Wetherspoons pubs often have a bad reputation, being associated with lager louts and chavs. However, if you’re after cheap food, a great choice of real ale and lager, and several large screens for catching all the sporting action then Wibbas Down Inn actually makes a decent stop off.

The Venue
Part of the guilty pleasure that is Wetherspoons, Wibbas Down Inn is a huge pub. With traditional decor, loud carpets and dark red walls the interior design is not to everyone’s taste but with five plasma screens and an additional super-sized pull down screen, a multitude of seating and a dining area to boot, one can see why this pub attracts as many punters as it does.

The Atmosphere
With an eclectic clientele of regulars chatting up the bar staff and ladies who look like they have just baked a cake for the WI Bring and Buy Sale, it appears there is something for everyone and, with the Wimbledon Theatre opposite, this is an ideal venue for pre- or post-theatre drinks. With peak hours dictated by the theatre performances this pub still appears to be busy when others are less so, although there’s a transient atmosphere with many people just popping in for one or two, rather than staying for hours.

Where this pub really excels is during sporting events, when the plethora of big screens pulls in the crowds and the cheap beer keeps them in. Especially good, based where it is, is its Wimbledon coverage, which is extensive and keeps the locals happy as well as those who have trekked to Wimbeldon only to find all the courtside tickets have sold out.

The Food
As with all Wetherspoons, Wibbas Down Inn offers up quick and easy grub at low prices. Although it won’t win any awards for gastronomic greatness, it fills a hole and lines the stomach before tucking into their excellent range of beer. A nice touch is the food menu has a guide to vegetarian, nut-allergy friendly and spicy dishes. The prices are very reasonable with two main meals from £7.69 all day every day. Puddings average at £2.70. A range of coffees and specialty teas are also on offer.

The Drink
Prices at Wibbas Down Inn are very competitive - where else can you get a beer in London for £2.10? And their beer selection is impressive, with a total of 10 real ales, changing regularly, to keep ale lovers happy. In an age where real ale doesn’t appear to be as important a consideration as cocktails, it’s a real breath of fresh air. If you prefer lager, you’re similarly well catered for with Fosters, Carling, Kronenbourg, Stella, Heineken and Coors Light all available on tap.

All spirits have a free mixer, and for £1.70 you could probably have a few doubles, which will only cost you and extra quid. There’s a good choice of premium spirits and cocktails are £5.80 a jug. The choice of wine is pretty run of the mill and there is a guide to the ranges with easy picture references. A bottle of Moet and Chandon Brut Imperial NV will set you back just under £28.00.

The Last Word
With the Wimbledon Theatre in close proximity and prices that are more than competitive, the Wibbas Down Inn is a convenient well-priced establishment. Be sure to check it out especially around big sporting events such as the Wimbledon tennis tournament.

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