Stargazer (JD Wetherspoon), SE10

It always amazed me that of all the chain bars and restaurants to be found in the O2 complex, we'd somehow gone so long without a Wetherspoons appearing, to take advantage of the permanent captive audience. They've now finally opened this branch in a good sized unit around the 'back' of the venue, close to one of the arena's main entry and exit points and next to the rear door that O2 roof climbers re-enter the building through at the end of their climb. The interior put me in mind of a smarter version of an airport 'Spoons, with its modern decor and open sided interior. The usual 'Spoons carpet can be found throughout, with rows of standard tables and chairs through the centre, comfy banquette booths to the right and the servery down the left-hand wall. The bar has an unusual counter front beneath the typical polished stone top, with a nice bare brick bar back decorated with numerous telescopes and other such astronomical bits. Decor is a little limited, but includes some portraits of renowned astronomers and some bits of modern art that vaguely tie into the theme. The right-hand side of the pub is partly opened out to a row of tables and chairs and a few high stools that occupy a fenced off space under the covered walkway outside and I believe a couple of outdoor tables are also available in a yard out the back, although I may have misremembered this. On the bar, there were three regulars ales, one guest and one cider. I tried the lone guest option, which was a passable pint of Twickenham Grandstand, served to us by a chirpy young barman. Staff seemed to be on top of things during our relatively quiet mid-afternoon visit, so the place felt clean and well looked after, but whether the same could be said in the hours prior to a big show in the arena, I could only speculate. Although this place suffers from the same fate as airport 'Spoons, with its transient customer base, limited ale range and interior of minimal interest, I thought they'd done a decent job of making this a pleasant spot to enjoy a pint or two at comparatively cheap prices, and I'd happily pick this over all the uninspiring other chain bars that occupy much of this complex. Date of visit - 9th September 2023

Official site of Stargazer - www.jdwetherspoon.com