The Great Harry (JD Wetherspoon), Woolwich, SE18

Despite the large and imposing building in which it’s sited (a former FADS store – the kids won’t recognise that brand!), this is a basic Spoons, though I might well have missed the lounge area described below. The large plate glass windows at least allow for more light to penetrate than is often the case in JDW outlets. Apparently the local area gets a bit fruity in the evening, but my lunchtime visit found a civilised atmosphere. My Oakham JHB was solid (NBSS 3) and the grub was a notch above the usual in terms of presentation. Does a job for the locals but unless you’re trying to tick off all the London Wethers, you needn’t seek this one specifically. At least you can pretend to be Jimmy Pursey in here and shout Hurry Up Harry at your dawdling fellow crawlees. Or the staff, if you’re feeling game. 5.5

Located in the centre of Woolwich and taking its name from Henry VII's flagship which was built in the nearby dockyards, this is a large modern Wetherspoons pub that was rebuilt following a petrol bomb fire during the 2011 London riots. The pub comprises two distinct separate areas - a large rectangular main bar and a smaller and quieter lounge to the right of the entrance. The main bar is a simple space filled with the usual varied mix of seating options including a row of high, metal topped tables each with a bank of plug sockets in the middle, which struck me as a good idea in this age when people want to charge various devices on the move. The servery runs along the back wall and has been decorated with some colourful arty touches around the bar back, whilst décor elsewhere includes a series of large paintings all with a vague seafaring theme. A passageway to the right of the bar passes an open kitchen before leading into the lounge. Here there are a mix of padded banquettes and standard chairs and the walls have been covered with various bits of local interest including local photos blown up to an enormous size, an information board about the Woolwich Ferry, a colourful street scene painting and a display relating to Charlton Athletic. The whole pub was absolutely packed on a Friday evening, including a surprisingly large number of loud children in the otherwise peaceful lounge area. The beer range was a little disappointing with three regular ales doubled up and two ciders leaving room for just two guest ales on the remaining hand pumps. I ended up with a pint of Red Ale from a Swedish Brewer whose name I failed to record. It was served in reasonable condition by one of the overworked and thus rather brusque member of staff. Considering that this pub had a £1.3 million refurbishment and opened in time for the 2012 Olympics, it already feels a bit worn and frayed around the edges and whilst the modern styling helps make it stand out from other such Wetherspoons venues, I couldn't help but think that the place is perhaps destined to always be a sub-par part of this particular chain. With a number of other interesting venues opened around Woolwich in recent years, this is no longer the essential port of call it once was.