The Broken Bridge — Restaurant in Wakefield

My sister and I popped in on Christmas Eve, having been tempted by the festive menu displayed in the window. I went to the bar and ordered two plates of sliced turkey with winter vegetables. The barmaid looked at me blankly, as if I had perhaps said something indecent. Then she looked at her screen. And then: "Is tha' on t' Christmas menu?" Me: "Er, yes." (Thinking: well, this isn't a brilliant start...) The barmaid went to the kitchen door and spoke to someone else, who appeared to be just standing there idly, and who looked over at me and sniggered. Then the barmaid came back: "WE ANT GORRANY!" (Not: "Sorry, we're not serving that today." Not: "I'm afraid that's off today, would you like to order something else?" No, just: "WE ANT GORRANY!") Me: "Right. Fair enough." (To my sister, waiting patiently at a table: "Get your coat back on. We're out of here.")

Reply to the reply: I would suggest that the "joke" is perhaps on you.

I grew up in Pontefract, and return there regularly - including (formerly, but never again) to your establishment. How dare you i) reply in that sarcastic way, ii) assume I might object to people's accents and iii) actually imply racism on my part? Just how disingenous can you get? My capital letters and the transcription of her words merely referred to the fact that your staff member was rude, aggressive and unapologetic. She clearly had no knowledge of your festive menu, and absolutely zero training in customer relations.

My /** inevitably refers to that alone. We were given no opportunity, unfortunately, to assess anything else.

And can I assume that you meant "demand outstripped supply", rather than what you wrote ("supply outstripped demand")... ? You don't appear to have a very firm grasp of basic business...

I recently visited my local Wetherspoons, and I must say, it was a pleasant experience that deserves a solid four stars.

Atmosphere: The ambiance was inviting, with its characteristic mix of vintage decor and a lively atmosphere. It struck a nice balance between being a relaxed pub and a bustling social hub. Perfect for catching up with friends or unwinding after a long day.

Service: The staff were friendly and efficient. I was impressed by how quickly our orders were taken and served, despite the pub being quite busy. They were attentive without being intrusive, which made the experience all the more enjoyable.

Food & Drink: The menu offered a wide range of options, from classic pub fare to more adventurous dishes. I tried the fish and chips, which were well-cooked and flavorful. The portions were generous, and the prices were incredibly reasonable—true to the Wetherspoons ethos. The selection of drinks, including local ales and affordable cocktails, was impressive as well.

Cleanliness: The pub was clean and well-maintained, which is always a plus. The tables were cleared promptly, and the restrooms were tidy.

Overall: Wetherspoons may not be a gourmet dining experience, but it excels in providing a casual, enjoyable atmosphere with good food and drink at fantastic prices. I left feeling satisfied and will certainly be back. If you're looking for a reliable spot to relax with friends, this...

As a standard Wetherspoons pub, the Broken Bridge maintains consistent pricing and quality. The beer and cocktails align with the standard offerings from other locations, both in terms of selection and taste.

The food at the Broken Bridge is noteworthy, with various options tried, and none falling short of expectation.

The decor and layout contribute positively to the pub's atmosphere. Particularly during winter, the lit fireplace adds a cosy vibe, enhancing the overall experience.

Despite these positive aspects, there are notable drawbacks. The state of the toilets is consistently disappointing, with the men's facilities often exhibiting hygiene issues such as pee on the floor, resulting in an unpleasant experience.

Another inconvenience is the early closure of the beer garden/smoking area, forcing patrons to go to the front to smoke once it's closed, disrupting the overall flow of the experience.

In conclusion, the Broken Bridge is a good Wetherspoons pub with standard offerings, great food, and a pleasant atmosphere. However, improvements in toilet cleanliness and the handling of the beer garden/smoking area closing time could elevate the...