The Leyland Lion (JD Wetherspoon), Leyland

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

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

The only remarkable things about this 'spoons were: a) the queue at the door caused by argumentative locals pointlessly disputing the now routine coronavirus restrictions with the duty manager; and b) the dismal choice of real ales from the two banks of five handpumps, with only Marston's dull EPA to supplement the regular trio of Doom Bar, Abbot and Ruddles (grumpily taken as it was just £1.29). Overall, a big disappointment, especially as many of the other local options were closed (either temporarily or permanently).

The Leyland Lion is a Wetherspoon's which is not quite as big as it first seems. I arrived at the same time as 4 or 5 others, who were soon joined by more from their party. The over officious bouncers told them they didn't have any seats for them. However, luckily for them, the manager intervened and managed to seat them all. Eventually, after a short wait, myself and another guy were also allowed in. Although, we were instructed to sit outside. The reality was that once inside, you could go where you liked. Opening hours here are also unpredictable. Their website suggests they were opening until 1am on a Friday and a Saturday. But the bouncers were warning that it closed at 9pm. Maybe this was yet another ploy by the bouncers to turn as much custom away as possible, to give themselves a quiet life. The pub was still open at 10pm later in the evening when I passed by. If I was Wetherspoon's I think I would look for some more welcoming door staff. The interior is split up into a number of sections. Apparently it was a post office in a previous life. Toilets are upstairs, whilst I duly utilised the outdoor courtyard at the rear, despite the temperature dropping. Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar are the regular beers. Guests were Brains SA, Conwy Rampart & Big Bog Hinkypunk. Although, I was happy to see Snail's Bank Raspberry Ripple cider, which went down quite nicely, despite the cold temperatures and the frosty welcome.