The Junction Tap, Woking

A Stonegate-owned circuit pub in converted shops, which is regularly rebranded. Currently it is the Junction Tap in the Pub & Kitchen division and fitted out in the typical style of recycled wood planks decorated in pop art, with sundry industrial fittings. The layout is also typical, with a bar down the side facing a selection of connecting areas at different levels. Numerous screens blare out pop videos or sport, depending on the time of day. Alewise it offers Tribute and Doom Bar, with a usually more-interesting changing guest, although availability is not guaranteed. Condition of that sampled was not great, but at least the manager showed an interest. There are a few boxed Lilley ciders for those so inclined and recent street improvements have brought some pavement tables outside. Not entirely unpleasant at a quiet time, but I won't be rushing back.

Modern space conversion of probably two shops given the shape and different floor levels. Striped out look with boards, plain walls, isolated bits of furniture; it's all a bit self consciously trendy with the little blackboard pump clips and wall of mirrors, the pile of bored games, and exposed cable tray. Otherwise standard 2000's pub fittings of sports screens, games machines and overloud piped music. The more interesting kegs are on fonts labelled craft 1-4, the macro brands are on standard tee bars. The beers are well kept but there's no dark ale and there's two JDW brands in the mix; otherwise it's local micros; point to note an excellent JDW is directly next door. Default glass is sixties throwback handles - a pet hate of mine, most punters seemed to have done a Get Carter and opted for beer "in a finn glaas" and who could blame them.

This pub is renamed and has reinvented itself from the former guise as a youth orientated lager and shots barn. It is still a barn, one large space partially divide by various pillars, part boarded and part carpeted. Seating is mixed of all currently known types with high tables facing the bar counter, a raised carpeted loungey area has a load of sofas and armchairs. A wall has a collection of mirrors, there is a large old leather telescope above the bar, otherwise the décor is food deals with various "nights" advertised. The ceiling has exposed building services such as ducting and cable trunking. The layout, feel and ambience are such that it is easy to think that you have done a Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and seamlessly moved through from the 'Spoons which is directly next door. Despite all the negatives it appears Woking has reclaimed a pub which serves decent beer in civilised surroundings and wow, does it need to. Not a great pub town. Six handpumps here now, Thwaites Lancaster Bomber, Tribute, Hog's Back T.E.A, Ringwood Best Bitter, Landlord and Sunny Republic Shark Head were on. I had the Shark Head, a decent well kept light beer if lacking hoppiness, I reckon it is a lager drinkers' bait beer. A modern bland bar but a welcome addition to Woking's limited proper pub scene.

It is RSVP, so pretty bad.