The Babington Arms - JD Wetherspoon — Restaurant in England

Babington Arms in Derby, located on Gower Street, is undoubtedly my favourite Wetherspoon's haunt in town, exuding a distinctly rough-around-the-edges vibe right from the get-go. True to form, you'll often find the traditional old geezer puffing away outside—perhaps someone ought to inform Keir Starmer about these stalwarts before any new smoking legislation is passed!

Stepping inside, you're greeted by stunning interior decor that boasts the classic Wetherspoons carpet, adorned with eye-catching patterns that add to the establishment's charm. The staff are a friendly bunch, contributing to the jovial atmosphere alongside a lively crowd of amusing patrons.

When it comes to sustenance, the Babington Arms offers fare that’s a notch cheaper than nearby Standing Order, yet maintains a consistent quality. They've recently broadened their drink selection to include Guinness 00 on the menu—a welcome addition for those seeking the rich, foamy delight of a non-alcoholic Irish stout, perfect for a leisurely sip without the tipple.

What’s particularly enjoyable is that during certain hours, the pub tends to be quieter, providing a serene backdrop to relish every moment here. Whether you’re here for the vibrant company or a quiet corner to unwind, Babington Arms delivers with its unique blend of spirited charm and...

I had a nice time at the Babington Arms. I had chicken wings and a couple of pints of Old Empire. It was all excellent value for money. My food was delivered promptly and I got my drinks with no fuss. It was a nice pub to sit in and have a couple of drinks. There was a good mix of people around and it was reasonably busy for a Sunday afternoon. I felt a bit sorry for one of the staff as she was told off for not wearing a Christmas jumper, but then none of the other staff were either. I thought she was a nice girl and that she was being undermined in her job by the way that she was spoken to in front of a customer. Another staff member asked a customer to take his feet off “her” furniture. This was also quite rude, although I wouldn’t put my feet on a seat, I would imagine that this was quite inadvertent and these kinds of demands from some of the staff created a slightly intimidating environment. I wasn’t personally spoken to rudely and I enjoyed my visit overall. It might be useful to bear in mind that the pubs try to operate as cheaply as possible and you probably won’t be made to feel as welcome as you might in other pubs or...

I visited for breakfast today, attracted by the ostensibly good value deal: less than £5 for tea or coffee and an English breakfast. However, my experience was disappointing. The food was cold, and the service providers seemed confused about their own procedures. I wasn't given a receipt, and there was no verbal identification.

If your food doesn’t arrive, you shouldn’t have to go searching for it, only to find it cold. This might have been an isolated incident, but it's regrettable that measures seem to be absent to prevent such confusion. The staff might be familiar with their procedures, but it's crucial to communicate these clearly to first-time visitors.

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Would I return? Yes, if only to see if improvements are made. Everyone deserves a second chance, but if the same issues occur again, I wouldn't return. I hope my next visit...