053. Paramount, Oxford Street

Paramount, Oxford Street. (c) beerintheevening.

Another of the Wetherspoons houses in the city, opened mid 90s, and without doubt the second best one after The Waterhouse (that's not a particularly ringing endorsement though with competition from the dreadful Moon Under Water, Piccadilly and Printworks). Set on the corner of Portland Street and Oxford Street, it is quite a popular establishment, despite its location being a little out of the popular nightlife centre as such. It is basically one large room, light and airy at the front, but a little dark and '60s café-like at the back which gives it a strange feel as you travel back and forth from the toilets (assuming you're in there long enough). There is also a small upstairs seating and eating area where children are allowed if eating. I mean, would you really take kids in there? However, the thought is there I suppose.

As for beer, they do always provide a selection of real ales and continental lagers which is one of the few benefits of the Wetherspoons chain. Remarkably, this 'Spoons was in the Real Ale Guide 2009, so fair play. Fortunately for us also, it is the beginning of the annual Wetherspoons Real Ale Festival so there were at least ten tales on, and most seemed to be popular and in good order. Despite their original sales pitch of being a pub without televisions, music etc., this, like many other Wetherspoons houses has now succumbed to the lure of televised football and big screens can be seen throughout the premises and big matches are shown. Anyway, finally, the sort of place for an early breakfast (with beer of course) before getting a train, or a meeting point for a quick pint before going on, but not really one for a whole night in my opinion.