The Wallaw (JD Wetherspoon), Blyth

This branch of Wetherspoon's is housed in an impressive former cinema building. As you would expect, it's a large space with a very high ceiling. However, on a Wednesday night, it really could have done with more customers. The atmosphere inside felt very flat indeed and with their competitive pricing, it's really unusual to see a 'spoon's this quiet. The regular Wetherspoon real ales were on - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar. Guest beers were Hadrian Border Grainger Ale & Thornbridge Jaipur. There were no ciders that I could see. Despite being a really impressive building, this was a really disappointing Wetherspoon visit. Maybe it comes into its own at a weekend, but I can't recommend a midweek visit.

The Wallaw is a conversion of a large cinema and one that has been really well executed compared to many others. You enter via some steps to the foyer area where there is a huge old projector. To the left is the larger main area which is above the bar area where the screen once was. Above that is the circle which didn't look as though it was in use. The fixtures and fittings are better than average and there is a patio overlooking the street. It reminded me a bit of the under threat Capitol at Forest Hill back in London but I think that's an older building. I did notice on the way out a sign saying that the wearing of track suit or jogging bottoms is not permitted. Blimey, if they introduced that rule in for example their Chavford outlet in London E4 it would close within a week. The bar has ten hand pumps which had the JDW Trio Of Doom with the GK beers doubled, a cider, a keg Grainger Ale and three festival ales. I went for the Salopian Lemon Dream (£2.05 festival price) which went down a treat with a traditional breakfast. This one is GBG 2017 listed and it's a shame the beer choice wasn't that great so it only gets a 7.