THEY never fail to attract hundreds of punters each week and are well known for serving up fairly cost-effective pub grub.

Wetherspoon, which has three pubs in Herefordshire, continues to be a popular choice for many – outside of lockdown, of course.

On TripAdvisor, hundreds of people have been sharing their opinions on the highs and lows of their 'Spoons' visit.

A mix of reviews based on food, service, value and atmosphere make for some interesting reading from one of the UK's biggest pub chains.

Here are some of the best and worst Wetherspoons review for The Mail Rooms in Gloucester Road, Ross-on-Wye, which has an average of four stars out of five.

For fairness we've included both positive and negative reviews. Of the 314 left by customers, 85 are excellent, 113 very good, 63 average, 28 poor and 35 terrible.

No mustard and plenty of smoke

Wetherspoon was only able to secure a two-star review from David who visited in September. He criticised the lack of mustard and complained about smokers while sat outside.

He said: "The establishment looked clean and tidy. We sat outside, soaking up the warm afternoon rays.

"Our food was served but you could not have mustard with your burger. The excuse given was mustard came in sachets and it was unavailable, so I was not happy.

"The waiter service was good but the experience was ruined by customers smoking and blowing their smoke over you and food. Not a very good experience and I would advise to find another establishment if you are hungry."

Could not find fault

A very content customer in January 2019 said the food was very good, at an excellent price, with friendly staff.

Leaving a five-star review, they said:"We ordered some double burgers for adults and cheese pasta for the kids. Excellent food, could not find a fault with any of it. Good portion sizes too.

"We did not have much interaction with the staff but they were very polite when taking our order and serving the food."

Toilet visit like descending gateway to hell

In June 2019, one miffed customer said: "Four of us visited here on our Calendar Crawl around Ross-on-Wye on a Saturday night in June. This was the pub we finished the night at, after we had visited most of the local pubs in town and to be fair with the exception of just one, had found them pretty disappointing.

"Our pint here was Gloucester Gold, thankfully the pint was OK. Similar to my experience in several Wetherspoons, not what you can call pleasantly memorable, being the end of the night and this being probably the latest opening it was a catch all for visitors and locals all looking pretty much worse for wear but they all seemed to have enjoyed their nights.

"The staff too even after a long evening were still pleasant.

"My attempt at visiting the downstairs WC was akin to descending one of the gateways to hell quite a busy place, therein whilst awaiting a WC cubicle the door swung open and a very sorry looking early 20's male holding himself up with the wall whilst exiting the WC with what looked like cottage cheese and mixed veg on his face the scene behind him where he had clearly just vomited his evening's drinking and food content over the toilet and the floor thus I decided that I'd give it a miss, assuming there were similar scenes to be had in all WC's.

"Luckily a urinal became free which solved my dilemma.

"Even at half past midnight the pub was still quite full. We left around 1am to catch our pre-ordered taxi.

"Not an enjoyable experience overall, though beer was fine and staff were too. Thankfully I don't have to revisit."

Big smile made us feel at home

A couple holidaying in the area around Ross-on-Wye left a five-star review after a thoroughly enjoyable visit.

They said: "My wife and I were staying in the area for a couple of days. After a three-hour drive we stopped here.

"Our breakfast was really nice as was the unlimited tea. I find the Witherspoon breakfast to be excellent value and fairly standard across the chain.

"The staff were friendly and welcoming. It was nice to see an older gentleman serving, he had a big smile which made us feel at home."

To add insult to injury, they rearranged the salad

Leaving just a one-star review in March 2020, Ziggy wasn't happy with the way staff dealt with a sub-par salad.

They said: "We went to Ross today and went into Wetherspoons for a snack and drink. Ordered salad which when it arrived it was instantly apparent it was well past its best.

"The young man serving when asked to change it did so but there were no apologies.

"When the salads came back our remaining food was cold...the chips weren't cooked and to add insult to injury they had literally just rearranged the salad and stuck a cliche of cucumber on the same bowl.

"His manner was bordering on ignorance. Don't they care anymore in here? Used to be good but won't be going back."

The value is exceptional

Another five-star reviewer said in August 2018: "Generally you know what you are going to get at Wetherspoons and The Mail Rooms is no different in terms of menu.

"It is however a very well run pub/eating house with very well kept ales. It is a nice airy space and the staff friendly.

"The food was well cooked and better presented than a lot of other Wetherspoons. The value is exceptional."

Civilised to Crazy

A three-star reviewer said in August 2019: "Visited on a Saturday night fairly early around 7 o'clock and found the place quite calm and civilised. Lots of older couples and farmers enjoying a few drinks and some food.

"Went for a meal nearby and returned around 10pm when it was a completely different place. Lots of loud shouting and rude behaviour from large tables of clearly drunk mainly youngsters but some middled aged folks.

"Drinks were good and the service to the table was reasonable. Great prices as in all spoons but pick your company carefully."