.41 miles, 2 hr 3 min walk (show)
Latest updates View all updates for The Observatory (JD Wetherspoon), Ilkeston
9th Mar 2024, 12:03
Picture submitted by Old Boots approved
 
9th Mar 2024, 12:03
Picture submitted by Old Boots approved

Pub Details

Pub details supplied by members of this site to the best of their knowledge. Please check with pub directly before making a special trip.

  • Accommodation : No last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Bar Billiards : No last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Beer Festivals : Yes last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Beer Garden : Yes last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • CAMRA Discount : No - JDW vouchers only - last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Car Park : No last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Child Friendly : Yes last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Darts : No last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Dog Friendly : No last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Function Room : No last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Hot Food : Yes last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Jukebox : No last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Karaoke : No last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Live Music : No last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Live TV Sports : No last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Micropub : No last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Pinball : No last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Pool Table : No last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Quiz Night : No last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Real Ale : Yes last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Real Cider : Yes last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • Wheelchair Access : Yes last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
  • WiFi : Yes last updated 05 February 2017 by ROB Camra
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