The Picture House in Stafford isn’t your average Wetherspoons. Sure, it boasts the familiar friendly vibe and affordable menu, but step inside and you’ll discover a unique charm that sets it apart and makes it one of my favourite spots in Stafford.
The Picture House is a stunning old cinema building which has been converted into a pub while maintaining important features to offer a blend of history, character, and pub grub that makes it a perfect spot for a casual lunch, a post-work pint, or a family dinner.
The Building
The first impression is undeniably cool. Stepping into the converted cinema lobby feels like stepping back in time, with vintage movie posters adorning the walls and a screen reminiscent of a bygone era. It’s a unique and quirky setting that sets The Picture House apart from your average pub.
High ceilings adorned with movie posters whisper stories of Hollywood’s golden age, while the comfortable booths and dimly lit corners invite you to linger and soak in the atmosphere. It’s a pub with a distinct personality, a place where history and modern comfort find a harmonious balance.
A vibrant and busy pub, you’ll find it filled with families having meals in the day, and a crowd of drinkers having fun before a night out dancing in the evening. The patio area is bright and colourful and overlooks the mirror.
The only thing to be aware of is that when it’s busy, which it often is, the pub can get very loud, especially on weekends. The acoustics aren’t great, and the chatter from other tables can be overwhelming at times. If you’re looking for a quiet and intimate meal, this might not be the place for you.
The Food
You can’t beat the price at Wetherspoons, and The Picture House is no exception. The menu is standard Wetherspoon fare – burgers, pizzas, fish and chips, etc. – but the quality is surprisingly decent. You’re not going to find anything particularly unexpected, and if you’ve eaten in one Wetherspoon’s you’ve basically eaten in them all, but I have to give a shout out to the pizzas at The Picture House. They’re absolutely fantastic, and as a fan of spicy food, I am able to customise my pizza by requesting they add a double dose of fresh red chillies and they deliver.
The staff are friendly and efficient, even during a busy lunchtime rush, and you don’t have to wait long for our food or drinks. The servers are happy to take orders at the bar, or you can order on the app for added convenience.
If you’re stopping in for cuppa and a cake, the unlimited coffee machine is incredibly reasonably priced and tastes just as good as some of the high end cafes.
The Final Verdict
The Picture House is a charming and quirky pub with decent food and great value for money. I’d definitely recommend it for a casual lunch or pub dinner with friends.
Additional Details
- Pricing: Low to Medium.
- Child Friendly: Yes, but no entertainment provided.
- Pet Friendly: No.
- Party Friendly: Yes, but no private party section.
Rating
Find The Picture House now:
Website: https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/staffordshire/the-picture-house-stafford
Address: Bridge St, Stafford ST16 2HL
Phone: 01785 222941