The Ritz (JD Wetherspoon), Wallsend

Fine-looking old Art Deco cinema frontage, although the former foyer behind this has surprisingly been opened out upwards to provide a patio beer garden. The remodelled building beyond has a typical Wetherspoon look, and you would be hard pressed now to work out its former use. Two banks of six handpumps, but the actual choice was Ruddles and Abbot plus three from Hadrian Border (including my Northumberland Gold, £1.99) and Theakston's Old Peculier.

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

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

My Saturday evening visit to this Wetherspoon's was my first ever visit to Wallsend. The town doesn't seem to have much going for it. Located in a former cinema, you can no longer access the building through the front doors. So it's a long walk along the road, past a Burger King and through a car park to the entrance at the rear. Inside, it was heaving with all tables taken. Social distancing was taking place. But it was still very busy. It's clearly the place for a night out in Wallsend. Despite the crowds, staff were good enough to find me a small table not far from the bar. That was lucky as the app failed to work for me yet again and I was soon able to order my Old Rosie from one of the passing staff. Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar are the regular ales. In addition, there were 3 guest ales - Theakston Old Peculier, Adnams Ghost Ship & Kansas Avenue Dodge City Delta. Ciders were Weston's Old Rosie & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon.