The Robin, Wembley

This large high street chain pub had the Juniper brand logo above the entrance which is a branch of the Barracuda group. These are meant to be pubs that get away from the spit and sawdust of the usual sports bar, but I wasn’t very taken with this one. The staff were polite, but the clientele left a lot to be desired, maybe I just picked the wrong afternoon to wander in. There are two banks of three hand pumps which were both drawing Directors and Bombardier with the third pump being unused. There is also an extensive range of standard draught products available from the long bar and I had a passable pint of Guinness on my recent weekday visit. I spotted numerous menus dotted around the pub with the usual cheap pub food listed on them. I didn’t eat so I cannot comment on the quality, but the smell of ketchup was quite pungent which I think says it all. The main bar area is L-shaped and there are a few raised seating sections that can be used to escape the plasma screens that are found throughout the pub. There was some background chart music playing during my visit which I imagine being switched off when the Football is on as this pub has Sky Sports. There is also a pool table towards the rear of the pub and a pinball machine by the entrance that was being enjoyed by a group of students. The quality of pubs in Wembley isn’t great and this one is no exception.

From the outside, the Bear still looks like the Post Office that it used to be, complete with the old post box built into the wall but the interior is typical Smith & Jones that would would generally mean avoid like the plague but, given the lack of any real decent pubs in this neck of the woods, the choice is generally this, a crap Irish bar or the Wetherspoons next door. The interior is quite spacious and divided up into several sections although you need to avoid eye contact with the hideous deckchair material carpet that S&J seem to favour over anything that is remotely tasteful. Apart from the carpet, the décor is quite pleasing on the eye with tasteful modern prints and plenty of potted plants although there is an abundance of empty shelves just calling out for some old books, jugs, urns etc. Multiple screens satisfy the TV addicts and the music was unobtrusive. Sadly the staff aren’t the most attentive you will find and they don’t exactly jump out of the way to serve you. The ales can be a bit hit and miss regarding availablility as well as quality and are quite mainstream with a choice along the lines Green King IPA, Old Speckled Hen and Courage Best if they have anything at all. It is all very clean, tidy and functional but not worthy of making a special trip to find although most people are probably here prior to an event at the Stadium or Arena