The Robert Shaw (JD Wetherspoon), Bolton

This was originally a Co-Op until they moved diagonally right across the road to larger premises. It's also named after the actor who most people may remember from Jaws but really old people will remember from a black and white TV series called Buccaneers. It's a fairly typical shop conversion with the bar on the left and a raised area to the right. It was doing a good trade on my Thursday morning visit. The ten hand pumps on the bar had the JDW Trio Of Doom, two ciders, Marstons Old Empire, GK Old Speckled Hen, Naylors Citradelic & Dark Side and Phoenix Monkeytown Mild. I went for the Old Empire to wash down my breakfast and the beer was in good nick. For a small town Spoons I thought this one was reasonable enough.

Nothing much to the modern frontage, or the standard furniture and decor inside, but the high windows certainly help at the front part of the bar and small (seatless) mezzanine above. Quite a large interior, so darker further back apart from the slightly raised area along part of one side. Patio area to the rear. Fair selection from nine of ten handpumps, and my pint of Bateman's Dark Lord (£2.39) was in fine form.

Official site of The Robert Shaw (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

Official site of The Robert Shaw (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

Alweays has been a typical small Wetherspoons. Sometimes a good(by my palate) pint, other tiomes not. Always (up to today) welcoming CAMRA members with a little discount (£1.85 for a less than 5.1% ABV bitter) - now manager decides to 'use his discretion' and refuse CAMRA discount. Heigh-ho

Quite a small town for a 'Spoons' but nevertheless was well attended when i paid it a visit,possibly because of the beer festival and the cut price drinks.Sampled a pint of Youngs Ram Rod (5.0)which was admirable.