The Five Swans (JD Wetherspoon), Newcastle Upon Tyne

This 'spoons initially looks quite small if viewed from the main road, then rather larger when looking from the side street, but then smaller again as you enter until you find all the various seating and dining areas scattered around over two floors. Typical semi-traditional look with dark wood-panelling, etc. The usual trio of Ruddles, Doom Bar and Abbot can be found on the two banks of five handpumps, along with Purity's Mad Goose, Lancaster Black and three local cask ales from Maxim: Samson (£2.63), Double Maxim and Maximus.

Large Spoons well described below. It's about a 15 walk from the station. At least 4 guests on including Hogs Back Home Harvest, Hook Norton Flagship and Ilkley Blonde. I went for the blonde which was fine. The service was friendly. No alcohol served until 10 when I called, not sure if that is the norm or because it was match day!

Just over 5 years after my previous visit here, I can see that it has certainly gone downhill. The pub has a warren of rooms and it felt a little too loud and busy for my liking on our late Tuesday evening visit. The usual Wetherspoon's beers are on - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar. Last time I was here, there were 6 guests. This has now been halved, with Great Newsome Holderness Dark, Hadrian Border Grainger Ale & Tyne Bank Monument on. In addition, they have also dispensed with the real ciders. I'll probably give this another try one day when visiting the nearby Town Mouse. But it's certainly not as good as I remembered anymore.