The Corn Law, Rotherham

Reported to be closing this week and opening later under new owners Hawthorn Leisure.

There are three Wetherspoons pubs in close proximity to one another in the centre of Rotherham, but this place is the only one operating under the Lloyds No 1 brand. Arriving at around midday on a Saturday, the place was considerably calmer and quieter than I might have found if I'd visited late on a Saturday evening, to the point that I found it a very comfortable and peaceful spot to relax over a pint. The place is surprisingly smart with décor that looks pretty classy by 'Spoons standards and helps create an almost cosy feel in some parts of the pub. There is a long single room interior, set on a hill which means that the left hand side of the room is on a higher level. The front carpeted area has limited seating and the usual 'spoons history boards which explain the story of Ebenezer Elliott - the eponymous 'Corn Law Rhymer'. Smart black and white wallpaper and plain mirrors help give this area a clean, contemporary look not usually associated with Wetherspoons. Moving further into the room, a decent raised seating area emerges to the left, with standard tables and chairs under large side windows. To the right on the lower level there are a few high tables and stools, some tub chairs and a couple of grand U-shaped banquette booths, all underneath a nice decorative ceiling. The servery eventually appears further on along the right hand side, opposite a side entrance on the upper level. To the rear, a cosy seating area with comfortable looking seating options opens out, painted in warm shades. Unusually for such a venue, I didn't spot any TV screens (or at least not any that were turned on) and the clientele seemed almost exclusively to be old folk enjoying their full English breakfasts. For all the positives I found with the pub's presentation, the ale range let it down badly. Ten hand pumps could only muster up three 'Spoons regulars and two guest ales, with a remarkable five 'Coming Soon' clips giving the initial impression that the range was better than it really was. I opted for the Sixpoint Importer, which I'm pleased to say was in excellent condition. I thought this was a pretty good stab by Wetherspoons at creating a pleasant modern bar that will appeal to a wide range of customers. I was a bit disappointed with the ale range, but appreciate that this could have been a one off and I'd happily call in here again.