Picture House reels off run of five-star reviews

Across seven, eight, nine and even 10 successive inspections, numerous Wetherspoon pubs (in England, Northern Ireland and Wales) have achieved the highest-possible rating of five stars.

To gain a maximum score is difficult enough; however, to then maintain that highly coveted rating of five stars requires consistently high standards.

Among the pubs achieving a continuous maximum five-star rating, for the last eight consecutive inspections, is The Picture House (Colwyn Bay).

Pub manager Andrew Roberts took over at the pub in July 2025, having previously managed Yr Hen Orsaf (Aberystwyth). He has worked for Wetherspoon for 15 years.

Experienced kitchen manager Miguel Angel Camacho has been at the helm for 10 years and heads up a team of 10, including kitchen shift leader Wyn Roberts, who has worked at the pub for 20 years.

Andrew said: “A five-star hygiene rating for the pub is an essential aspect of the business and all part of the day-to-day running of the pub.

“With an experienced team, including numerous long-serving staff members, the processes and procedures to achieve and maintain those high standards are second nature.”

Andrew continued: “Customers expect those high standards, and we receive regular positive comments about how well cared for our picturesque pub always looks.

“The hard work and attention to detail translate throughout the entire pub, from the front of house to the kitchen and behind the scenes.”

The pub is housed in the grade-II-listed former Princess cinema, built in c1914, which was originally called the Princess Picture House. Many of the original Art Deco features still survive at the pub, which was opened by Wetherspoon in 1999.

Andrew said: “Wetherspoon has all of the processes and procedures in place, as well as excellent training, to ensure that staff members can provide the best-possible service and standards for customers.

“However, my team really is self-driven. Many of the staff members at The Picture House live in the local community and take real pride in this iconic building, which is a real community pub.”

Andrew concluded: “Most staff members also work regular and set shifts, so know exactly what they are doing and when.

“That continued consistency also works well towards making the pub operate hygienically, safely and successfully.”