J.J. Moon's (JD Wetherspoon), Ruislip

This branch of Wetherspoon's conveniently situated opposite Ruislip Manor tube station always seems to be popular. We've been here a few times for their beer festivals when they seem to stock a much wider selection than other branches in west London, making the most of the outdoor area to the rear, where they set up a stillage with multiple casks. Our Friday evening visit this week was just as busy as usual. I'm sure we nabbed the last table in the pub in the raised area to the rear. The interior is typical old-style 'spoon's with a single room and the bar to the left-hand side. Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar are the regular beers, in addition to Courage Directors & Vale Gravitas. Guest beers on our latest visit were Vale Fork Handles, Bateman's XXXB, Mauldon's Black Adder, Hanlon's Stormstay, Titanic Plum Porter, Oakham Mompressons Gold & Otter Bright. I couldn't see any sign of any real cider this time, but the bar was extremely busy, which would have made them hard to spot. Staff are fairly brusque, but are efficient, whilst bouncers keep out the riff raff. Easily the best branch of Wetherspoon's in this part of London.

Decent sized Spoons with at least a dozen ales on. I couldn't see them all as it was packed with football fans heading to Wembley on the tube. I went for Vale brewery Gravitas and a beer from Cotleigh brewery. Both were fine. Very handy for the tube right opposite.

A very busy 'Spoons in a former Woolworths shop, quite noisy and noisome, well described below. Two mute gaming machines and a very loud TV showing football. Twelve ales on draft from Rooster, Blindman, Jaipur, Acorn, Oakham, Fullers, Doombar, GK and Ruddles, plus 4 boxed ciders behind the bar. I had a pint of Icarus which didn't go down well – it had a hint of vinegar about it – maybe it had overheated like its eponymous aviator. I'm not sure the GBG entry is deserved, and I don't see my rushing back.

Right opposite Ruislip Manor Underground station this is a medium sized and fairly comfortable Wetherspoon's. At the time the London Real Ale festival was on and there was a good selection of real ales on and all that I tried were in good form. Friendly staff.

This one is handy as it is right in front of you as you leave Ruislip Manor tube. It is GBG (2013) listed and has twelve handpumps. However, given the number of them the ale selection was not that brilliant with some allocated to two ciders, Well's Special, Well's Directors and Old Speckled Hen. There was nothing from local brewers. I went for the Woodforde Nelson's (or was it Admiral's?) Revenge at £2.45. It was OK but to me wasn't GBG quality. Maybe I came here on an off day.

Standard-issue 'spoons, comprising a split-level layout separated by what looks like a former pulpit. Typical furniture and decor with some a number of side booths. Some patio seating out front. 12 handpumps, all on, with adecent choice of uusual suspects, 'guests' (e.g. Roosters Yankee at £2.15, and in good form) and draught ciders. Handy for Ruislip Manor tube.

This quite formulaic Wetherspoons was converted from an old Woolworths store in 1990. Some would argue that Woolworths probably had more character but few would suggest that there are many better places in the immediate area to go. The interior is pretty much ‘Spoons by numbers with the bar down the left hand side, a few booths opposite and the usual décor. There was a decent selection of guests among the 10 hand pumps alongside all the usual features. The pub was quite busy for a Tuesday night albeit nearby Wealdstone FC were playing one of their biggest games for years so that may have accounted for much of it. There is some seating in a roped off section of pavement out the front which is undoubtedly mainly the haunt of the smokers. All in all, a does what it says on the tin place, perhaps slightly better than normal but with a greatly enhanced reputation courtesy of the lack of competition.

Randomness Guide to London - J J Moons entry

Randomness Guide to London - J J Moons entry