The Hatchet Inn (JD Wetherspoon), Newbury

This traditional-looking inn on the Market Place has been given the Wetherspoon treatment, so not much historic character left inside. Mostly one elongated bar but with a side area extending into another building filling the gap to the Corn Exchange as well and some outdoor tables out front. Decor-wise, it has a couple of interesting large woodcarvings. I found the standard Ruddles, Doom Bar and Abbot supplemented by Secret Kingdom from Wallop's Wood from Bowman, Grainstore's Ten Fifty (£2.89), Old Peculier and Jaipur on the two banks of four handpumps.

Official site of The Hatchet Inn (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

Official site of The Hatchet Inn (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

The Hatchett Inn is a large Wetherspoons with a snug to the left of the entrance adjacent to the bar that runs up the left wall. This bar faces an very large open plan seating area that is broken up by a few supporting pillars and a step up to the seating furthest from the bar. Towards the rear are more tables in a narrow section and there is another seating area along the left wall. The pub opens up at the rear to more seating, including some high backed booths. Outside the front of the pub is a rectangular seating area in the Market Place and out the back is a large patio with seating, some of which is covered. The aforementioned bar is split half way along by an exposed brick pillar and there is a bank of four handpumps on both sides. During a recent Wednesday visit the front four were drawing Bowman Ales’ Quiver, Blindmans Brewery’s Golden Spring, Inveralmond Lia Fail and Loadon Brewery’s Hoppit. The back four were drawing GK Abbot Ale, Sharp’s Doom Bar, GK Ruddles and Hoppit, for a second time. There is also a standard and premium keg range alongside the usual JDW food menu. The service was polite and although this pub is large it is broken up enough to not feel like a drinking warehouse. No problem returning here.

With 15-20 minutes to spare before catching a bus from the bus station behind the pub, there was just enough time to knock back a quick pint at this Wetherspoon's, which was a return visit for me. The queue on arrival was a bit disheartening. But it soon moved and we were served promptly. The three standard Wetherspoon's ales were on - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar. Guests were Skinner's Betty Stogs, Adnams Broadside, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Twickenham Daisy Cutter. I opted for a Black Dragon cider. Handy enough place and one of the better drinking options in Newbury.