The Picture House - JD Wetherspoon — Restaurant in Stafford

Let me start by saying this: I don’t walk into a Wetherspoons expecting fine dining or 5-star service. I understand it’s budget food and budget service — but even with that in mind, what I experienced yesterday was utterly appalling and has compelled me to write this review out of sheer disbelief and disgust.

We entered and had to sit at one of the only clean tables in the place. Every other table was covered in dirty plates, overflowing glasses, and piles of rubbish. This wasn’t during a busy rush — the place was nearly empty, with staff standing around behind the bar clearly able to see the state of things and doing nothing about it.

I ordered a drink on the app and, despite very obviously looking under 25 (I’m 24 but regularly get mistaken for a teenager), I wasn’t ID’d. The same thing happened again when I ordered a second alcoholic drink with my food — different server, still no ID check. So clearly, the ‘Challenge 25’ policy isn’t something they actually follow — until it becomes convenient for them.

Later, I ordered two cocktails via the app. A staff member finally came over and asked for ID. I explained I didn’t have it, but that I’d already been served alcohol twice during this visit. She refused to hand over the drinks — which is fair, that’s on me. But refusing to refund me? That is nothing short of daylight robbery. Hiding behind a “no refund on app orders” policy to justify keeping money for a product you won’t provide is not only bad practice — it’s disgraceful.

When I asked to speak to a manager, things somehow got worse. The person who came over said “I'm not the manager, but I'm the closest you will get” was shockingly rude, confrontational, and downright unpleasant. Aggressive tone, absolutely no professionalism, and frankly, they didn’t even look like they’d had a wash that day. If this is the person in charge of setting an example for the rest of the staff, it’s no wonder the place is in such a state.

Basic customer service was completely absent. You’d think that being polite, approachable, and clean would be minimum expectations for public-facing roles, but apparently not here. I left feeling angry, ripped off, and genuinely disgusted by how little care or respect was shown.

I never thought I'd say this, but this experience has lowered the bar for Wetherspoons even further. Avoid this location if you have any shred of self-respect — or at least until management is overhauled and staff are taught how to treat...

On a rainy afternoon I walk past Wetherspoon while visiting Stafford. I had my puppy with me and being 6 months pregnant couldn’t want to sit down for a moment. I also wanted to have some food - I’ve been a spoons fan for many years. As I couldn’t find any signage, I asked the young man at the door if dogs were allowed. He tells me not inside the pub but I could sit in the garden. Well it’s raining and windy but I was very tired to decided to eat in the garden. Because of COVID I ordered through the app, my food and drink cane very quickly and I was enjoying my southern fried chicken which was delicious as usual, my puppy was getting a bit restless and occasionally barking but I was alone in the garden so didn’t think it was a problem. I tried to calm her down as much as I could and was just finishing my first piece of chicken when another young man approach me to say they no longer accept dogs in the pub and that if I could please leave after finishing my food. He was polite enough but the message wasn’t. That was really embarrassing and I just wrapped my chicken in napkin and put it in my bag and left. It was still raining, I needed to use the bathroom, but I felt bad to be there so I just left. I know it’s no ones fault I’m pregnant and need to pee, but I just thought my whole experience was ruined and I didn’t feel like this was fair on me. I asked beforehand and if my dog wasn’t welcome then I shouldn’t be allowed to order (and pay) for food then half way my meal being told I need to leave as soon as I finish. I’m very disappointed with all this and will never stop my foot on this place again. And to whoever made this decision of “no longer allowing dogs” - you’re swimming against the current. Your garden was EMPTY and I’m sure as every other business in the world right now, you cannot afford to lose...

My daughter, myself and my Grandaughter, went to The Picture House, Weatherspoons Stafford today 4th June at 2.30. It was a meal out , because it was my daughters birthday. She is having Chemotherapy at the moment. She has to make sure her food is cooked well, as if not , it can make her poorly. We all had the Chicken, cheese and bacon Panini. The cheese was almost a lump, not melted. The bacon almost raw, like it had been put in pan and straight away flipped over , then thrown on panini. The Panini wasnt very good either. We all left quite a bit of food. When kad came to us, I mentioned about our food. He just said, sarcastically, how do you like your bacon then, crispy. I said no, but we do like it cooked more than this here. He had no manners, very rude and didn't obviously care about our dreadful meal. Oh I will tell head of kitchen. Of he went. Dont know what his name was, but he had a headband in his hair and scruffy hair. What's happened to the customers always right. My poor daughter was so unhappy about her birthday treat, n meal and the way this staff member spoke to us.. wasnt even busy in there. So no excuse. Well, we wont be eating in there ever again. The cook , cant cook and the servers are rude ,...