The Sir John Moore (JD Wetherspoon), Glasgow

Large Wetherspoons near Central station, standard inside. The office above is currently being developed meaning its a little hidden and unsightly at present

One of two Wetherspoons pubs within easy striking distance of Central Station, this is an ideal place for a quick pint before boarding a train. A pavement drinking area with folding front doors looked a little redundant on a freezing cold Winter night but it showed the way into a sturdy bare boarded bar area with the servery along the rear wall. Raised carpeted seating areas can be found to the front and along the right side of the room, with high tables and stools predominating but some regular tables and chairs also available. There was also a notably large open space directly in front of the bar which suggests the place may well get insanely busy at peak times. Some nice lattice woodwork screens help to partition one area from another, breaking this large room up much more effectively than in the nearby Crystal Palace. To the far left, there is another raised seating space with some great looking banquettes down the end wall. The pub has a lot of glass brick features dotted around the place, which I thought looked a bit naff, but I guess it helps give the pub a bit of an identity in a city that is full of ‘Spoons pubs. There were an impressive six guest ales on when I arrived, plus four ‘Spoons regulars. I forgot to note what beer I tried, but I do recall that it was a nice malty brew and surprisingly cheap for such a prominent ‘Spoons location. The staff were nice enough, but perhaps not the most switched-on bunch you’re likely to encounter. This was a reasonable ‘Spoons experience which was a decent enough way to round out a successful evening exploring the city’s pub scene. The pub’s primary point of interest is, rather sadly, it’s proximity to the station, but beyond that, it does at least offer a good selection of guest ales. Not the city’s best ‘Spoons, but not all that bad either and perhaps worth a quick look in passing.

The Sir John Moore is a JDW run pub on the ground floor of a large office block. Either side of the entrance on the wide pavement out front is some seating, which is aimed at smokers as it isn’t the most interesting spot for al fresco drinking. In between the bar centred on the rear wall and the entrance are some high tables and a few fruit machines. The bar is bookended by seating and raised areas to the left and right. On each side wall are plasma screens that were airing muted rolling news. I counted eight hand pumps in amongst the standard keg range and the usual cheap Spoons food is available. This pub opens at 07:00 and closes at midnight. There are better pubs in the area so I doubt I would return if in the area again.