The Old Chapel (JD Wetherspoon), Darwen

This is a newer JDW dating from early 2014 that is a conversion of an old church building. These conversions are rarer than some and generally make quite interesting pubs, this being no exception. The only downside is that the sound tends to echo. It was doing a good trade of mostly food on my Tuesday afternoon visit. There was scaffolding on the left and right outside walls. The bar is on the right and most of the pub is taken up by the ground floor with a high ceiling and just a small upstairs area that looked empty on my visit. The fixtures and fittings are better than average. Although there are twelve hand pumps the beer choice wasn't that great with one available soon, the JDW Trio Of Doom with Abbot doubled, two ciders, Hobgoblin, Moorhouse Pendle Witches Brew, Oakham JHB, a house beer by Moorhouse and Everard's Tiger. I went for the Witches Brew (£2.29) which was in good nick. Despite the average beer choice I thought this one was a decent Spoons.

Very impressive Spoons although the ale selection wasn't at its best. Would return if in the area.

I got served straight away and it wasn't even its opening day! I assume the barmaid will be reprimanded and shown the Wetherspoons way. Anyway it is a very good Wethers. 8 casks on. Description elsewhere.

This Grade two listed building is a former Wesleyan Methodist Church that opened in 1866 and has been described as Darwen's finest building.On entry the long bar is on the right with a centrally featured wide staircase leading to a smart and roomy balcony area that surrounds and overlooks the lower floor.The pub has retained it's stained glass windows and quite a few tributes to local industrial pioneers scattered around.There is a ramp to the left of the main entrance giving it wheelchair access plus an external lift to the outside beer garden.Also on then second floor is the kitchen along with various works by local artists. Called in around noon and was surprised to see 12 cask beers on show and even more surprised to find 7(Yes 7) behind the bar and heard words that are alien to established Spoons pubs like "Does anyone need serving" and other variations on that theme.Certainly one of Wetherspoons finer conversions and is definitely worth a visit (Only a couple of mins from Railway Station) The pub was officially opened today (23-1-14) by a 91 year old local lady who got married here in times gone by.