The Lord High Constable of England - JD Wetherspoon
Cocktail Bar | Gloucester | England | United Kingdom
“The Lord High Constable of England - JD Wetherspoon” is a cocktail bar and pub of the renowned British Wetherspoon chain, located in Gloucester, England, in the historic Gloucester Docks area. The building itself has a rich history and was opened in June 2015 after extensive renovations by J D Wetherspoon. It consists of three parts: the central section was originally a Victorian sawmill, which was part of a much larger timber storage facility, while the front and rear areas once served as classrooms and offices built by the Gloucester Waterways Museum. The name of the pub refers to Miles de Gloucester, a significant historical figure who founded Llanthony Secunda Priory in 1136. Like his father and grandfather, Miles was High Sheriff of Gloucester and held the title Lord High Constable of England – a high medieval office that lends the pub its distinctive name.
The interior of the “Lord High Constable” is typical of Wetherspoon pubs: spacious, functional, and with a touch of historical flair. The main room is striking with a high vaulted ceiling featuring massive wooden beams decorated with thick ship ropes as lamps, as well as exposed brickwork at the ends of the building. There are several seating areas, including tables outside the pub overlooking the square and a canal terrace, which is popular on warm days and offers a direct view of old barges and a historic crane. The decor is simple yet practical, with dark wooden furniture and a central bar that dominates the space. Visitors often praise the cleanliness and regular upkeep by the staff, although the space can feel limited on busy days.
The drink selection is diverse and reflects Wetherspoon’s approach to offering quality at affordable prices. There is a range of real ales, including both staple varieties and changing guest beers, often from local breweries. Additionally, there are craft beers, draught beers like Brewdog, and freshly ground Lavazza coffee. The cocktail bar itself focuses on classic, straightforward cocktails without a major emphasis on elaborate mixology, with prices—often in combination with food—considered a significant advantage. The menu features traditional British dishes such as fish & chips, pies, and burgers, supplemented by international options like pizza or chicken wings, as well as breakfast served until noon. According to guests, the quality of the food varies: some appreciate the speed and taste, while others complain about small portions or inconsistencies such as cold dishes.
The clientele is diverse: tourists visiting the Gloucester Docks or the nearby Waterways Museum encounter locals and groups who appreciate the affordable prices and central location. The bar is family-friendly and offers modern conveniences like app ordering, which speeds up service, though technical issues or overwhelmed staff may occur on hectic days. The noise level can be high, especially on weekends, which makes the atmosphere lively but not necessarily relaxed. The staff is generally described as friendly, although there are occasional criticisms regarding speed or attentiveness—such as when younger guests are prioritized.
Points of criticism often relate to the tightness on busy days, the lack of dog-friendliness in the outdoor area—unusual for a tourist area—or the limited selection of specialty beers for connoisseurs. Nevertheless, “The Lord High Constable of England” remains a reliable destination for uncomplicated enjoyment. It is not a cocktail bar in the classic sense with a focus on innovative drinks, but rather a pub with cocktail options that impresses with its historical backdrop, Wetherspoon’s typical affordability, and its location by the docks. For visitors to Gloucester, it offers a solid mix of history, comfort, and practical accessibility.
