The Savoy (JD Wetherspoon), Swindon

Large and well-run Wetherspoon's at the top end of town in a former cinema. An enormous of film memorabilia is displayed around the multi-level interior, which splays out in a symmetrical fashion and is otherwise decorated in the familiar 'library' style. A good range of beers included several local examples. There is a dartboard to one side, which is fairly rare in Spoon's although not unknown.

This is clearly a cinema conversion when viewed from outside but unlike others it isn't so obvious inside. It's a large low ceilinged single room on three levels with the bar at the far end on the lowest level. It was quite busy on a Saturday afternoon. I only spotted two banks of six hand pumps but that doesn't mean there wasn't a third! Beers noted on the first set were the JDW Trio Of Doom, Hobgoblin, West Berks Mr Chubb and Three Castles Stoned. The other six had one available soon, Box Steam Porter, Ramsbury Same Again & Belapur IPA, Caledonian Fool Proof and Stonehenge Sign Of Spring. I went for the Belapur IPA (£2.50) which was in excellent condition. Despite not really making the most of this building I thought it was a decent JDW.

Two levelled Wetherspoons, very standard, including the poor staffing. Good local beer choice though.