The Metropolitan Bar (JD Wetherspoon), NW1

This stylish Wetherspoons is situated next to Baker Street Station hence the tube line connections in the name. The main body of the building dates from 1911 and was originally the recruitment centre for London Transport. It doesn’t initially look too promising from the outside, a glass fronted cinema style entrance leading to a lobby with a few high tables. The initial disappointment is soon left behind as you enter the grand hall up the stairs to the right where the main bar is situated. Were it not for the intrusive octet of thick columns propping up the high ornate ceiling, you could imagine this being a grand ballroom similar to that seen at ‘Spoons Liverpool Street outlet, the Hamilton Hall. Although not quite as ornate as the HH, there is much to admire and note including the decorative frieze surrounding the upper part of the walls and the Coats of Arms adorning the ceiling beams. The long bar aids service and the 18 hand pumps offer a decent selection of guest beers although you do pay a price for the opulence with guest ales currently clocking up at a minimum of £3.10 and some of the top end lagers pushing £4, prices almost unheard of at a Wetherspoons. It can get excessively busy and should definitely be avoided if there is football on at Wembley Stadium as this area is a major gathering point for football supporters. That said I have always found the service to be quite reliable even at the most trying of times. Given that the area isn’t flush with notable pubs, the Met acts as more than just a ‘Spoons of convenience and despite the high (for ‘Spoons) prices is still cheaper than most with a better beer choice and attractive surroundings but you just need to pick the right time to get the most out of it.

Randomness Guide to London - Metropolitan entry

Randomness Guide to London - Metropolitan entry

Small frontage but large and cavernous inside like most Wetherspoons. My experience is that they generally have a good selection of beers in this one and this was the case on my recent visit during the festival. I managed to find a couple that I'd not had before including the smoked beer. Plenty of tables so you can usually find somewhere to sit. Service OK but you do get the impression they don't really want to be there.

This is a vast upstairs Spoons bar that is an ideal meeting place as it is right next to the station, but I wouldn't stay all night.