The Old Gaolhouse (JD Wetherspoon), Winchester

One of the less characterful Wetherspoon pubs. It is so named because it is on the site of the former Governor's House debtor's prison first built in 1805. But unlike other Wetherspoons conversions of periodic buildings, the problem with this one is that it later became a library, then an ironmonger and then a furniture store. So in truth it’s a conversion of a furniture store and it certainly looks and feels like it, despite the attempt to improve with the usual local information panels. There is a collection of tables and chairs on the pavement and even for a city centre ‘spoons it was surprising the collection of ‘local characters’ that was resident at 11.30AM on a Saturday morning, looking like they had been there all night so I wasn’t going to try it at first. But glad that I did because at least I was rewarded by them still having some recent festival beers available in the shape of Vienna, the Mild from the Leeds Brewery , Titanic Molly Brown Stout and O’Hanlon’s Red ale all at the festival price of £2.15, and well served, which for me was the only saving grace of this one and just about pulled it above average.

Large 'spoons with the usual array of various seating areas on different levels but no high ceilings so the place seems relatively comfortable despite its overall size. Some interesting decorative features and lots of local history panels. Good range of beer from 12 hp, with the seasonal Stoned from Three Castles Brewery in Pewsey top value at £1.99. (NB - Review dates from August 2012.)

The Old Gaolhouse page at the Wetherspoon site - www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk

The Old Gaolhouse page at the Wetherspoon site - www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk