The Ancient Borough Arms — Restaurant in Wakefield

Would give zero stars if I could—no, actually, scratch that—I’d give minus ten if the system would let me. Because that’s how far into the negative this experience went. I don’t know what’s going on at The Ancient Borough Arms, but it’s like they’re actively trying to be the worst pub in Pontefract. And somehow, they’re succeeding. Spectacularly.

From the second we walked in, I got a bad feeling—and unfortunately, every part of the visit confirmed it. I genuinely can not overstate how miserable, embarrassing, and downright infuriating this place is. It’s not just bad. It’s aggressively awful. It’s like they looked at every possible thing that could make a pub experience enjoyable and decided to do the complete opposite out of spite.

Let’s talk about the staff. The single worst part of the entire ordeal. I don’t know who’s hiring or training them, but based on the behaviour we experienced, it must involve handing out contracts to anyone who can scowl and grunt. I’ve never encountered a team so openly rude, cold, and condescending. And not just in a “bad day” kind of way—no, this was an ingrained, baked-in hostility. Like they’d been rehearsing how to speak to paying customers like garbage.

I went to sit down at a table—tight space, nothing new—and while sliding onto the bench, I gently, and I mean GENTLY, tapped the edge of the table next to us with my leg. Immediately apologised. No one at the other table even reacted. But oh, the staff did. One of them made a point of walking over and, in the most eye-rollingly patronising tone, gave me a warning like I was some drunk lout causing trouble. “Just be careful next time,” they said, like I’d just flipped a table over. The look on their face was pure disgust. For what? For breathing too close to a piece of wood in a place that’s packed so tight, you can barely lift your arm without elbowing someone? I'd literally sat down with the only beer I'd had all night, so they couldn't even play it off as I was drunk.

Speaking of space: the layout is a joke. You’d get more personal space in a prison cell. Tables are crammed in like a bad game of Tetris, with no thought to comfort or functionality. You’re basically forced into strangers' conversations whether you like it or not because there’s literally no room to exist privately. Forget enjoying your drink. You’ll be too busy trying not to knock over someone’s pint with your knee.

And while we’re on the subject of drinks—what an absolute rip-off. You’re charged premium prices for pints that aren’t even poured properly. Mine was well below the line. I waited, thinking maybe they were going to top it off. They didn’t. Just slid it over like that’s the standard here. And I get it. Mistakes happen. But when I politely asked if it could be filled properly, I got an eye-roll and a sigh like I was asking for gold dust. No apology, no “of course, mate”—just attitude and a silent top-up done with pure resentment. Why even work in hospitality if you clearly despise the very concept of being hospitable?

There’s zero atmosphere in the place. It’s got that tired, unloved feel. Dingy lighting, bland decor, nothing inviting about it. You sit there, cramped and overcharged, being looked at like a nuisance while sipping your sad little pint that cost way more than it’s worth, and you just wonder: why am I here?

And here’s the kicker—the part that says it all. I’d genuinely rather go to Big Fellas than ever step foot in this place again. And that’s saying something. If you know, you know. The fact that this place is so bad, so deeply unpleasant, that a night at Big Fellas actually sounds better—that should be enough to tell you to stay far, far away.

The Ancient Borough Arms isn’t just a bad pub. It’s a masterclass in how to run a hospitality business into the ground. Rude staff, appalling service, insulting prices, and a total lack of charm or soul. It’s a dump with delusions of grandeur, clinging to some idea that it’s something special when it’s anything but.

Avoid it like the plague. Actually, the plague might...

Brilliant Local Spot – Thanks to Cameron & Debbie!

Just had another great evening at the pub, and it’s all thanks to the fantastic hospitality from Camron and Debbie. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with warm smiles and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it feel like home. They’ve really created a place where everyone feels like a regular, whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth.

The drinks are always spot-on, the service is quick, and there’s a real sense of community that you don’t find everywhere. Camron keeps the vibe lively and friendly behind the bar, while Debbie makes sure everything runs smoothly with genuine care and attention to detail.

Whether you're popping in for a quiet pint, catching up with friends, or enjoying one of the themed nights, it’s always a pleasure thanks to the effort these two put in.

Can’t recommend this place enough—cheers to Camron and Debbie for making...

Visit this bar almost weekly. Went last night 4 of us (over 65 years) to be stopped at the door by bouncer. Can he look in My bag!!! I said no. I am not having a bag check at my age . Female bouncer then told me to stop shouting at him. Which I wasn't. I said stick your bar and we moved on to another bar. I think at our age we do not pose a threat to anyone. The bouncers need to use common sense in this matter. Other than this if we do get in without being accosted, the bar is great especially the bar lad who sometimes covers as DJ. He is so friendly...