The Horse & Guardsman, SW1

I found The Lord Moon to be one of the better Wetherspoons establishments. 12 handpumps dispensing something different to the usual ‘spoons stable beers, including several of the guest Xmas ales. The couple I tried were perfectly fine and also couldn't fault the service on this rainy December evening. It's a former bank and retains some of the original features to give the place a bit of character and the inside decor is well described in the reviews below. But it's still a ‘spoons and therefore comes equipped with the ubiquitous soaks these establishments attract and this one was in residence in the door way sheltering from the rain and seemed to think that it was his duty to inform everyone entering and leaving that it was summer in Australia. A piece of information that I do not think I would have survived the rest of the evening without.

Housed in a former Bank premises, the Lord Moon is one of the more visually appealing Wetherspoons. The large front area is quite elegant, if a little somber, with large arched windows, a high decorative ceiling with shallow arcs, big mirrors and imposing pictures set against nicotine coloured walls. Note the large portrait dominating the far wall – not some classic pose of a dim and distant Government servant but actually a modern portrait of ‘Spoons boss Tim Martin suitably dressed up in old clobber. The general ‘Spoons furnishings and characteristics are present; silent banks of fruit / quiz machines, old local pictures, history snippets and a hollow atmosphere when not busy (which, to be honest, isn't often). There is a sofa area by the front door but grabbing any seat or table can be a hit and miss affair at peak times. Two large arches lead through to the main bar area, less grand but with a few elegant features like the statue in the niche above the stairs. There is always a decent selection of ales and although the prices are top end, they are not quite the most expensive'Spoons in London. The recent “no chips” rule (something to do with fire regulations and fried food) that often threw diners into howls of derision has now been repealed but personally I quite liked the quirky originality of it and anything that makes a ‘Spoons different from the others was OK by me. On the whole, this would be one of my favourite London ‘Spoons but it is often let down by an undermanned bar and general poor service. Short measures have been a frequent issue with me and I once took back a beer that was off only to find that an “available soon” clip had been hastily added to the pump after they had sold me the beer. Despite the shortcomings, it can, on its day, be one of the better ‘Spoon experiences even if someone will steal your chair the moment you get up.

Large one roomed Pub both in area and height, former bank, well converted. Good selection of eight or nine real ales. Not the full Wetherspoons food menu as fried food can not be prepared. On Whitehall just off Trafalgar Square, so the Pub can get very busy.