Popular pub chain Wetherspoons is home to over 800 pubs across the UK, most of which are large establishments that welcome hundreds of visitors every day. However, one of its pubs, believed to be its smallest, is far different to the other branches, with visitors claiming it doesn’t even feel like a Spoons.
The Banker’s Draft in Eltham, southeast London was once a branch of Martins Bank, before becoming a Barclays Bank, and then opening in 1993 as a Wetherspoon pub. The pub, which has 3.9 stars out of five on Google, has been praised by visitors for its cheap prices, lively atmosphere, and lovely interior. Despite being small, the homey spot still welcomes a range of different pub-goers that give it a buzz.
Stacey Taylor wrote: “Love the building and its original features. It’s never changed in like 20 years and that’s the best bit. It’s so nice to go into a pub that retains its own stamp. Without following every other pub trends / following the flock.
“It was full of people enjoying themselves. And the atmosphere felt amazing. Felt like the old days when I started going in there at the age of 16.”
Robert Malik said: “If you’re looking for a chill spot with friendly vibes and affordable drinks, this place is definitely worth a visit. It might not be the fanciest or the quietest spot in town, but for what you pay, it’s great value.
“Personally, I really enjoy coming here — it’s got a good atmosphere and a no-nonsense kind of charm. Just be mindful of the timing if you prefer something more low-key.”
Consumer organisation Campaign for Real Ale’s describes the pub as a “small, standard-image Wetherspoon’s pub” on their What Pub website. It added that the venue is popular with lone drinkers during the day and attracts a “varied crowd” in the evenings, reports Devon Live.
The Banker’s Draft serves three regular beers – Greene King Abbot, Greene King Ruddles Best and Sharp’s Doom Bar – as well as guest ales. It also hosts regular weekend events such as bingo and karaoke, and even has its own trophy-winning darts team, holding both local and national charity events.
Over on TripAdvisor, where it is rated four out of five stars, pub-goers have said it seems different to the chain’s other branches, with one customer who titled their review “doesn’t even feel like a Wetherpoons”.
The regular customer wrote: “It may be a Wetherspoons but it certainly doesn’t feel like one, it feels more like an old working men’s pub which is the central hub of town & me being from a Scottish Mining community felt right at home.”