Woodrow Wilson - JD Wetherspoon Pub in Carlisle

48 Botchergate, Carlisle CA1 1QS

About This Pub

Ah, the Woodrow Wilson, one of those dependable Wetherspoon pubs you can always count on for a straightforward night out in Carlisle. I have to say, what really stands out is how welcoming the staff are; they're chatty and efficient, which makes the whole experience feel warm and inviting, like catching up with old mates. The food's a highlight too – I tried that new big smoke burger and it was an absolute treat, far better than the old ones, and the Korean sticky chicken went down a storm. It's all so reasonably priced, which is brilliant if you're just after something simple without breaking the bank. On the downside, though, I've noticed tables don't always get a proper wipe-down after folks leave, and during busier times, it can feel a bit neglected, like standards are slipping here and there. Still, for a quick meal or a relaxed pint, it's got that easy-going charm that keeps you coming back, as long as you go in with realistic expectations. All in all, it's a solid choice for us pub goers looking for good value and a laugh, but it might not be the place for a super fancy evening.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The staff are always lovely and friendly, making you feel right at home as soon as you walk in
Food hits the spot with tasty options like the new bigger burgers and Korean sticky chicken – proper yum for the price
Spotlessly clean facilities, especially the toilets, which is a nice touch when you're out for a casual meal
Great central location in Carlisle, easy to pop in for a quick bite or a pint without any fuss
Quick service even when it's buzzing, and it's super affordable, which is perfect for a budget-friendly night out

Cons

Tables aren't always cleaned straight away after they're cleared, which can leave things a bit messy
Standards seem to slip at times, like not wiping down tables properly, making it feel less polished
It can get pretty busy, especially in the evenings, so you might end up waiting around for a seat
Some areas feel a tad overlooked, with not as much attention to detail as you'd hope for a smooth visit

Contact Information

48 Botchergate, Carlisle CA1 1QS

+441228819942

Pub

Opens at 08:00

Opening Hours

Monday (Today)	08:00 - 00:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 00:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 00:00
Thursday	08:00 - 00:00
Friday	08:00 - 01:00
Saturday	08:00 - 01:00
Sunday	08:00 - 00:00

Location

Recent Reviews

new big smoke burger was amazing.!! Much prefer new bigger burgers than the old burgers. All the staff were lovely and friendly as always. Cleanliness standard amazing toilets spotless, even witnessed staff checking them. All empty tables clean and freshly wiped by a member of staff. Definitely will visit again

Lei Johnstone

Standards are slipping here. We visited for breakfast and evening meals from Sunday to Thursday and rarely saw staff cleaning tables when they cleared items away. We regularly asked for our table to be cleaned when they bought our meals. There's a big screen TV in one area (the slippery slope that the Wetherspoons 150 yards away has succumbed to, with screens everywhere!) They both now also have a damn Quiz Night!! They will have loud music blasting out shortly. Custard is now also a thing of the past. You get cold ice cream even with your hot selection. Standards are slipping.

Michael Webber

After disappointed from the last dining place, thought better to eat at Spoons because no need to book a table. I’m glad we decided it as they didn’t disappoint us. Ordered wine to enjoy till food hit our table. Choose Korean sticky chicken with rice and it was so yum yum. Wetherspoon app is always handy to order drinks or food at table. Service was great even they missed one thing so i have to request the staff and the girl happily helped us quickly. Atmosphere wasn’t bad either so does the location. Wetherspoon is doing a good job and staff should be appreciated for that. Happy to come back again when in area

win task

Standard 'spoons, does what it says on the tin. Good location in the town centre, with a sister pub just up the road. The usual wide selection of food, and doesn't seem to take long for a table to become free. We wandered in on a busy summer Saturday afternoon and got a table straight away. There's parking just over the road if needed, with multiple paid locations nearby. Food was slightly less on par than we have come to expect on that day, with both our pizza bases and toppings very thin, and the cardboard-like base was crispy and overcooked, much like the poppadoms we ordered. Just didn't represent the value we've come to expect in Wetherspoons.

John Ross

A quick bite whilst on a training course nearby. Service was quick, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. It appeared busy for a Monday lunchtime with a number of groups of people having a good catch-up. All the facilities were downstairs, including the accessible toilet. Accessible entrance. There was an outside space to the rear for the brave. It was a tad chilly today. You can order on the app if you want your meal exactly as on the menu. If not, order at the bar, and don't forget to take a quick pick of the table number. The expected cheap and basic Wetherspoons food, but our Cheese and Bacon Loaded Chips were such a disappoint. It was more like a sprinkle than loaded, not enough to even taste.

Willow Tkw