The Sir Norman Wisdom (JD Wetherspoon), Deal

This is a fairly new Spoons having opened in Spring 2013. The front part is fairly typical being set up for people eating and is split level with a low ceiling. The rear part where the bar is situated has a high ceiling and appears to be some sort of old shed with what looks like a corrugated roof and an exposed aircon duct. An attempt has been made to disguise the industrial look by painting parts of it in bright colours and some garish coloured lighting strips below the roof. The whole effect seemed just weird to me. Despite being a recent outlet it it was fairly poor on my Saturday morning visit at just before 11:00. It seemed to be overrun with customers, a queue forming at the bar and uncleared tables. Strangely, after 11:00 the crowds melted away and some order was restored to the place. Although the bar has twelve hand pumps the choice was poor with three unused, one available soon, the JDW Trio Of Doom with Abbot doubled up, Caledonian Thunder Trail & Deuchars IPA, Brain's SA and Purple Moose Ysgawen. I went for the Ysgawen which was in reasonable nick. I thought this was a below par Spoons.

Bright modern-looking 'spoons, particularly in the main rear bar / kitchen area. Although it was a bit of a children's playground on a summer Saturday afternoon, the place appeared otherwise well managed and had a reasonable atmosphere. Fairly modest choice of eight different real ales from the two banks of six handpumps, but at least there were two from Old Dairy (Red Top and Gold Top) and the local Yellow Tail from Wantsum (£2.29, a bit hazy - as often the case - but tasting fine).