The Last Judgement, Chancery Lane, WC2

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.

I have to say I thought this was massively above average for the JDW chain. The building is a spectacular baroque specimen, impressively detailed and really very nice to sit in. In contrast to other 'spoons I have visited, this was clearly well run - more staff on for the peak lunchtime rush and as a result I was served promptly. The food wasn't in brilliant shape but thats always an occupational hazard here, though my pint of Goldrush was excellent. Probably the best Wetherspoons I've come across.

Rather grand and certainly better than average Wetherspoons. Large, open plan downstairs, its echoey but comfortable and a little different, certain to others in the chain. There's a Knights Templar theme, obviously, but some of the wispy art work really is rather good. Well presented, there is a raised area to the left that again adds a bit of difference. Staff seem good, which again is not always a given with Wetherspoons and the beer quality and choice also better than average. Nice pub.