The Albert and The Lion (JD Wetherspoon), Blackpool

Housed in an imposing Art Deco building right by the tower, this 'spoons is nothing like the size on might expect inside (although it still has a good amount of seating within the slightly split-level interior). Quite dark interior too, but there is also a narrow patio area out front. So-so selection from the two banks of five handpumps, with Moorhouse's Blonde Witch and Reedley Hallows Armistice Day (£2.09) being the most interesting.

Blackpool is a funny place out of season. Places that are normally open are closed. It all feels a bit like a ghost town if you're walking up from South Shore to the centre. However you can depend on a Wetherspoon pub to be open! As has been noted in the previous review, the real ale selection is a bit below average for a Spoons. I clocked two banks of five pumps, with the usuals duplicated across the two. This left Reedley Hallows Dark (which was actually not available), Lytham Royal, Lytham Blonde and Blueberry by Coach House. There didn't appear to be any "coming soon" label on the Reedley Hallows Dark, but when I ordered it I was told it was off (the barmaid even pulled the pump to check) so I went for the Lytham Royal, which was OK. My pint was poured rather violently, but the barmaid did top it up without me having to ask. It didn't fully settle though and remained hazy - whether that is normal for this beer or not I don't know. It wasn't rammed, but reasonably busy on my lunch time visit.

The Albert & Lion takes up the ground floor (with basement toilets) of a former Woolworths. It's in a prime position on the seafront next to the Tower. As noted below, it's not that big for a JDW in a major town. There is an old school JDW shop conversion feel to it despite only having opened in 2010. It wasn't too busy on my January Thursday evening visit although there were some chavvy parents allowing their brats to run riot. The bar has ten hand pumps but the choice was poor with two available soon, the JDW Trio Of Doom doubled up, Everard's Red Ale and Coach House Blueberry. I went for the Blueberry (£1.99) which was in good nick. I didn't think much of this one but would avoid it in Summer, actually I would avoid Blackpool in Summer.

Was in this pub recently and was surprised how small it was inside,I was fully expecting it to be a lot larger,so obviously due to its position on the promenade it does get very busy.