The Winter Seam (Lloyds No 1), Castleford

A large, open plan, Lloyd’s Bar on the outer edge of the huge Xscape leisure complex. Unfortunately, no amount of layered false ceilings and partitions can disguise its hangar-like, boxy feel. There’s a central boothed area that affords some intimacy, otherwise it’s several rows of exposed high tables to the right of the entrance and a large space, with a canteen like feel, to the left. To the immediate left, on entering, is a designated family area. The bar runs the entire length of the back wall and is largely dominated by the usual T-bar beers. There are also six hand pumps. Beers available on my visit were Ruddles Best (on two pumps), Abbott Ale and White Horse ‘Wayland Smithy. One pump was dispensing Weston’s ‘Marcle Hill’ cider, (exclusive to JDW) and the sixth was not in use. Always keen to try new beers I opted for the White Horse, at a very reasonable £1.45. Unfortunately, it was far too cold making a mockery of the Cask Marque accreditation. However, the young barmaid that served me was friendly and welcoming. Calling on a Sunday afternoon the atmosphere seemed subdued rather than chilled. I suspect the intrusively loud music from the video jukebox / music channel did little to help. For those seeking alternatives to gawping at flat screen monitors, there was a bank of fruit machines to the left of the bar and a quiz machine near the door. The clientele was pretty mixed, but perhaps dominated by middle-aged shoppers, from the outlet centre over the way. When visiting leisure complexes like Xscape, one expects the atmosphere in restaurants and bars to be surreally artificial, but that combined with a blander than usual JDW meant I found the experience at The Winter Seam particularly depressing. I’m pretty certain I won’t be darkening its doors again.

A hugely popular pub in the new Xscape Complex at Castleford. This is a J.D. Wetherspoons pub, selling cheap beer and the starting point for most visiting clubbers to the Xscape complex. Meals are very good value, as are the breakfasts which start at about £2.50.