The Van Dyck Forum (JD Wetherspoon), Fishponds, Bristol

Official site of The Van Dyck Forum (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

Official site of The Van Dyck Forum (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

Interesting conversion of a former cinema and bingo hall, with an unusual roof and decorative trusses immediately catching the eye. There is a risk that this kind of building can feel like an echoing barn, but the one here largely seems to avoid that. Fairly standard furniture and limited decor, but it's the overall impact of the building that is really noteworthy. Nine real ales and ciders from the two banks of six handpumps, with the GWB Bristol Belle (£2.49) standing out and demanding to be drunk.

This place was originally a bingo hall and before that a cinema. Inside the cinema layout is just about discernable with the rear bar area having a high ceiling allowing room to suspend some inflatable fish. This bar area has a wooden floor with the usual mixed seating while the front is carpeted with low tables and chairs. It wasn't all that busy on my Thursday afternoon visit. The bar has two sets of six hand pumps which had four available soon, the JDW Trio Of Doom with Doom Bore doubled, GWB Bristol Belle, Butcombe Gold, Prescott Hill Climb and Bombardier. I went for the Bristol Belle (£2.50) which was in good nick. I also noticed that the cider was cheap here (£2.49) and that the Thistly Cross was in the fridge so had a pint of that. Despite all the available soons I got to quite like this one.