The Regal (Lloyds No 1 Bar), Cambridge

The Regal is a massive Wetherspoons in an old cinema with art deco décor. There’s seating around the front entrance and the bar counter runs up the right-hand wall whilst facing a mix of high and standard tables as well as some booths that are dotted around. At the rear is a sunken open plan seating area that backs onto a small patio that feels more like a smoking section. A large mezzanine at the rear houses another bar counter, more booth seating and standard seating with a balcony the overlooks the bar and seating below. At the very rear is a small outside no smoking balcony that overlooks the patio garden below. In amongst the standard and premium keg are two banks of six hand pumps. The first bank was drawing the usual JDW three alongside Nethergate Brewery’s Hop Weaver, Purity Brewing’s Ubu and Coach House Brewing’s Blueberry. This selection was repeated on the upstairs bar counter. The second bank of six was also drawing the usual three alongside Otter Brewery’s Otter Bright, Salopian’s Golden Thread and Adnam’s Mosaic. The service was polite, but it was very quiet for a Spoons on a Saturday morning. Add the size into the mix and it felt quite empty, which surprised me because I thought it was one of the better Spoons.

Official site of The Regal (Lloyds No 1 Bar) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

Official site of The Regal (Lloyds No 1 Bar) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

A converted cinema as the name and previous descriptions imply, low ceilinged at the Art Deco style roadside entrance eventually opening out behind. The old auditorium space is split over two slightly different floor levels and has an additional mezzanine floor. The counter is to the right with two banks of six and the usual kegs. Today the casks came from a range of middle size brewers, Rudgate, Oakham, Woodforde’s, Elgood and Shepherd Neame as well as the terrible trio and one from Marstons. The lighting is still “subdued” but at least you can see your way about and the toilets are on the ground floor at the back. Small rear patio as well. £2.79 price band.