The Last Judgement, Chancery Lane, WC2

This is a typical central London bank conversion, similar to those in the Fuller’s Ale and Pie House chain, except that this is actually a Wetherspoons pub. The former Union Bank has now been converted into a vast drinking space with the servery running along the right hand wall of the huge, carpeted main room. The bar counter is nicely curved and the bar back is an impressive structure incorporating various pillars, plenty of glass and tiles and an abstract sculpture of a knight on horseback. High tables and stools have been arranged in front of the large windows, whilst the rest of the space is filled with typical Wetherspoons table and chair seating. A few large marble pillars break up the space slightly and the ceiling has been painted with images of knights, cherubs and the like. At the rear of the room, stairs lead up to a mezzanine style area which is divided into four compact areas, two of which look out over the main part of the pub. These rooms have more of a traditional pub feel to them, with carpet, wood panelling, tiled fireplaces, old paintings and large book cases all present and correct alongside some more knight sculptures. It’s a nice spot to enjoy a meal as well as escaping from the crowds in the main bar. As a flagship Wetherspoons pub, I had hoped to find an exciting ale selection, but it was a great disappointment to find just three guest ales among the regulars on the twelve hand pumps. I gave the Conwy Mulberry Dark a try which was a nice enough pint. I thought this place was a little bit soulless at first, but the raised area at the back is certainly worth exploring. If large bank conversions are your thing, then this is one of the better ones, but it doesn’t come close to the Cross Keys or some of the aforementioned Fullers pubs.

I've been here more times than I can remember but only because many of my friends were lawyers, indeed lawyers probably make up the majority of drinkers here. This is a vast barn of a place with very high ceilings and an extra gallery to the rear. Unfortunately this place has absolutely no charm; 'drinking machine' is a more apt description than pub.

A large Wetherspoons bank conversion, sitting on the corner of Chancery Lane and Carey Street. It takes its name from the order of Knights who used to own most of the land around this area in the 12th Century. As previous reviewers have commented this is one of Wetherspoons better establishments, both in terms of architectural decor, service and facilities (it’s worth a visit just for the toilets alone). The staff here definitely seemed to have gone to a different customer skills training school than your usual ‘Spoons serving rabble. The sceptic in me puts this down to the fact that the majority of the week day clientele probably have some connection with the nearby Royal courts of Justice, so the propensity for Tim to be sued for serving incompetence is a lot higher than in any of his other establishments. It is a bit of a barn of a place, being a conversion from a former bank, this one being Union Bank, but somehow the very high ceilings and large space is compensated by the opulent decor and there is always a feel about the place, even when there is only a few in. The large bar serving area supports over 10 hand pumps and there are usually a good range of guest ales available. I had a very good pint of Everards Beacon on my last visit if my memory does not fail me. The standards of the toilets are a cut above your usual pub toilet experience and although I can only comment on the Gents, I am reliably informed the Ladies is top notch as well, as well as containing a very large curved padded sofa. The pub does open on Saturdays but is closed on Sundays along with the rest of this part of town.

A better-than-average JDW with a pleasant atmosphere, beautiful surroundings and a professional clientele, mostly from the local legal fraternity. The main bar is magnificent with its chandeliers and decorated columns. The staff were excellent in attitude and demeanour, knowledgeable about their beers and friendly. One corner was roped off for a private parrty, a strange thing to see but it didn't interfere with the normal pub business. There were 10 ales on – I had a pint of Evan Evans's Winter Glory, well kept and served at the right temperature. I would happily come back in here for lunch or an evening's libation when next in this area.