Guest-blogger Richard returns with his second review!
By Richard
By Richard
Many
months ago I joined Pubquest as they toured some of the worst pubs in
Sheffield. Keeping in line with Pubquest's 'no rush' policy for
reviews I took my time to write the blog, although my inertia soon
began to resemble that of George R R Martin.
After
receiving what felt like hundreds of texts and emails prompting me
to speed up (hypocrites!), I decided that it was finally time to write
this thing. My original post for the Tap & Barrel is still the most-viewed page on Pubquest so I realise the standards I have
set – here is the long-awaited sequel...
REPUTATION
I
had never visited The Bankers Draft prior to this venture (and I have
never returned) but I was aware of its rough reputation. Having
walked past the pub every day on my way to work I knew what to expect
– no matter what time my shift started there were always scruffy
patrons outside with a pint and a cigarette.
We
entered what is a huge establishment, much larger than I realised.
Nervously glancing over my shoulder to check for flying bottles
smashing into my head, I was pleasantly surprised to see nothing but
smiling locals. In fact, it was like most Wetherspoon pubs in decor,
with a chilled vibe reminding me of my youth: long evenings spent at
the Wetherpoons in my hometown (The Liquorice Gardens in Worksop) for
cheap booze before a night out.
There
were no unwelcoming stares or confrontations, although I did get the
impression that the majority of customers had been there since
opening time.
The barman greeted us and took our order: I went for my usual (the
cheapest lager), while the guys chose Red MacGregor from the
impressive selection.
MAKING
FRIENDS
We
sat on a raised table with high chairs, making the place feel like an
old saloon. A group of women at the next table were getting rowdy but
we didn’t pay them much attention... until one of them sat next to
us. Our initial conversation went something like this:
Girl:
“You look like John Travolta.”
Me:
“Erm... thank you?”
Girl:
“You think you look like John Travolta.”
Me:
“Haha… yeah… from Saturday Night Fever?”
Girl:
“I hate people like you, turning up thinking you're fucking John
Travolta.”
She
was quite intimidating and I was still confused why she had joined us
and was picking on me specifically. (I noticed Andy & Rob did not
step in to help me out, from which I can only conclude they are
cowards. Moreover, I suddenly realised why they had invited me to The
Bankers Draft, rather than the Dore Moor Inn.)
The
woman was clearly slaughtered: every time she spoke in my direction
it felt like I had inhaled a unit of alcohol. She was very
threatening and I'm not ashamed to admit a little scary. She
announced she was from Hull and had nowhere to stay – obviously
she had seen me as a potential target, but lacked the charm to
conduct even a basic conversation. Once our initial fear had worn off,
we even managed to get a group photo.
Once
she went to the toilet we quickly downed our drinks, ran out of the
pub and moved on to our next adventure.
Terrifying
women aside, I actually thought The Bankers Draft was a decent pub.
It boasts all the Wetherspoons features we know and love, and its
sheer size means you can always find a quiet corner to enjoy a pint
(although on this occasion we failed spectacularly!). I know my
opinion doesn’t count for much so I'll leave it with the experts to
score, but I would award 5/10 for the pub and 4/10 for the
experience.
On
a personal note I'd like to thank Pubquest for inviting me along and
being a part of their journey. It was great fun looking at pubs in a
different way and I enjoyed writing the reviews.
Pub:
The Bankers Draft (1-3 Market Place, S1 2GH)
Rating:
5/10
Pint:
Red MacGregor
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