‘I visited the UK’s best Wetherspoon pub – I was left a bit surprised’

The Bishop Blaize on a Wednesday afternoon appears to be just another bustling pub in Greater Manchester. But delve deeper and you’ll discover this establishment is a favourite haunt for Manchester United fans, as it is in the shadow of Old Trafford. Adam Maidment, from the Manchester Evening News, recently paid a visit to this drinking hole twice named as the best Wetherspoon pub in the UK – and he was left rather surprised at his experience. He wrote: “Last year, it outperformed competitors like the Royal Victoria Pavilion in Kent and the Golden Beam in Leeds to be named the most popular venue in the chain based on Google Reviews, boasting a 60.34% score of excellent reviews.

“This month, a new list by Captain Caz reaffirmed its status as the most popular Wetherspoon venue in the country, with two-thirds of customers rating it as excellent. It surpassed The Caley Picture House in Edinburgh and The Greenwood Hotel in London.” Taken aback by the reviews, Adam decided to head down to the pub for lunch, hoping to catch a glimpse of what made it so exceptional. It didn’t get off to the best start.

“To be frank, my initial view of the exterior didn’t impress me much; its drab grey and white facade seemed far from well-maintained,” he said. “However, upon entering, I was surprised by how bustling it was inside. There were families, builders, office workers, and plenty of United shirts on display.

“The walls are decked out with subtle yet obvious nods to the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney through memorabilia and artwork, while many customers are wearing their United best and in possession of bags of merchandise from the stadium shop.”

The buzz of the pub also caught Adam’s eye, as he recalled” “The slot machines had a constant line of pint-holding men, while the bar was crowded with people waiting to place their orders.

“The venue was so packed that I had to navigate through the crowd to find an empty spot at the very back. As I settled down, I noticed a group of older men nearby who seemed to know each other but chose to sit separately, each claiming a table for four.

“It was just the right level of antisocial behaviour that I could appreciate.”

Adam did eventually find a table in the end — right next to the overflowing glass collection point. He added: “While I’ve visited Wetherspoon several times, it’s always been a last resort for me and my friends, with the price point usually being the main selling factor towards the end of the month.”

The menu was stocked with the usual Wetherspoon fare. Uninspired by the choices, Adam turned to the internet to see which dish the pub’s fans recommended.

“According to Reddit, it’s the All-Day Brunch, which one user described as something you ‘can’t really do wrong on’ and also ‘great to line the stomach with’,” he said.

“However, there are a few other reviews I notice that criticise the bacon and one person alleges that the grilled tomatoes are simply ‘taken out from the chiller, shouted at and then put on your plate’.”

Unfazed by the criticism, Adam took the plunge and plumped for the £9.72 option with a soft drink. The brunch included two fried eggs, bacon, two Lincolnshire sausages, baked beans and chips – something he admitted was “somewhat unusual”.

And what of the contentious grilled tomato? “I’m also disappointed to see no sign of it,” he said.

His non-alcoholic drink of choice was a raspberry refresher, an apparent blend of raspberry lemonade, orange juice, lime juice and garnished with an orange slice.

“Although my drink arrived without the orange slice, it was quickly brought to my table, leaving me with no room for complaints,” he said.

“The drink reminded me of the mocktails I used to concoct as a child, using various beverages from my parents’ kitchen cupboard. It had a complex flavour profile but was sufficiently refreshing and served its purpose well.”

Waiting for the meal provided Adam an adequate opportunity to look back at the history of the pub and its 15th-century roots.

He said: “Named after the patron saint of woolcombers, the establishment dates back to the mid-15th century. After being demolished in 1863, it was transformed into the Talbot Hotel until the late 1970s when it reverted to its original function as a pub under Wetherspoons.

“Like most Wetherspoons venues, the pub boasts a labyrinth of corridors, secluded corners, quirky cubby holes, and inevitably, toilets situated at the top of a winding staircase. As I explored, I noticed posters advertising local darts and poker events hosted by the pub.”

Exactly 15 minutes later, the food arrived – what was the verdict? Adam said: “I found the bacon far from the disappointing experience Reddit users had led me to expect.

“The grilled taste is pleasant, although the consistency varies between almost well-done and slightly undercooked. It’s a tad drier than I’d prefer, but nothing a good dollop of ketchup can’t fix.

“The sausages are enjoyable, boasting a satisfyingly crispy exterior. They’re not extraordinary, but there’s certainly no cause for complaint. The eggs are cooked just right and aren’t swimming in oil, which suits me perfectly.”

Despite Adam’s initial scepticism about chips on an English breakfast, they prove to be quite delightful for him. He commented: “Crispy on the outside, fluffy within, they add a tasty element to the plate. While it’s not the best meal I’ve ever had, it serves its purpose as a hearty filler.”

He added: “Throughout my dining experience, the staff were prompt in clearing tables and removing empty dishes and glasses, all while bustling back and forth from the kitchen with new orders and serving drinks at the bar. Despite being busy, they remained efficient and friendly.”

Online reviews have lauded Bishop Blaize as a top-notch pub, highlighting its ‘great atmosphere’, ‘friendly staff’ and ‘good selection of beers on tap’. Did they live up to the hype?

Adam said: “While I can only vouch for two of these aspects, the staff were indeed friendly and the place had a genuinely good vibe.

“While some Wetherspoons establishments may seem a bit stark or chilly, particularly those without televisions or music, the bustling crowd in this pub created a pleasant atmosphere that made it feel vibrant.

“One can only imagine how much more energetic it would be on a United match day – apparently, it’s difficult to gain entry during matches due to its popularity.”

As for whether it’s the best pub in the country, Adam was certain of one thing: “I don’t believe I have sufficient experience to make an informed judgement.

“However, when it comes to Wetherspoons venues, it could certainly be considered one of the top contenders.”