The Golden Lion (JD Wetherspoon), Ipswich

This is one of the fifty or so "Doomed" Spoons from the 2015 lists but was still running on 21st January 2016. As noted below if takes up the left side of the ground floor of the Golden Lion Hotel and for a JDW is relatively small. It's an "L" shaped room with the seating area away from the bar up a few steps. There are still only six hand pumps which ignoring the two GK beers and Doom Bore had the Belhaven Burns Night Beer, Cliff Quay Tolly Roger and Nethergate Old Growler. I went for the Tolly Roger (£2.29) which wasn't entirely clear but tasted OK. Given the two far more prominent outlets up by the Tower Ramparts bus station it's not really surprising that this one is for the chop. I did notice several places up for sale or boarded up whilst stumbling around so wonder if Ipswich has become rather run down.

The third JDW in the centre of Ipswich and not the best by a long way. Located in part of the former Golden Lion Hotel it is none the less just called J D Wetherspoons. Two levels, the posher upper one with its own bar counter was closed off when I visited and the lower area was standing room only, although there was plenty to go round. This area is low ceilinged and only the bar counter is well lit, giving the atmosphere of a cellar bar. Six hand pumps with a more limited choice than the town's other JDWs but some of the same beers at the same quality plus the usual kegs on T Bars. Décor is in the usual JDW way with a little shrine to Sir Alf Ramsey. Staff more typically 'spoons like and the customer profile very much fitting JDW's reputation.

Tucked away at the back of the main shopping streets this Wetherspoon's has two bars on two levels and can get very busy.On my several visits I have not been very lucky with the guest beers.

Official site of Wetherspoons in Ipswich - www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk

Official site of Wetherspoons in Ipswich - www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk