The William Rufus – JD Wetherspoon
📍 0.7 miles from Brunton Park
About this Pub
Why it's great for Matchdays
City-centre Wetherspoon on Botchergate recommended specifically for away supporters by multiple club guides, and about a 20-minute walk to Brunton Park. It’s also around two minutes from Carlisle railway station—handy for trains in and out on matchdays. The pub shows sporting events on numerous TV screens (regularly cited as a place to watch live football), and serves food all day with an official menu—useful for pre- or post-match meals. Overall, it’s a practical, away-fan-friendly base with easy stadium and transport access, televised sport, and all-day food.
Recent Fan Reviews
It's a 'Spoons. Delivers on an even rating as other Spoons, staff could be more attentive, but are too busy delivering to app users primarily. Overall it was good. Nice to see a dj and dance floor area added since the last time I ventured on a night out that featured Spoons. Good value for money, keeps customers coming back.
Our first visit to Carlisle the rufus weatherspoon. It was a bit busy when we were there for early dinner. I loved the sticky Korean spicy chicken with Korean sauce and boiled rice. I had a cranberry juice. The chicken pieces were fresh and crispy. Just perfect. Pity the boiled rice was small portion not enough for me. I wonder if I could ask for extra portion of rice and I will pay for it. My friend she had lamb curry with pineapple mixed OJ. We would definitely come back.
Nice place to enjoy a drink as its my very first drink in Carlisle after a long journey. Quick service and plenty of seating. Atmosphere wasn’t bad either. Location is great just 2 mins away from station. Full of local people, may be because their favourite place.
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Went here after the other Spoons, and found it quieter by far. Better for couples too, more cosy in the back. Fella behind the bar is a rockstar, multitasking/getting everything right/polite service. Brilliant spoons this!
We visited on New Year’s Day around 1:30 PM. It was incredibly busy, but we luckily snagged a table just as someone was leaving. We ordered for three: I had the Chicken Tikka Masala curry deal, while the others had the scampi small plate and a mozzarella pizza. The curry deal was great value, served with rice, naan, and two poppadoms. The scampi came with five pieces and a few chips, which was fair for a small plate, and the pizza was very filling. Despite the crowd, service was much faster than expected. We got exactly what we wanted!