The Maidenhead Inn (JD Wetherspoon), Basingstoke

More seating areas than initially appears in this 'spoons in the old 'Top of the Town', and relatively light and modern (if anonymous) furniture and decor help avoid a gloomy feel. Fair selection of real ales from six of ten handpumps, ranging from Ruddle's, Abbot and Doom Bar to the more interesting Jaipur, Exmoor Beast and Loddon Forbury Lion IPA (£2.65).

This Spoons is situated off the Southern end of a huge shopping mall that extends from just South of Basingstoke Station to a short distance from Winchester Street. It looks like a small place from the outside but is larger inside and split between three different levels. The bar is on the middle level and the front and back levels have just low tables and chairs. It looked like there was a patio at the rear. It's all very modern but the furnishings are possibly better than average. It wasn't overly busy on my Friday morning visit. The bar has two sets of five hand pumps but the choice wasn't that great for a GBG listed Spoons. There was Ruddles then Abbot, Doom Bore and Exmoor Gold were doubled up. This left just three beers worth considering which were all local, Loddon Bamboozle & Forbury Lion and Longdog Lamplight Porter. I went for the Longdog Porter (£2.65) which was in excellent nick. I thought this was a decent Spoons and it's a shame that the doubling up of beers let it down.

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

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

Reasonable Wetherspoons with a pretty relaxing atmosphere. Not much in the way of entertainment but made up for with pleasant service and good prices. TV always seems to be showing news but turned down with subtitles.

Modern looking Wetherspoons, well lit with pine tables and chairs so slightly different from the usual, but no better for it. Its all a bit too light, bright and uncomfortable. There is a small cellar area with Sky TV & some padded benches and sofas which does add to the pub, but its all nothing spectacular. The beer is very warm

This is a reasonable wetherspoons, if anything the seating space felt a little limited but this is fine in general.