The Wetherspoons at the O2 Centre doesn't sing to the usual Wetherspoons tune.

The Venue
Since the beginning of time, or 1979 if you're wanting to be accurate, the Wetherspoons chain has remained largely faithful to its hugely successful, albeit fun leaching, mantra of No music, No TVs, No Sports. There’ll always be exceptions to its self-imposed recipe for success, but stumbling across one is still a bit of a novelty although not in the same league as a Brit winning Wimbledon.

As a chain, Wetherspoons is a success because you know exactly what you’re getting: convenience, cheap booze and a tolerable drinking environment. So it’s all the more surprising to find one that changes a seemingly winning formula.

The Atmosphere
The Wetherspoons at the O2 Centre is big, brash and blaringly loud. Its sheer size is highlighted by tall ceilings and large full length windows, which is great for traffic watching on the less than picturesque Finchley Road. The music is predictable chart RnB, and there’s nothing wrong with that per se, but it doesn’t always feel well chosen as the crowd is really mixed, of varying ages and varying reasons for being in the bar. A lot of people appear to be there for a quiet pre or post film pint whilst the remainder are clearly embarking on a big night out, and the music's clearly intended for them.

The Food
Wetherspoons has a pretty standard menu across all of its branches so expect to find good value meals including curries, steaks and burgers, which all do a worthy job of lining your stomach without assaulting you with a gastronomic disaster. Posh nosh it isn’t – but nobody's expecting gourmet cuisine.

The Drink
It’s the same story with the alcohol which offers a solid but unspectacular range of drinks across the board. But who honestly cares? People come here for keen prices which are welcomed with open arms by Finchley locals who are fed up with the scandalous prices they would otherwise have to pay at more image conscious venues.

The Last Word
The diversity of customers that the Wetherspoons at the O2 Centre attracts gives it the unenviable task of pleasing those who want quick, quiet drinks and those who want a big night out. It doesn’t quite pull it off but make no mistake, this ‘spoons is too bad an alternative for a couple of drinks. Unless you’ve suffered an imagination breakdown though or can’t afford to go elsewhere, don’t bother making a night of it.

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