Wetherspoons pubs are known for their cheaply-priced drinks and unique buildings (not to mention their carpets).

But it is hard to know which ones are the best. 

The pub chain has long been a spot of choice for people from all walks of life including students and retirees.

Even though most of the pubs have almost identical menus their TripAdvisor reviews are worlds apart.

We've ranked all the Wetherspoons near you so that you know which ones to look out for, and which ones to avoid.

The pubs are ranked by star rating, and then by the number of reviews the pub has had.

For example if two pubs have a four star rating, but one has more reviews than the other, then the one with the most reviews gets a higher rating.

The Angel, Basingstoke

Trip Advisor rating - 3 stars out of 153 reviews

At the bottom of the list is The Angel.

This former Lloyds No.1 bar was renamed in 2005 The Angel after The Angel Inn which stood behind Barclays Bank, in Market Place.  

In July a customer wrote: “The food was subpar, and the bar staff was rude and not professional at all. Won't be returning back. This used to be good a while ago but now is gone downhill.”

The Ivy House, Alton

Trip Advisor rating - 3 stars out of 370 reviews

The Ivy House, at the west end of High Street, is a grade II listed building.

The Ivy House is one of several 18th-century buildings in High Street although the building isn’t ivy-clad anymore.

One review reads: “Although the pizzas were delicious as usual and we really enjoyed our meal, we were disappointed and worried by the lack of covid hygiene applied to the tables. As we arrived, a group was leaving one of only a few suitable tables for us which we quickly snapped up. Their drinks glasses, crumbs and mess was still on the table, and absolutely no attempt was made by staff to clean the table ready for us. The only hand sanitizer available was over by the door, not exactly very handy. The staff were so rushed off their feet that we never got our table cleaned, and I had to make the kids trek upstairs to the toilet to wash their hands before eating.”

The Old Gaolhouse, Winchester

Trip Advisor rating - 3 stars out of 437 reviews

This pub used to be a prison and it is thought to date back as early as 1228 but after a new prison opened in Romsey Road, in 1849, the old gaol closed and was sold.

A happy customer said: “Much as I like the food, the choice and quick service you generally have to put up with some quite loud patrons. This one was a lot quieter than many 'spoons pubs we have been in.”

The Bright Water Inn, Southampton

Trip Advisor rating – 3.5 stars out of 105 reviews

The Shirley Electric Theatre once stood near this J.D.Wetherspoon pub. It was the first regular cinema in the area, running from 1910 until 1922. Advertised as “comfortably furnished”, it was in fact built of corrugated iron, with wooden seats.

One punter said: “Called in for a meal after a long drive meal was nice staff were friendly and beer was same price as at home they have stopped the club deals now you can get them any day of the week which is a better idea.”

The Maidenhead Inn, Basingstoke

Trip Advisor rating – 3.5 stars out of 155 reviews

This relatively small pub is situated in the pedestrianised 'Top of Town' on Winchester Street.

According to one review, customers should not judge a book by its cover: “Do not be put off by the tatty decor. The food was really well prepared, it arrived quickly and was hot and freshly prepared. The portions were generous, staff were helpful and everything was clean. This place may have the air of a run down working mans club about it, but if you’re after a quick cheap meal with a couple of drinks, this is great.”

The Wagon Works, Eastleigh

Trip Advisor rating – 3.5 stars out of 202 reviews

In 1891, Eastleigh became an important railway town when the carriage and wagon works opened next to the railway station. At that time, there was a brewhouse opposite, on the site of these premises. Built in 1712, it was a thatched building which became known as Ye Olde Home Tavern and then the Home Tavern. It is now The Wagon Works.

One reviewer said: “Lovely friendly staff, spotlessly clean and a fantastic historical building in beautiful condition (like most Wetherspoons). Breakfast is top-notch with superb ingredients, plus great coffee (came top in a blind test by national newspaper) and free refills. what more could you want!!”

The Admiral Sir Lucas, Southampton

Trip Advisor rating – 3.5 stars out of 228 reviews

This pub is next to the Canute Chambers - which played a huge part in the Titanic disaster.

According to one customer, the breakfasts are rather good: “I pop in fairly frequently for the breakfast muffins or a small breakfast. Food always well cooked. Hot and tasty. Always found staff to be friendly particularly Sue and Jo. Also very hot on COVID Secure measures ensuring you have checked in. Worth a visit.”

The Giddy Bridge, Southampton

Trip Advisor rating – 3.5 stars out of 278 reviews

During the 17th century the Giddy Bridge was the name of a field belonging to Katherine Wulfris. In 1770 it was rented to Nathaniel St Andre. St Andre was anatomist to King George I, but lost his position at Court due to his role in the Mary Tofts “Rabbit Woman” scandal. In 1726 she claimed to have given birth to fifteen rabbits. St Andre was convinced the case was genuine.

One review reads: “Me and my partner went in for some lunch we waited 40 minutes, but I went to the bar to complain and spoke to Rupert he was fantastic give me a refund and a free meal and drink I wish there was more managers like him can't fault him give this man a pay rise.”

The Standing Order, Southampton

Trip Advisor rating – 3.5 stars out of 585 reviews

This pub was built as the Crompton & Evans Union Bank, later the city branch of the NatWest which closed in 1993 and is now, appropriately, called The Standing Order.

Someone who recently visited said: “Okay, to visit a Wetherspoons you already know what sort of place it is, or you're new to the UK, or have been living under a stone. Anyway, a Wetherspoons is what it is, cheap and cheerful, no frills and varying clientele. A couple of us wanted somewhere for a few pints and some scoff, and The Standing Order filled the bill completely. It was comfortable enough, clean enough, more than enough choice of food and drink, and we had a great afternoon in there. Yes, there were the Covid controls, and yes the Staff weren't jumping to attention, but, that's no different to everywhere else at the moment.”

The Six Bells, Lymington

Trip Advisor rating – 3.5 stars out of 618 reviews

The Six Bells stands on land that was brought by Mr Charles Ford in 1840 but it is not clear whether he then built the original building or whether it already existed. The original pub named The Six Bells actually stood next door to this one and was the headquarters of the bell-ringers from St Thomas Church.

This week a punter wrote: “The two of us stopped for a late lunch and our dishes were up to the usual Wetherspoons standard. I had Piri prawns and my friend the chicken curry. The atmosphere in the garden is very quiet and peaceful and the staff were very helpful.”

The Queens Hotel, Aldershot

Trip Advisor rating - 4 stars out of 227 reviews

This long-standing local landmark dates from the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign.

The reviews of this Wetherspoons are of a consistently good with Review saying: “The Wetherspoons downstairs was pretty standard, busy at times but never overly so. We ate dinner and breakfast there as well, both were good as expected.”

The Tilly Shilling, Farnborough 

Trip Advisor rating - 4 stars out of 391 reviews

Named after the historical Hampshire figure famous Beatrice Shilling who was responsible for correcting a serious defect in the Merlin-engine RAF fighter planes during the Second World War.

A happy customer said: “My husband and I walked in to a warm and welcoming place. It was clean the staff were always busy clearing tables or taking orders. The food was nice and served very quick. It got busy but the service was as good as before. Not once did I see the staff chatting to each other. They have some nice outdoor seating if you want to watch the world go by. Due to the staff being so nice I will The Tilly Shilling in my top 10.”

The John Russel Fox, Andover

Trip Advisor rating – 4.5 stars out of 63 reviews

This Wetherspoons is the former home of the Andover Advertiser, founded by John Russell Fox who produced the first edition at this address on 1 January 1858.

 Located on Andover High Street it has the best reviews of all the Wetherspoons in the area.

Simo said: “Went to The John Russell Fox for breakfast, it wasn't too busy and most people were eating and my food came out hot and was really nice. Service staff were happy and doing a great job. Thank you for a great visit.”

Another happy customer wrote: “The steak was rare as per order, unlike my last meal at Wetherspoon's in Chard, so credit where credit's due. Portion size good and steak tender. My friend reported that his mixed grill was delicious.”