The Market Tavern, Liverpool

The Gold Balance is part of a desolate and run down shopping precinct in an area of Merseyside that was only developed substantially after World War II. It was presumably built as a shop and is a roughly square room with typical fixtures and fittings and a tiny patio at the rear. The glazed front doors do let some light in and provide a stunning view where the JDW Nicotine Guard Of Honour leads the eye to the Poundland shop across the precinct. I arrived before midday so it wasn't all that busy. The four hand pumps had two unused leaving just Marston's Old Empire and the International Banks's Sleeping Giant IPA. I went for the Old Empire (£1.85) which nicely washed down the scrambled egg on toast. It's hard to find anything positive to say about this one. The all female staff were pleasant enough even though I couldn't understand a word they were saying. There were no low ABV cask options (including the one that had gone off) which would be bad news for some. One of the staff was sorting out more beer offerings while I was there. Although I didn't mind this Spoons the poor beer choice is a deal breaker for me.

Official site of The Gold Balance (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

Official site of The Gold Balance (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

Typical shopping precinct 'spoons, with a 'L'-shaped bar and little of interest decor-wise. Only has four handpumps, and one of these was off, so the very meagre choice was Wainwright, Everard's Yakima and Kelham Island Thunder Road (normally just £1.85, but £1.79 on a Monday).

A popular Wethers by the look of it. A single bland room with the bar to your right as you enter. Only 5 handpumps though what was a refreshing change was that none of them were Ruddles, Abbott or Doom Bore.

The Gold Balance is a busy large one roomed JDW pub set in Kirby's shopping precinct.They had the usual selection of cask beers and the obligatory hike to the toilets.