The Rocket (JD Wetherspoon), Putney, SW15

Having arrived here at around 10 we were told that they couldn't serve alcohol until 11 on Police instruction. After heading elsewhere we returned just after 11 to find the place packed. I am not a fan of plastic glasses so it was a quick pint and move on. Glad to have ticked it off but nothing to make me want to return.

A new build 'spoons ,the interior does at least wind around and the low ceiling gives a modicom of character.You will need to push around to the semi circular glass glad seating area if you want Thames views,and this was packed with the unfit,infirm and decrepit in a scene that could easily be described as God's Waiting Room.The rest of the interior had mainly high tables and drinking shelves,while the bar was in a dark corner.The ale selection was the regular horror show of Doom Bar,GK IPA and Abbott and London Pride while guests were the ever awful Hobgoblin Gold and Bombardier together with Long Man Copper Hop,Jennings Snecklifter and Burton Bridge Draught Burton Ale (didn't taste of much). This pub just reminds me how poor some Wetherspoons can be,unexciting guest ales,a depressing vibe and although it maybe cheap,it's cheap for a very good reason .Avoid.

Official site of The Rocket (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

Official site of The Rocket (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

This is one of Wetherspoons newer London offerings having opened in 2010. Generally speaking it's a lot different to the usual Spoons although the bar area seemed to have the usual daytime Spoons crowd. The pub is on the ground floor of a block of trendy riverside apartments and was a cocktail bar and eatery before Spoons moved in. I could see nothing to stop you having a drink away from the bar area. There were 8 pumps, two with GK IPA, two ciders, Doombar and three ales still going from the Festival. These were being sold off at £1.99 so I don't know what the normal price would be. The Mordue Oatmeal Stout I tried was in good condition.