The Central Bar (JD Wetherspoon), Shepherds Bush, W12

Wetherspoons in a shopping centre - a vision of the UK's future urban hell? Maybe. To be fair, this one isn't as bad as it could be. There's a decent view from the large, panoramic windows and the punters didn't seem too bad. The interior is a bit bland, but more kempt than many other Spoons and cleaner too. Three guest ales were on, varying in quality from 'on the turn' to 'very good', with a distinctly 'average' inbetween. But what to do? Olga from the Volga rarely has a clue or cares, in my experience. Still, it's only 99p for a half, so it could be worse if you need a couple of beers before a gig at the Empire...

A Wetherspoons in a Shopping Centre is probably several people's impression of hell and the Central Bar goes some way to making this image a real one. The large neon sign that blazes out of the front windows across the pointy end of the Green announces the pubs presence. To get in you need to go into the shopping mall and up the escalator and you could be forgiven for thinking that you were in an airport. The internal layout is rather uninspiring with little to focus on of any interest. The bar area can be a bit cramped – there are several pillars close to bar making it a squeeze when the bar is busy. It is rare that you will find a seat and on occasions, I have been turfed out of the half empty dining area because I was not eating despite there being nowhere else to go. On the plus side, you will find the usual good selection of Real Ales and usually a stout or a mild. All 10 pumps are usually operating and then there are the usual mix of mass market lagers and bottled beers from here, there and everywhere at knock down prices. They are Cask Marque accredited and I have never had any problem with the quality. Unfortunately the beers alone cannot disguise the fact that this is a rather soulless and uninteresting place to sit and have a drink or meal. It has its fair share of winos and gets busy if there is something on at the Empire. Unfortuantely, the lack of any other half decent pubs in the immediate area means you really have very little choice.

Official page of the Central Bar - www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk

Usual Wetherspoons stuff. Sorry picture is a bit dark, didn't use flash as place was crowded and it might have upset someone. Anyway, I liked the place, nice big windows on the world. Not sure if there is disabled access as it is on the 1st floor of a shopping centre and didn't notice any lifts.

Official page of the Central Bar - www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk