The Hatchet Inn - JD Wetherspoon Pub in Newbury

12 Market Pl, Newbury RG14 5BD

About This Pub

Ah, The Hatchet Inn – it's one of those Wetherspoon places that you hear about and think, 'Why not give it a go?' From what I've gathered chatting about it, it's got that reliable pub charm with pints at pocket-friendly prices and a handy spot right in the heart of Newbury's Market Place. I mean, who doesn't love stumbling upon a spot where you can grab a meal and a drink without spending a fortune? One chap had a fantastic time on a short break, raving about the convenience of dining in and then just heading straight to bed – sounds like a winner for a relaxed evening. But, let's be honest, it's not all rosy. A few mates mentioned the service can be a bit off; like, servers not bothering with a proper hello or getting orders muddled, which is a shame when you're looking forward to a good time. Food-wise, it's hit and miss – sometimes it's alright, but other times it's not quite hitting the mark, and there have been grumbles about queuing for refills or waiting longer than expected. Overall, with a solid 4.1 rating from loads of folks, it's worth a visit if you're after value and a casual vibe, but maybe keep your expectations in check for the finer details. I'd say pop in for a drink and see for yourself; it's all about that balance, isn't it?

Pros and Cons

Pros

It's a classic Wetherspoon spot with great value for money, making it perfect for a budget-friendly pint or meal without breaking the bank.
The location in Newbury's Market Place is spot on – easy to pop in for a quick drink or to unwind after exploring the area.
Some folks have had brilliant stays, like enjoying a cosy night with dinner and drinks all under one roof, which feels really convenient.

Cons

Service can be hit or miss; a few people mentioned staff seeming uninterested or rushing through orders, which puts a bit of a dampener on things.
Food quality isn't always up to scratch – it's been described as just okay on some visits, and there have been complaints about portions or presentation.
Ordering via the app or at the bar sometimes leads to waits or mix-ups, like getting served after someone who ordered later, which is frustrating.

Contact Information

12 Market Pl, Newbury RG14 5BD

+441635277560

Pub

Hours not available

Opening Hours

Opening hours not available

Location

Recent Reviews

Sorry, but only deserved 2 stars on this visit. I ordered via the app, because bar area was busy, using the app is normally faultless. Then the bar was totally empty for about 10 mins and a lot of staff around. Saw people come in AFTER I placed my drinks order and got served quicker. Had to go and chase up my drink. Still people came into the bar and got served quicker. All I ordered was a EFES and an orange & lemonade. So using the App is NOT always quicker. Clearly no one was monitoring the app orders on the screen. Drink arrived and no sign of a sorry for the delay. I did mention it when I finally got our drink delivered to our table, but all I got was a blank faced expression. Staff obviously couldn't be bothered. This was at 13.30pm ish on Father's Day. Some more staff training is needed.

152bobby

The food Today was not particularly great although has been ok previously. The server did not seem to want to be there. Although quick to bring drinks and food out there was No hello to any of us and she just dumped the drinks and food on the table without asking who's was who and putting them all in the wrong places. The food was cold and did not taste good at all. Seating areas are cramped and not easy to get around with pushchairs. Not the worst wetherspoons we have been in but needs improvements on service (even a smile would have been nice) and to make sure the food is hot and fresh. As the food was really dry and unappetising.

Rebecca Cowling

I was in the Hatchet today and paid for 2 drinks with what I thought was a £20 note. However, the young lady serving me gave me charge of a £10 so I entered up asking to see the manager. He said he would check the till and come to see me to let me know if the till was right or not. I was leaving a while later and he had not come to see me, so I went to see him. He said he had not come back to me as he was busy. According to him the till was right. But even if it was he should have come and let me know that I was wrong. But I am still sure I was right. Are the customers not really that Important to him?

Alec Kirkpatrick

Took a ONE night break, and, honestly, it felt like a week. Saw the most AMAZING sights all in a 2 hour walk. Then back to the Wetherspoons pub for a lovely dinner and a tipple or two. Them fell into bed without having to go back out in the cold. So convenient. So lovely. Excellent value for money. Staff friendly and clean and comfortable rooms. Thank you!

Jan Hulcoop

30 years ago this was the place to go. Stopped here recently for an English breakfast which was duly paid for at the bar upon ordering. You are given a mug which you can take to the tea/coffee machine for unlimited refills which sounds great except for the fact that you have to queue again for one of the three machines of which none work. Everyone in the queue was complaining it’s been this way for weeks. Several waitresses were trying to fix/reset the machines to no avail so I asked her if she could boil a kettle for people just to be told ‘above my pay scale’. I then noticed an a4 hand written notice that said ‘due to technical problems eggs will scrambled not fried’. Eventually breakfast arrives - small amount of powdered scrambled eggs, one mushroom, cold hash brown, cold beans, lukewarm bacon and 2x nuclear hot sausages. I told the waitress to take it away and replace it (and anyone who knows me will tell you I’m not a fussy eater) or at the very least reheat it to which I was told they can’t do that. Absolutely disgusting food. Absolutely atrocious service. This place is an absolute insult to the catering industry.

James Baker