The Nine Arches (JD Wetherspoon), Earlestown, Newton-Le-Willows

This one had been open just over a year when I turned up early on a Thursday afternoon. As noted below it was originally a church and has been given quite a good makeover. I noticed the garden / patio to the left had some fake grass. Smokers are catered for with a few tatty old tables and chairs at the front. The food club prices here were around a quid dearer than other places. It wasn't that busy on my visit. Although the bar has twelve hand pumps the beer choice was pathetic with the JDW Trio Of Doom doubled, three ciders from the festival that ended two and a half weeks ago and were in the fridge anyway, Wells Bombardier, GK Old Speckled Hen and Harviestoun Schiehallion. I went for one of the festival ciders (£2.49) which seemed better value than the £2.29 guest ales. While this is a nice building I wouldn't return with the beer choice on this visit.

Over 2 Million pound has been spent on the refurbishment of this former pet shop and Methodist Chapel. Several names were considered but the Nine Arches was chosen after feedback from the public. The pub is named after the Sankey Viaduct a grade 1 listed structure with each of the 9 arches 70ft high and 50ft wide and although not as well known as the Settle equivalent it is believed to be the world's oldest working viaduct still in operation.It was built by George Stephenson to carry trains across the Sankey valley on the historic Manchester to Liverpool line which opened in 1830. The interior is as Mr Bundy describes and I was quite impressed with the smart outdoor area.The long well stocked bar had 12 hand pulls but only 8 operational. Although a good job has been done on the conversion with a few original features still remaining I felt the place lacked atmosphere although I did enjoy my short stay there

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

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

A brand new Wetherspoons. A large Wethers which is quite pleasant though service is the usual below average fare. Open plan and basically a large rectangular shape. A high ceiling at the front gives way to lower modern ceiling. The place is basically set out into 4 areas, the main part by the bar consisting of high tables and chairs, a rear part with low tables/chairs, a thin area to the left and an outside area to the left. 12 handpumps on the bar with all but 2 working today.