The Corn Exchange (Lloyds No1), Leicester

Massive and very busy Wetherspoon's on two levels. Had a very good selection of real ales.

The Merlin's Cave benefits from a superb location overlooking the Green at Chalfont St Giles. The Mock Tudor exterior is welcoming but unfortunately the inside does not live up to the welcome. It is a fairly bland small, two bar pub internally. The saloon bar into which you enter is comfortable enough albeit with two large plasma screens which gives it a bit of a public bar feel, but then the public bar behind is no more than a room for a Pool table. But what saves this pub is what then lies behind this. Step outside and you step onto a large decking area covered by two enormous gazebo type umbrellas, and equipped with a purpose build large BBQ cooking area. And then beyond this is a large garden area stretching down to the River Misbourne. The sun was out during our visit in early May and it was very pleasant to sit outside. And I imagine in high summer this is a fantastic spot for an outside pint. The beers at the time of my visit were GK IPA, Fullers London Pride and Guest Ale, which was unfortunately off. Not the best pint of pride I've ever had but passable all the same. They do advertise it as having a riverside location, but don't get too excited by this as The River Misbourne is at best a small stream at this point and well hidden from view. One tip is that there is an associated Barn the other side of the car park which houses Sunday LunchTime Jazz sessions featuring local Jazz artists. It will cost £5.00 to get in, but if you sit in the pub garden with a pint you can hear it perfectly well. So bit of a Brucey Bonus to go along with the beer.

I’ve been to a few Wetherspoons up and down the country, and as they go I liked the Corn Exchange. Firstly it’s a fine old building, which has probably been saved from the wrecking ball by making it a pub, so full marks to Mr Wetherspoon for that. This one is bloody big with a central bar area and lots of seating to left and right, and then a very impressive mezzanine floor with lots of seating. The only negative was the strange Purple colour chosen for the décor. And secondly the food and beer were reasonable quality and cheep. Four Sunday roast and beer deals for £22.00, served promptly and efficiently, and you can’t say fairer than that. The downside ?. well , as usual the cheep beer and spirit prices attract those that would be better off attending The Priory, even at 1.30PM on a Sunday Lunchtime. And especially ones in High Streets or Town Squares next to market places like this, can attract a real mixed bag of clientele.