The College Arms (JD Wetherspoon), Peterborough

Now badged as Wetherspoons rather than Lloyds it's a standard spoons set up; a long thin place parallel to the road. The building is interesting on the outside and was the site of a technical college at one time hence the name. Light and spacious rather than dark and cramped but not as good as the Drapers Arms. Two banks of six pulls plus a three pull set in the middle with cider on. Took my money before pulling any beer, irritating; especially as it was a short measure.

With no Lloyds No 1 Bar signage visible, this appears to be a regular 'spoons with all the usual accoutrements such as information panels, etc. in the large staple-shaped bar. Also has a little more seating upstairs and two rear patio areas. Duplicated selection of Ruddles, Doom Bar, Abbot, Secret Kingdom from Hadrian Border (£2.15), Winter Glow from Strathaven and Brightside North Western Hoppy IPA from the two banks of six handpumps, with three more displaying cider clips (although overheard conversation suggested that only one of these was actually on).

Big open Spoons with the usual suspects for real ale. OK at 6pm but I dread to think what it's like later on.

The beer choice in here wasn't as good as the Drapers, but still managed to find Wolf Brewery Sirins Dog Star. This Spoons was a lot quieter than the Drapers for a Saturday afternoon, which was more pleasurable for a drink and a chat.

This converted college is a large open plan barn. It's a Lloyds and on my early Saturday evening visit the main space had already been cleared ready for the nightmare to begin. Despite the fact that there are three banks of hand pumps here the beer choice was pathetic. It consisted of the two GK beers, Doom Bore, Adnam's Broadside and Rudgate Battle Axe. I went for the Battle Axe (£2.05) which was in reasonable condition but rather cold. This was easily the poorest of seven Spoons visited on the day.

The better of Peterborough's two JDWs, The College is open and airy, well kept and staffed by pleasant (if over-familiar) staff. The customers also appear a bit more up-market than the other place. The name comes from the building it occupies, which was previously a technical college. The front area feels like a continental enclosed terrace and is a good place to watch the locals evolve. Fifteen pumps on the bar, but only six ales on. I had a pint of Wolf Brewery's Silver Fox which was in decent condition. Definite for a crawl.