The Mail Rooms (JD Wetherspoon), Ross-On-Wye

Seemingly a fairly small branch of Wetherspoon's. Although I didn't get much further than the front area of the pub, as I was meeting with a friend I hadn't seen for around 20 years. What I did spot were the usual local history boards on the walls and unusually for a 'spoon's, a dartboard on the right-hand side near the front window. On the bar were the usual selection of Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar. Guests were Sharp's Sea Fury, Fire Island Buffalo & Peerless Jack Frost Blonde. The cider was Thatcher's Stan's Cheddar Valley. My Jack Frost was in good condition and the breakfast I tucked into also hit the spot.

Standard JDW. Two things were notable on my visit on the day before the country went into (mini) lockdown 3 - the whole of the UK in Tier 3 or Tier 4. Proof of address was required. I am in Worcestershire, same Tier as Herefordshire but had no ID with me. The manager stated he would refuse service unless I could prove my domicile but did say an online receipt with address would suffice. Fortunately, I had been shopping the day before and had an email. In my mind, hospitality is either safe or unsafe, regardless of where you house is. I dont think pubs are doing themselves favours with this sort of draconian vetting. In better news - a glorious pint of Theasktons Old Peculiar was £1.29.

Modern and bright spoons with the usual beers on plus a couple of guests. We had a quick lunch in here but it wasn't great to be honest. I'd call again for the beer but not the food!

Behind a traditional redbrick Victorian exterior lies a modern light, bright and airy JDW, housed, obviously, in the old Post Office. Given the interior décor I assumed it was a relatively recent opener but it appears to have been on the go for well-over 10 years, so maybe Timbo dipped in his pockets and gave this place a spruce-up a while back? 4 guest ales, I went for the Exmoor and Oakham JHB which were both in good nick. Rear patio (not necessarily with the finest views!), vaulted ceilings, skylights. Maybe a little dull but I was pretty happy with it as a Spoons experience.

As noted below this is an old Post and Sorting Office. JDW have a number of them and these buildings don't always make the best Spoons. This one is no exception being a relatively small JDW with a low ceiling at the front where the Post Office Counter would have been and a larger high ceiling shed behind with the bar on the left and some alcoves on the right. Tall tables are near the bar and by the front windows. Again as noted below the whole place resembles a school dinner hall. The bar has two sets of five hand pumps which had Abbot and Doom Bore doubled plus Ruddles on one set and Bespoke Golden Rule, Ringwood 49er, Bombardier, an "International" beer from Caledonian and a festival cider which it transpired wasn't even on. I went for the Bespoke beer (£2.49) which was in good nick. I came here on day two of the Cider Festival so thought it was pretty poor not to have any on. Despite the limited beer choice this is GBG 2017 listed. I thought it was poor and beat a hasty retreat back to Gloucester where the Regal had a chill cabinet with eight festival ciders.

Plain and functional Spoons with school dining hall ambience. Popular with the locals, it is efficient and well run. Not a big choice of ale, with 3 regulars plus 3 extra - probably more in the tourist season. Had 2 excellent Bespoke and a good Wold Top with my nicely served meals.