Lloyds No.1 Bar, Angel  

This chain obviously sees itself as the classier relation in the Wetherspoon family, targeting - but not necessarily securing - a younger and more sophisticated demographic. I'm sure it looked lovely the day it opened, but like everything else in a Wetherspoon, its not wearing well at all. Our table, in the nonsmoking section - in an area marked 'for diners only' - was covered in cigarette burns, and the chipboard was fraying at the edges across the expanse of the place. Unlike the regular Wetherspoon, this chain does have music and video programming as well as a flat screen TV which shows a random selection of videos, including such ambient classics as some fish swimming about. It hardly induces a calming air though. Serving up the usual Wetherspoon offerings of affordable food and drink, this branch, housed in Angel's N1 leisure and retail centre, feels as mass produced as everything else in there. Yes, you can get special deals galore on food and drink, but it's hardly worth it when you're sitting in what feels like a fast food restaurant with a licence. Like many a Wetherspoon, once you've actually been served you get the feeling that the staff would really like you to move on and be quick about it. I don't know why its called Lloyds No. 1 either. No. 2 would be nearer the mark.

reviewed:
21/4/2003

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