The Observatory - Erewash

We used to be regulars in the Observatory when we lived in Ilkeston 10 years ago, so thought we'd give it a go. First impressions was rather grubby with unwiped tables and a stained rumpled Wetherspoons magazine stuck to the table. We ordered our food and waited approximately 30 mins for it. Fair enough, it was busy. I ordered a veggie pizza and hubby a mixed grill with salad rather than the usual trimmings, as he isn't eating carbs. He also got a side of chicken wings, after checking they weren't breaded. Food arrived after about 30 mins. Hubby was confused that peas were still on the plate and that the salad was in a side bowl, as peas are carbs. We were also confused about the chicken wings, as they looked breaded it turned out that they weren't breaded, they were just cremated to the point of being completely inedible. His mixed grill looked like shoe leather (the egg was done well, though) and was lukewarm. I started on my pizza and ate one slice as it was tepid. I can eat hot pizza or even stone cold pizza the day after, but tepid pizza, especially vegetable ones are slimy and horrible. Such a shame, because had it been delivered when cooked, rather than left standing, I think it would have been a good pizza I quite like a Spoons when done reasonably to well they are exactly what you expect and cheap, but The Observatory is not done well. Never again

Great choice of real ales as always. I like to try some of the guest ales and they are always kept well. Late afternoon there is always a nice relaxed buzzing atmosphere. As with all Spoons pubs, the prices are great value. Some of the bar staff could be more welcoming, except Jay who always acknowledges customers and is happy to have a word while he is serving. He should be in charge!

I wrote a review for The Observatory back in October, mentioning a specific member of staff who made (makes) visits to the usually perfect Wetherspoons pub pretty uncomfortable. After leaving my initial review, the attitude of this member of staff seemed to have improved on a return visit, however... On returning to The Observatory again, with some friends, it seems that we've returned to the usual poor attitude for this member of staff. Visibly unhappy to be there, doesn't want to serve customers, just wants to stand on their phone literally walking off when people go to the bar, as opposed to serving. The past couple of times I've been to The Observatory, it has usually closed earlier than the stated opening hours which, during quiet times, is completely understandable, but it seems to be on weekends that this happens.

The Observatory is normally a really nice pub. The staff (most of them) make you feel welcome. Recently, I’ve felt fairly unwelcome going into The Observatory as a result of a new member of staff I’m unsure of their name dark hair, long beard. He seems to be more interested in looking at his phone and berating his colleagues than serving customers. When he does eventually serve, he’s extremely rude and arrogant. Other than this one member of staff, The Observatory is a very nice pub.

Ordered an ultimate burger plus maple cured bacon and cheese groom the new menu. Behold! 100 wetherspoons version of a big mac complete with gherkin. Better meat and bigger, more everything. Add chips and a drink and you are sorted. Neuter than macs!