You've gotta feel sorry for the Waggon and 'Osses. This small, award-winning real-ale pub has recently suffered the ignomony of having a massive, million-pound costing Wetherspoons open next door to it. Not only that, the Wetherspoons is actually really good with the facilities, warmth and atmosphere completely lacking in other nearby pubs like The White Swan and The Junction.
The Waggon though should be able to stand its ground a little as its typical of the old-school boozer that seasoned bar workers like myself and seasoned ale seekers like many I know are always happy to stumble across (or out of). It's indicative of the kind of pub it is that within 30 seconds of walking in and ordering a pint of Golden Glow, I found myself in a conversation with an old chap sat nearby about Salopian beers.
As well as five real ales, they serve Carling, Fosters and Strongbow. There's no Guinness on tap but cans of it in the fridge. The toilets are located at the end of a dimly lit corridor and the place could maybe do with a spot of paint.
Overall it's the kind of pub that has probably survived a long time on a good reputation. Now that the Wetherspoons have moved in next door, hopefully it won't try and rest on its laurels. It's the kind of place that's nice to go for a quiet pint with your mates or on your onesome but certainly not the kind of place to go on a date or in the hope of a wild night out. read more