The Sir Thomas Gerard (JD Wetherspoon), Wigan

This one is named after some bloke who got slung in the Tower Of London for attempting to rescue Mary Queen Of Scots, silly boy! The building looks relatively modern but I was unable to find any reference to a previous use. Inside it's a single square carpeted room with lots of dark wood and split into different areas. The furnishings are fairly typical. The twelve hand pumps had two available soon, the JDW Trio Of Doom, Peerless Pale, Summerskill's Devon Dew, White Horse Village Idiot, Coach House Blueberry, Great Newsome Frothingham Best, Moorhouse Pendle Witches Brew and Phoenix West Coast IPA. I went for the Peerless and the West Coast IPA (both £2.25) which were in first class condition. I found this one to be a very good Spoons.

This conversion has a bit more character than many town-centre 'spoons since - although opened-out to a certain extent - it retains some of the previous rooms as separate seating areas. There is also some wood panelling and coloured glass in a few side windows. The real ale selection from eight of 12 handpumps was pretty pedestrian, though, with the Wharfebank Crimson Rambler (£2.25) being the pick of the bunch.

Official site of The Sir Thomas Gerard (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

Official site of The Sir Thomas Gerard (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

Only real ale outlet in Ashton T/Centre, but Tom who I belive is in charge of the celler has some cracking ales on, also if you ask for a certain beeer he will try to get it for you. The food is good, as well as great value for money. Tip if you are having a meal that includes a drink in the price, you don't have to have Ruddles, if you ask they will let you have a pint of your choice. (I had a pint of Wobbly Bob with my burger and chips for £4.99!). great value.