Wetherspoon's news of the day

[Aqualung]

Just clicked on the link and the top photo was of the Sir Perry Florence Shelley in Boscombe. I've been in this pub hundreds of times but would never have recognised the carpet as there isn't a customer passed out on it.
That sounds perfect, I hope I can get this pattern.

[Quinno]

Just clicked on the link and the top photo was of the Sir Perry Florence Shelley in Boscombe. I've been in this pub hundreds of times but would never have recognised the carpet as there isn't a customer passed out on it.

I just spat out my Vimto! Top comment sir, I doff my cap http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-laughing021.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

[ETA]

Hardly! The odd one of these four is the Sittingbourne one which already has a Spoons. I don't really know the town but thought it was smaller than Rochester or Chatham. When the new one opens I'll give it a visit, sooner rather than later in case they close the old one!

Planning to visit the Sittingbourne one tomorrow lunchtime.

You're right about the relative sizes of the towns, Aqualung, and although there is often talk about a 'Spoons in both Gillingham and Chatham, all that seems to come of it is rumour about which premises are going to be used.

[ETA]

I just spat out my Vimto! http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-laughing021.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

Wyy would you drink something that is an anagram of 'vomit'?

[Mobyduck]

I'm not the biggest fan of JDW but bearing in mind the guy had been warned before, I make them right. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/wetherspoon-regular-aged-89-barred-6203697?ICID=FB_mirror_main

[Aqualung]

I'm not the biggest fan of JDW but bearing in mind the guy had been warned before, I make them right. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/wetherspoon-regular-aged-89-barred-6203697?ICID=FB_mirror_main

Someone sent me a copy of the article asking if it was me. I don't like sausage rolls and correct me if I'm wrong but it's Albert Steptoe isn't it??

[Farway]

I'm not the biggest fan of JDW but bearing in mind the guy had been warned before, I make them right. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/wetherspoon-regular-aged-89-barred-6203697?ICID=FB_mirror_main

Same here, some pubs allow you to bring own food if they do not provide it, but when their profit depends on food food I can't blame them for banning

[hondo]

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Operators/JD-Wetherspoon/New-beers-for-JD-Wetherspoons-pubs-for-beer-festival

[Aqualung]

They've managed to get featured in a Fat Slags send up of Star Trek called Slag Trek. They head for a planet with a slow rotation speed and a single pub where the happy hour lasts for six weeks. It transpires it's been turned into another Spoons so it all ends up with the usual debauched scenario.
I love it!!

[Quinno]

They've managed to get featured in a Fat Sags send up of Star Trek called Slag Trek. They head for a planet with a slow rotation speed and a single pub where the happy hour lasts for six weeks. It transpires it's been turned into another Spoons so it all ends up with the usual debauched scenario.
I love it!!

Brilliant - is it in the latest edition?

[Aqualung]

Brilliant - is it in the latest edition?

Yes the October one, sadly no Real Ale Twats or Finbarr.

[Aqualung]

My local Spoons have raised their prices and have a new menu. Cask guests have gone up 5p so standard is now £2.10, premium £2.25 and super premium £2.40. .
The keg "Craft" Devil's Backbone beer from Banks's has been reduced by 4p to £2.75 and Dogspew's This Is Lager has been replaced by a Shipyard IPA at a lower price.
Some food items have gone up but not by a lot, typically 10-20p. Breakfasts are unchanged, although the cheap filtered coffee refill has gone up from 79p to 85p..
The Fish Friday has gone up by 34p, probably because fish is so ridiculously expensive.
The Mexican Monday remains unchanged, I've tried three of these and didn't really enjoy any of them that much. All I could think of was that film The Exorcist while scoffing it.

I imagine these rises are universal especially as there is a new menu but I won't be visiting any other old haunt Spoons until the festival next month.
From what I can recall this is the only price rise for at least two years unlike other pub companies. I look with horror at some of the prices posted on this site in Central and other parts of London for mediocre beers that are hardly worth drinking.

[hondo]

"company says it will invest £3 million"
http://www.theenquirer.co.uk/state-cinema-sold-to-pub-chain-wetherspoons/

[rpadam]

Spotted this news in the Pub Curmudgeon blog so posting it here as well in case you don't follow that thread.

http://www.propertymall.com/property-news/article/40383-Wetherspoons-puts-34-pubs-on-the-market

[Quinno]

Spotted this news in the Pub Curmudgeon blog so posting it here as well in case you don't follow that thread.

http://www.propertymall.com/property-news/article/40383-Wetherspoons-puts-34-pubs-on-the-market

Again, most of those I've been in are the weaker ones in their conurbations.

[Aqualung]

Spotted this news in the Pub Curmudgeon blog so posting it here as well in case you don't follow that thread.

http://www.propertymall.com/property-news/article/40383-Wetherspoons-puts-34-pubs-on-the-market

I've been to 11 of these, some were truly awful and a few I thought were really good. This is on top of the 20 announced earlier in the year which were generally more Southern based plus the Cap in Hand at Hook underpass. I've not heard of any of these actually closing yet. This makes a total of 55 pubs they want to close and yet they seem to have spent a fortune on new outlets this year. The current new pubs list has a paltry three one of which is the already opened Mossy Well in N10, one in Hatfield and one in Helston. I really wonder if they are in financial difficulties.

[Aqualung]

Spotted this news in the Pub Curmudgeon blog so posting it here as well in case you don't follow that thread.

http://www.propertymall.com/property-news/article/40383-Wetherspoons-puts-34-pubs-on-the-market

I've had a closer look at this. 14 of the 34 are Lloyds No. 1 outlets. Gloucester and Blackpool have new outlets nearby. A few have Lloyds or other Spoons close by. The Stirling one seems to be completely spurious. I've never stopped off in Trowbridge but they find themselves with BOTH Spoons earmarked to close and no real alternative.
Of the ones I've been to I'll miss the Picture Palace in Enfield the most. I've been there several times and Pondlife End has already seen most of its pubs closed, not that any of them were worth a visit. North London seems to be taking a bashing with these closures and it's not as though there are that many around.

[london calling]

I will be sad to see the Plough and Harrow Hammersmith go as its one of the few i use and the guest beer choice is better than the other one 300yards away.But the other one (name escapes me) is always busier,attracts a young crowd at night(so lots of shots)and has a bit of outside seating.Makes business sense really.Also they charge more for a pint and the Mexican deal is 50p dearer so more dosh for Tim.

[Aqualung]

I will be sad to see the Plough and Harrow Hammersmith go as its one of the few i use and the guest beer choice is better than the other one 300yards away.But the other one (name escapes me) is always busier,attracts a young crowd at night(so lots of shots)and has a bit of outside seating.Makes business sense really.Also they charge more for a pint and the Mexican deal is 50p dearer so more dosh for Tim.
The "other" one is the William Morris and is a Lloyds so when I went there one day in 2013 the Plough and Harrow was busier and looking at my reviews the prices were the same. The Mexican club rarely differs in price in the London suburbs. Just the fact that the beer prices are dearer may account for the higher price.
I suppose that the trouble with Hammersmith is that it's virtually Central London.

[Aqualung]

I've just received an email from JDW saying that their site has been hacked. I can't say I'm bothered as I'm sure my details are already available to all and sundry as my broadband is with Talk Talk! To be honest I think they were available before then but so what? There is a web site called 192.com that will provide all sorts of names and addresses if you subscribe.

[oldboots]

Here's something JDW sent out about the hack

https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/contact/faqs/customer-data-breach

[NickDavies]

The £4 JDW pint is in sight. £3.99 for a admittedly very nice 4 point pint of W&E Knight of the Garter on Victoria Station this evening. I'd got a Camra voucher so was charged £3.49. I asked if they'd mis-keyed the voucher on the till. Ho hum.

It's going some when a pint of session strength bitter in a JDW is dearer than Wifebeater in the SSP station bars.

[Aqualung]

The £4 JDW pint is in sight. £3.99 for a admittedly very nice 4 point pint of W&E Knight of the Garter on Victoria Station this evening. I'd got a Camra voucher so was charged £3.49. I asked if they'd mis-keyed the voucher on the till. Ho hum.

It's going some when a pint of session strength bitter in a JDW is dearer than Wifebeater in the SSP station bars.

The Victoria JDW is famous as the most expensive in London. My local one told me on Monday that the prices are going up on Wednesday despite a 5p increase on real ales in October.

[london calling]

My mate Fred who drinks in the Wembley spoons told me they charge£2.40 for Ruddles but when there is an event on at Wembley stadium they charge £3.60.I never thought to ask him how much they charge for good beer.

[rpadam]

My mate Fred who drinks in the Wembley spoons told me they charge£2.40 for Ruddles but when there is an event on at Wembley stadium they charge £3.60.I never thought to ask him how much they charge for good beer.
From my own experience of the selection offered in this particular branch, it's probably not a question that arises very often...

[london calling]

From my own experience of the selection offered in this particular branch, it's probably not a question that arises very often...

True.

[Aqualung]

My local one told me on Monday that the prices are going up on Wednesday despite a 5p increase on real ales in October.

The guest ales have risen by 5p a pint as well as food, notably the clubs by 10-20p. I don't know if this is throughout their estate but will get a clue on Friday.
Two price rises in a few months is unprecedented and given all their outlets up for sale you have to suspect there may be a problem. I went to their new Mossy Well in N10 a week or two ago and on a Saturday afternoon it was busy but not packed unlike others in the Midlands and North I've visited on a Saturday afternoon. I can't help thinking they ate going overboard with the refurbishment cost of their new outlets.

[hondo]

"was closed last night after a diner complained"
http://www.bathchronicle.co.uk/Weatherspoons-closed-rat-ran-trouser-leg-customer/story-28662730-detail/story.html

[Aqualung]

"was closed last night after a diner complained"
http://www.bathchronicle.co.uk/Weatherspoons-closed-rat-ran-trouser-leg-customer/story-28662730-detail/story.html

This sounds far fetched to me. Why was the diner holding the chip in his hand? Rats usually shy away from humans although years ago one did once appear in here (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/25121/). One of the regulars tried to stamp on it and it tried to bite him! Pest control sorted it out, there was a gap where a rat could enter the building.

[Aqualung]

This is wholly speculation at the moment The JDW Spring Festival is early this year in March and there is a poster up in my local one. It says Festival beers are £2.19. The current Standard Guest Price here is £2.15 and normally Festival prices are one or two rungs below that. This must imply that there is another price increase coming in the next month meaning there will have been three in under six months. Someone told me that JDW had been whingeing about the living wage but that they were not going to increase their prices as a result. That hardly stands up to scrutiny!
Even if this is not speculation my local JDW would still be miles cheaper than the opposition, but that isn't the case in other areas especially in the Midlands and North.

[NickDavies]

They've been issuing profit warnings lately, thus depressing their share price. They're going to have to revise their business model a bit to keep investors happy if wage pressure is genuinely giving them problems and that's not just routine Tim Martin bluster. That could well be reflected in higher prices.

[bcfczuluarmy]

Not sure if this link has been added previously but a rat in Trowbridge spoons I've been in amongst many other stories...

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Industry+Sectors/Leisure+&+Hospitality/Pubs/J+D+Wetherspoon

https://www.thecaterer.com/articles/364825/wetherspoon-pub-evacuated-after-rat-took-chip-from-customers-hand

[MelD]

Not sure if this link has been added previously but a rat in Trowbridge spoons I've been in amongst many other stories...

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Industry+Sectors/Leisure+&+Hospitality/Pubs/J+D+Wetherspoon

https://www.thecaterer.com/articles/364825/wetherspoon-pub-evacuated-after-rat-took-chip-from-customers-hand

And the evidence...

1307

[Bucking Fastard]

And the evidence...

1307

That's a great first post,welcome.:cheers:

[bcfczuluarmy]

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/northyorkshire/14264076.JD_Wetherspoon_pulls_out_of_Northallerton _s_former_Rutson_Hospital_development/?

[Aqualung]

Not content with the two lists of closures announced in July and November last year they seem to be closing outlets down in the South at very short notice.
Ones going or gone not on the two lists are as follows :-

Paper Moon in Dartford
Man in the Moon in Stanmore
Summoners in Sittingbourne
Gilpins Bell in Edmonton
Luton Hatter in Luton

On the plus side these have been reported as saved from the chop

Derby - Thomas Leper
Didsbury - Milson Rhodes
High Wycombe - William Robert Loosley
Liverpool - Lime Kiln
Purley - Foxley Hatch
Sevenoaks - Sennockian

[sheffield hatter]

Paper Moon in Dartford
Man in the Moon in Stanmore
Summoners in Sittingbourne
Gilpins Bell in Edmonton
Luton Hatter in Luton

London Hatter (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/1231/) in Luton (an understandable mistake)

[Aqualung]

London Hatter (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/1231/) in Luton (an understandable mistake)

Correct! At least I didn't call it Sheffield Hatter!!

[Quinno]

Not content with the two lists of closures announced in July and November last year they seem to be closing outlets down in the South at very short notice.
Ones going or gone not on the two lists are as follows :-

Paper Moon in Dartford


Poor old RogerB!

[bcfczuluarmy]

http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/newpubs/29688/ Opened yesterday in Portishead and very busy on my visit. Shame it's not been approved yet so I can add my pre and opening day pictures...

Interesting to see which pub in rest of town shuts first.. Plough or Poacher?

[Aqualung]

Deciding which type a given JDW outlet belongs to is becoming an increasingly difficult task. Lloyds outlets are no longer identified on their web site but are in their directory but that is becoming well out of date now. The landscape menu in Lloyds pubs may not be any more reliable than the directory. I don't know if lack of any Lloyds branding externally is completely reliable but it really should be.
Many Lloyds are closing or officially being converted to standard JDWs. Some Lloyds are blatantly obvious but they tend to be in the minority.

Here (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/69788/) is a classic difficult case. What Pub claim it was surveyed last week and retain it as a Lloyds. Quinno goes down the JDW route. I'm not slinging mud at either side here as I've recently had the same problem on more than one occasion. The only sure way to find the truth is to visit the venue after 21:00 on a Friday or Saturday but I'm certainly not volunteering for that!

[Aqualung]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/pub-chain-wetherspoons-to-scrap-roast-dinners-a6899781.html
It looks like Mexican Monday and Fish Friday may be on the way out as well.
The new menu out next week is expected to incorporate the third price increase in six months.

[Mobyduck]

May be of interest, or not as the case may be. http://www.buzzfeed.com/floperry/facts-you-probably-didnt-know-about-wetherspoons#.lmwGa0yOE

[Aqualung]

May be of interest, or not as the case may be. http://www.buzzfeed.com/floperry/facts-you-probably-didnt-know-about-wetherspoons#.lmwGa0yOE

I was aware or vaguely aware of most of those facts. Fact 12 is completely wrong, the vast majority open at 08:00. Hotels and some at major transport hubs open at 07:00. The David Garrick Lloyds in Milton Keynes doesn't open until 10:00 (MY GOD IT'S MARKED AS A JDW!!!!) and the last time I went to the Tooting Spoons it had changed the opening time to 10:00 as there was no demand for early breakfasts.
Fact 24 is suspect due to the closures as is fact 26 as they are expanding the Hotel side even if it only means a few rooms up for grabs. I had never heard of fact 31 before, it will come as a relief to all concerned that I've never broken this code.
I've had their large mixed grill and it is something of a blow out!

[Blackthorn]

The David Garrick Lloyds in Milton Keynes doesn't open until 10:00 (MY GOD IT'S MARKED AS A JDW!!!!)

Sorry, that would be my fault. It was formerly called Lloyds No 1 and I reported the name change recently and assumed it had converted to a JDW. I no longer work in MK so can't go and check. There doesn't seem to be anything on the JDW website that distinguishes between them.

[Aqualung]

Sorry, that would be my fault. It was formerly called Lloyds No 1 and I reported the name change recently and assumed it had converted to a JDW. I no longer work in MK so can't go and check. There doesn't seem to be anything on the JDW website that distinguishes between them.
No need to apologise!! JDW seem to be in such a state of flux at the moment I'm reluctant to submit a name change in case it closes next week.

[Aqualung]

The new menu and prices were in my local Spoons yesterday. Beer prices have risen by another 4-5p and less importantly food by more, roughly 10-20p. The Sunday Roasts have been replaced by an all day brunch with a drink, an item which has been on the menu for years but without a drink included.
JDW is generally still much cheaper for a pint in London and the South but this isn't necessarily the case elsewhere.
I got it completely wrong speculating about the Mexican Monday and Fish Friday disappearing, they are still in place!

[hondo]

"is also pursuing another site in the north of the borough"

http://www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk/Plans-Antic-pub-replace-William-Stanley-mixed/story-28893401-detail/story.html

[Aqualung]

"is also pursuing another site in the north of the borough"

http://www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk/Plans-Antic-pub-replace-William-Stanley-mixed/story-28893401-detail/story.html

Let's hope that for once Antic open it up before 16:00 on weekdays otherwise I won't get to visit it.
As a Spoons I won't miss the William Stanley at all, I thought it was one of the worst if not the worst of their London outlets (Central London apart where most of them are rubbish). It's also one of the smallest so you must wonder if the Banker's Draft in Eltham and the Drum in E10 are safe from the chop. There have been rumours about the Drum closing for twenty years or more. The fact that it is said to be a favourite of Tim Martin is probably the only thing that has saved it.

[Quinno]

Talking of Spoons, this bit of review from the Other Side made me smile;

"Super-glue was a spin-off from the space race. Surely there's a world beating application waiting for the first person to register a patent on the gunk from a Wetherspoon table?"

[Mobyduck]

Like- for -like sales up. http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Operators/JD-Wetherspoon/JD-Wetherspoon-like-for-like-sales-up-3.7

[london calling]

Like- for -like sales up. http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Operators/JD-Wetherspoon/JD-Wetherspoon-like-for-like-sales-up-3.7
but profits down by nearly 11%

[NickDavies]

Most Disgusting Wetherspoon's Food Item.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich. I was expecting a pork roll with some tasty sauce to ease it down. What you get is a burger bun full of gelatinous brown gloop sweet enough to be taxable containing bits of fatty pork. You unsuspectingly assume you can pick it up and bite into it in the usual way. What happens is the entire contents explode everywhere: on the plate; in you hands; down your shirt; on your trousers. The one paper napkin supplied is about 99 fewer than the number required to get yourself presentable enough to go back to work.

Whoever devised this dish deserves a Nobel Prize for sadism.

[Aqualung]

Most Disgusting Wetherspoon's Food Item.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich. I was expecting a pork roll with some tasty sauce to ease it down. What you get is a burger bun full of gelatinous brown gloop sweet enough to be taxable containing bits of fatty pork. You unsuspectingly assume you can pick it up and bite into it in the usual way. What happens is the entire contents explode everywhere: on the plate; in you hands; down your shirt; on your trousers. The one paper napkin supplied is about 99 fewer than the number required to get yourself presentable enough to go back to work.

Whoever devised this dish deserves a Nobel Prize for sadism.

Have you tried the "naked" option on Mexican Monday? It's like something out of the old Exorcist film.

Pulled Pork is a gimmick from the USA. It's just overcooked pork reheated in a boring BBQ sauce and for JDW at least frozen then microwaved as required. I avoid it at all costs. I believe there is something called Pulled Chicken where the same probably applies. Peri Peri (aka Beriberi) Chicken is another gimmick. It's just roast chicken with a small dish of "sauce" that is probably just blitzed tinned tomatoes with added Tabasco Sauce out of a bottle. Given that most JDWs now provide bottles of Tabasco Sauce (I used some with great effect on some haggis last Burns Week) it all seams pretty pointless.

I also discovered via an insider (the son of a friend of a friend!) that the reason for ditching the Sunday Roasts is because they get so many sent back. Hardly surprising as the only freshly roasted meat is the chicken (or it appears to be). Some of the Trip Advisor Brigade seem to think that they should get a fine dining experience in a Spoons, but I doubt that they would ever expect that in the Golden Arches or KFC.

[Aqualung]

Here is the latest as I understand it :-

Closed
White Lion Of Mortimer in London's Stroud Green now open as an Urban Pubs and Bars venue.
Gatehouse in London's Highgate being refurbished by Urban Pubs and Bars and probably opening very soon.
Paper Moon in Dartford
Man in the Moon in London's Stanmore
Summoners in Sittingbourne
Gilpins Bell in London's Edmonton
London Hatter in Luton
William Coppin Newport IOW
Assembly Rooms Solihull taken over by Stonegate and may well be open
William Stanley in London's South Norwood closed and to reopen as an Antic Pub
Cap In Hand Surbiton
Groves Company Inn Swindon
Imperial Walsall recently shut at very short notice

On the plus side these have been reported as saved from the chop

Derby - Thomas Leper
Didsbury - Milson Rhodes
High Wycombe - William Robert Loosley
Liverpool - Lime Kiln
Purley - Foxley Hatch
Sevenoaks - Sennockian

Ones in doubt :-

Devonshire House in London's Crouch End
Moon on the Square in Northampton
Green Ayres Lancaster, after the floods the future is unknown. A Farcebook post saying it was closing was a hoax.
And my speculation is that the Picture Palace in London's Ponders End may be saved given that they didn't want to close the Gilpins Bell.


On a lighter note there have been eight openings announced for June and July.

[Aqualung]

And my speculation is that the Picture Palace in London's Ponders End may be saved given that they didn't want to close the Gilpins Bell.


I think I'll give up on speculation. Despite the Gilpins Bell having gone this is reported to be closing on the 10th of May. It's being taken over by another (unknown) pub company.

[hondo]

"site of a former pub has been"
http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/business/business-news/investor-snaps-up-london-hatter-at-auction-for-900-000-1-7301920

[hondo]

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Operators/JD-Wetherspoon/Hawthorn-acquires-11-JDW-pubs

[Aqualung]

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Operators/JD-Wetherspoon/Hawthorn-acquires-11-JDW-pubs

These are the eleven :-

Auctioneer, Blackpool
Picture Palace, Enfield
Earl of Zetland, Grangemouth
Red Lion, Heanor
Lattice House, King's Lynn
Clydesdale Inn, Lanark
Twitchel Inn, Long Eaton
Courthouse Mansfield
Corn Law Rymer, Rotherham
Swim Inn, Sheffield
Ye Old Crown Inn, Stourport-on-Severn

They are all from the list of 34 from last November.

In addition the Garrick (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/56822/) in Milton Keynes and the Greyhound/ (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/56819/) in Maidenhead are closing after this weekend at very short notice.

[NickDavies]

Has there in recent times been a head-office dictat to get the money off the punters and give them their change before pouring the drinks? It seems to be getting more and more common and is immensely annoying if you are behind someone who didn't expect to pay at that point in the proceedings and then remembers he wanted a packet of crisps once all the beer has arrived, causing more faffing around taking money again (or even more aggravatingly, another struggle with the credit card machine).

[oldboots]

I've noticed this in a lot of pubs not just JDW. The bar staff pull about 3/4 of a pint, take the money, top up the glass then run off before you can complain about a short measure. I might refuse to pay until I get the (FULL) pint in front of me next time I feel like some fun at the bar staff's expense.

Other fun things are to reply "yes fine thanks but I'd prefer a beer" when asked "are you all right there?" or give them a suitably short payment for a short measure saying "yes but that's for a pint isn't it?" when they question it. :evilgrin:

[NickDavies]

No I mean they get the money before they even start on the order. Taking it halfway though a single pint (with the sparkler on) or with draught Guinness has been usual always.

[Mobyduck]

No I mean they get the money before they even start on the order.
Sod that!

[Aqualung]

No I mean they get the money before they even start on the order. Taking it halfway though a single pint (with the sparkler on) or with draught Guinness has been usual always.

I've not had that but I've found it common to get short measures in some of my favourite pubs. I bet your problems have been in Central / Inner London aka the UK Capital for pub rip-offs. Apart from just the prices they'll do anything to shamelessly fleece you there.

[Aqualung]

The word is that the Exchange in Banbury is due to close next Wednesday but I'm awaiting confirmation.

[Aqualung]

" which is based in High Street, has been sold by JD Wetherspoon to fellow pub company Amber Taverns"
https://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/2016/04/12/handball-gets-gavin-gunning-boot-dundee-united/

Shurely Shome Mishtake? The link points to an article about somebody called Gavin who plays football in Dundee wherever that is!

[Aqualung]

The word is that the Exchange in Banbury is due to close next Wednesday but I'm awaiting confirmation.

Apparently the "word" is an incorrect rumour!!

[hondo]

Shurely Shome Mishtake? The link points to an article about somebody called Gavin who plays football in Dundee wherever that is!

Oops
http://m.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/14421110.Popular_Stourbridge_Wetherspoon_s_pub_sol d/

[Aqualung]

sold by JD Wetherspoon to fellow pub company Amber Taverns


I've never heard of them so looked them up. They have a pub in Rhyl so that doesn't bode well.
It's one on the 34 from the November list. There seems to be several closing that first week in May.

[Quinno]

Apparently the "word" is an incorrect rumour!!

Apparently so, just got this email from local CAMRA branch after I asked them if they'd heard;

Brian, our Pubs Officer, went into the Exchange yesterday and the manager told him that they are not closing.

[hondo]

" seafront into a giant Wetherspoon"
http://www.thanetgazette.co.uk/ahead-given-Wetherspoon-pub-Ramsgate-Royal/story-29224663-detail/story.html

[Quinno]

might explain why they've been closing other Spoons, they are financing this!

[hondo]

"A small independent pub group passionate about"
http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/chester-wetherspoons-taken-over-craft-11288347

[Pubsignman]

33 more 'Spoons pubs to be put up for sale...

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Operators/JD-Wetherspoon/JD-Wetherspoon-to-sell-a-further-33-pubs

[Mobyduck]

33 more 'Spoons pubs to be put up for sale...

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Operators/JD-Wetherspoon/JD-Wetherspoon-to-sell-a-further-33-pubs

One surprise for me on the list is the Monks Retreat (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/56814/)in Reading , I am no JDW fan but its far superior to the Hope Tap (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/1665/)at the other end of the street.

[Aqualung]

33 more 'Spoons pubs to be put up for sale...

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Operators/JD-Wetherspoon/JD-Wetherspoon-to-sell-a-further-33-pubs

Some of these are on the lists dating from June and November last year. Others are from the ad-hoc closures earlier in the year. The High Wycombe and Didsbury ones had been reported as saved! The Stirling one was a proposed outlet so isn't a closure as it hadn't opened.

I make it 26 new ones (I expect I've miscounted).

Banbury Fleur-de-Lis
Bathgate James Young
Berwick Leaping Salmon
Birmingham Solomon Cutler
Bootle Merton Inn
Boscombe Sir Percy Florence Shelley
Bradford Sir Titus Salt
Cheadle Hulme Kings Hall
Dagenham Lord Denman
Ellesmere Port Thomas Telford
Forest Hill Capitol
Hull William Wilberforce
Mansfield Stag & Pheasant
Mitcham White Lion Of Mortimer
Newbury Diamond Tap
Newcastle Union Rooms
Newport Tom Toya Lewis
Newquay Cribbar
North Finchley Tally Ho
Nuneaton Felix Holt
Putney Railway
Reading Monks Retreat
Rugby Lawrence Sheriff
Sunderland Lambton Worm
Torquay London Inn
Walton On Thames Regent


I reckon around a dozen of those are in the South and that includes Banbury which to me is the Midlands. I doubt that the good people of Newport in South Wales would take kindly to being classed as in "London and the South".
For me the most surprising one is the Railway in Putney. With the Rocket and the Fulham Oyster Rooms already earmarked for closure this leaves a whole swathe of SW London without a JDW.

[Mobyduck]

this leaves a whole swathe of SW London without a JDW.
Thats a shame. :evilgrin:

[Aqualung]

Thats a shame. :evilgrin:
Now why did that comment not surprise me??? I did wonder how it would be phrased!

They've definitely picked the wrong one in Nuneaton. The Felix Holt is one of the best ones I've been to while the William White is a full blown Lloyds and one of the worst in their estate.

[hondo]

shame about the union rooms
The Union Rooms (JD Wetherspoon) (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/56348/)

[Maldenman]

One surprise for me on the list is the Monks Retreat (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/56814/)in Reading , I am no JDW fan but its far superior to the Hope Tap (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/1665/)at the other end of the street.

That'll be a bit of a blow for ArsenalFan36.

[Aqualung]

In addition to the latest list of closures the Tyburn (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54178/) at Marble Arch has gone. Apparently the whole block is due to be demolished and redeveloped. This is one JDW I certainly won't miss.

[Mobyduck]

Breaking news, Aqualung has rated a JDW (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/1576/)lower than me, :eek: I need a re-think . :D

[Aqualung]

Breaking news, Aqualung has rated a JDW (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/1576/)lower than me, :eek: I need a re-think . :D
I marginally thought this was the best of the three but the higher prices knocked it back. I really couldn't understand how nobody had given the Nag's Head a 10. It's very basic but that's a plus for me!

[london calling]

I marginally thought this was the best of the three but the higher prices knocked it back. I really couldn't understand how nobody had given the Nag's Head a 10. It's very basic but that's a plus for me!

A lot of the pubs famous for good beer and lots of handpumps seem to ignore the interiors.Seems to be if its successful why change. I found it very basic and still give it an 8.Bumping into Moby and Steve there did not did not influence my low rating.

[Mobyduck]

A lot of the pubs famous for good beer and lots of handpumps seem to ignore the interiors.Seems to be if its successful why change. I found it very basic and still give it an 8.Bumping into Moby and Steve there did not did not influence my low rating.
Nor enhance it.

[Mobyduck]

Tims spreading the word. http://www.cotswoldjournal.co.uk/news/14512000.Wetherspoon_chief_to_take_Brexit_message_ to_pub_customers/?ref=twtrec

[bcfczuluarmy]

Tims spreading the word. http://www.cotswoldjournal.co.uk/news/14512000.Wetherspoon_chief_to_take_Brexit_message_ to_pub_customers/?ref=twtrec

On voting day he may need to delay opening the whole estate to give the customers he'll be speaking to a chance to go and vote if he wants to see any benefit for his efforts.....

[Aqualung]

Tims spreading the word. http://www.cotswoldjournal.co.uk/news/14512000.Wetherspoon_chief_to_take_Brexit_message_ to_pub_customers/?ref=twtrec

He's already hacked off a load of punters by dropping the Sunday "roasts". and if the polls are correct he's potentially hacking off half his customers although I suspect that most of them whatever their view will completely ignore it. What he is doing is as dodgy as the "unbiased" leaflet sent through the post by the government. Surely what he is doing should be counted as expenditure for the exit side? More importantly what do the staff who have to deliver all this propaganda to the punters make of it all especially when their own outlet may get closed down at short notice.

[NickDavies]

He's preaching to the converted to some extent. Most of his daytime customers, the ones most likely to read the mag, fit the Leave demographic perfectly. The younger evening crowd are more likely to be in the Remain camp but I doubt many are aware there even is a magazine. I do feel for his staff, especially those who get to work here courtesy of the EU. Their employer doesn't want them working here, but, in London at least, couldn't operate without them.

[Thuck Phat]

It's his ball.....

[Quinno]

Surely what he is doing should be counted as expenditure for the exit side?

Nope. He's doing it in the capacity of a private individual via his own holdings.

[Aqualung]

Most of his daytime customers, the ones most likely to read the mag, fit the Leave demographic perfectly.
Are you seriously suggesting the daytime brigade can tear themselves away then find the polling station and manage to work out which box to tick?

[NickDavies]

Are you seriously suggesting the daytime brigade can tear themselves away then find the polling station and manage to work out which box to tick?

There is that.

[hondo]

i vote by post :)
http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/uk-voters:)

[Quinno]

Are you seriously suggesting the daytime brigade can tear themselves away then find the polling station and manage to work out which box to tick?

Vote at 8.30am, arrive Spoons at 9, commence usual session.

[hondo]

"Blackpool-based Amber Taverns has snapped up the bar "
http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/popular-doncaster-town-centre-pub-to-close-next-month-1-7933174

[Aqualung]

"Blackpool-based Amber Taverns has snapped up the bar "
http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/popular-doncaster-town-centre-pub-to-close-next-month-1-7933174
Amber Taverns seem to be snapping up a few but closing them for major refurbishment while Hawthorn Leisure seem to be just reopening them as is and carrying on with a similar operation.

[london calling]

Brewhouse and Kitchen have bought 3 Mcspoons in Wimslow,Bedford and Chester and will open on site micro breweries

[hondo]

"has printed 200,000 beer mats bearing what the company’s boss says is a"
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/may/31/wetherspoons-brexit-beer-mats-eu-referendum-imf

Al Murray’s beer mats
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/shortcuts/2016/may/31/move-over-wetherspoons-heres-the-pub-landlords-brexit-beer-mats#img-1

[oldboots]

A few openings and an out of date list of closings

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Operators/JD-Wetherspoon/JD-Wetherspoon-to-open-8-pubs-and-a-hotel

[Aqualung]

A few openings and an out of date list of closings

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Operators/JD-Wetherspoon/JD-Wetherspoon-to-open-8-pubs-and-a-hotel

The former manageress of my local JDW left to take over at the new Hotel in Northolt next month. It's a poisoned chalice as Tim Martin is said to be having his own flat installed there.
If I see him there when I visit I can discuss the merits or otherwise of the EU with him. That'll be fun won't it? (NOT!).

The hotel ought to be a gold mine as it's close to Wembley and Heathrow. I'm not sure about the pub though as it's not really a very central location.

[hondo]

"with the national average standing at 71,159 per Wetherspoon "
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/town-britain-highest-concentration-wetherspoons-8348756

[Aqualung]

"with the national average standing at 71,159 per Wetherspoon "
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/town-britain-highest-concentration-wetherspoons-8348756

As you would expect coming from a newspaper journalist this is a load of cobblers.It takes no account of the size of the branches and probably has more to do with the vagaries of Local Authority Boundaries than anything else. Where does the City Of London come into this with a population of roughly 7,000 and four Spoons (two ARE station ones)?
Since when did Crawley have four Spoons? I may have been seeing double after the excellent Dark Star Revelation in the GK pub opposite but I still only saw one JDW. According to the man in the know and this site there are four at Gatwick only one of which is landside. I can't imagine anyone living in Crawley going to Gatwick Airport for a drink and something to eat unless they were catching a plane. On the other hand the Hamilton Hall at Liverpool Street could and I believe is used as a pub especially at weekends.
The headline asks "Which town in Britain has the highest concentration of Wetherspoons pubs?" and then lists a load of local authority areas! Anyone know the population of the Town Wick in Northern Scotland?

[ROBCamra]

Anyone know the population of the Town Wick in Northern Scotland?

7333 according to the 2001 census.

[Quinno]

As you would expect coming from a newspaper journalist this is a load of cobblers.It takes no account of the size of the branches and probably has more to do with the vagaries of Local Authority Boundaries than anything else. Where does the City Of London come into this with a population of roughly 7,000 and four Spoons (two ARE station ones)?
Since when did Crawley have four Spoons? I may have been seeing double after the excellent Dark Star Revelation in the GK pub opposite but I still only saw one JDW. According to the man in the know and this site there are four at Gatwick only one of which is landside. I can't imagine anyone living in Crawley going to Gatwick Airport for a drink and something to eat unless they were catching a plane. On the other hand the Hamilton Hall at Liverpool Street could and I believe is used as a pub especially at weekends.
The headline asks "Which town in Britain has the highest concentration of Wetherspoons pubs?" and then lists a load of local authority areas! Anyone know the population of the Town Wick in Northern Scotland?

I always thought Reading/Caversham was well-served with 4!

[hondo]

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Operators/JD-Wetherspoon/Stonegate-has-exchanged-on-a-package-of-10-JD-Wetherspoon-pubs

[Aqualung]

A new disposal list has been released which excludes some on previous lists but also has four new ones plus the already closed William White in Nuneaton.

This (http://www.jdwdisposals.com/download/usr_1132/site_13320/en/page_105660/control_864397/Final_Brochure_30_09_16_HIGH_RES_(1).pdf) is a link to the details.
Some of the rents shown on the Leasehold properties are interesting.

The four new ones are these :-

Airdrie - Robert Hamilton
Cardiff- Central Bar
Leamington - Jug & Jester
Watford - Colombia Press

Another upshot of this is that there are a number apparently no longer for sale so presumably the leasehold ones will just keep going until the lease runs out. The ones hypothetically no longer closing are these :-

Birmingham - Solomon Cutler

Bootle - Merton Inn

Didsbury - Milson Rhodes

Dundee - Capitol

Glasgow - Edward Wylie
Glasgow - Society Rooms

Livingston - Almond Bank

Greater London
Balham - Moon Under Water
Fulham - Oyster Rooms
Northwood Hills - William Jolie
Putney - Railway
Putney - Rocket

Rugby - Lawrence Sheriff

Sunderland - Lambton Worm

Trowbridge - Albany Palace
Trowbridge - Sir Isaac Pitman


The JDW web site now has a list of openings going into next year :-

Dec 2016
Edinburgh - Caley Picture House

Jan 2017
Guisborough - Ironstone Miner

Feb 2017
Chester - Bull & Stirrup Hotel
Brecon - George Hotel

Mar 2017
Southampton - Red Lion

Aug 2017
Ramsgate - Royal Victoria Pavilion


I remember the Bull & Stirrup from the days when it was a Higson's pub and just about the only other option in Chester other than the dreaded Greenalls was the Border Olde Custom House. Border beers were pretty rank to say the least.

[Aqualung]

JDW are selling five of their nine pubs in Northern Island to another pub group. This includes all three in County Londonderry and the only one in County Fermanagh. After these have gon through there will be more JDWs in the South than the North.

The five are the Spinning Mill in Ballymena, Old Courthouse in Coleraine, Linen Hall in Enniskillen, Diamond and Ice Wharf in Londonderry.

Projected openings now look like this :-

Dec 2016
Edinburgh - Caley Picture House

Jan 2017
Guisborough - Ironstone Miner

Feb 2017
Chester - Bull & Stirrup Hotel
Brecon - George Hotel

Mar 2017
Southampton (Bitterne) - Red Lion
Dovercourt, Harwich - name unknown

Apr 2017
St Ives (Cambs) - name unknown

Jul 2017
Ramsgate - Royal Victoria Pavilion


I wonder if Tim Martin's continual political ranting and the pathetic Xmas offering are affecting their trade.

[london calling]

His business model relies on selling a lot of beer and food. Maybe they are not successful.Most brewer and pub chains let the successful pubs prop up the less so ones but Tim seems to axe pubs on a regular basis. I think that if they don't make a decent profit he dumps them.

[Aqualung]

His business model relies on selling a lot of beer and food. Maybe they are not successful.Most brewer and pub chains let the successful pubs prop up the less so ones but Tim seems to axe pubs on a regular basis. I think that if they don't make a decent profit he dumps them.

And then there's the Drum, a pub that doesn't do hot food during the day, opens at 10:00 and doesn't do breakfasts, doesn't have a wheelchair accessible toilet but is one of Tim Martin's favourites. The gents toilets have been completely rebuilt which must have been expensive. It's just as well when back in the 90s they regularly used to overflow and go through the ceiling into the downstairs bar area.

[rpadam]

Not spotted it previously, but there are some interesting details in the 'Pub Histories' page on the 'spoons website:

https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pub-histories

(Mostly copied directly from the information panels in the pubs concerned, but still interesting...)

[ETA]

Wetherspoons Breakfast ('http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/guardian-fascinated-by-wetherspoons-breakfasts-2015031796347')

Wetherspoons Breakfasts - sociological research

[Aqualung]

Wetherspoons Breakfast ('http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/guardian-fascinated-by-wetherspoons-breakfasts-2015031796347')

Wetherspoons Breakfasts - sociological research

Can anyone guess what I would say to a scumbag journalist that approached me in a JDW (or anywhere else for that matter!).

[ETA]

Can anyone guess what I would say to a scumbag journalist that approached me in a JDW (or anywhere else for that matter!).

Same reply as Tom Logan and Jane Thompson?

[hondo]

https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/order-and-pay-app

[oldboots]

https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/order-and-pay-app

I have it but haven't tried it yet, a blogger wrote that he got a drink within 3 minutes so it's got to be worth a go.

[hondo]

I have it but haven't tried it yet, a blogger wrote that he got a drink within 3 minutes so it's got to be worth a go.

i wonder who gets priority customers queuing at the bar or orders from the app

[Farway]

i wonder who gets priority customers queuing at the bar or orders from the app

This time of year would be good test, if you can live that long

Not tried, nor likely too, but I foresee problems, order on app lunchtime Christmas Eve, money taken electronically, still waiting with wailing kids at tea time, sans food & drink ordered and paid for :mad:

[Aqualung]

i wonder who gets priority customers queuing at the bar or orders from the app

Precisely! Most outlets struggle to keep up with orders from the bar. If you've ever read any of Tim Martin's editorials in Wetherspoon News this won't come as any surprise as he seems to be completely incapable of thinking anything through.

[Mobyduck]

https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/order-and-pay-app
The whole idea makes this chains outlets even less real pubs than they already are, ( not).

[Farway]

Precisely! Most outlets struggle to keep up with orders from the bar. If you've ever read any of Tim Martin's editorials in Wetherspoon News this won't come as any surprise as he seems to be completely incapable of thinking anything through.

If it was thought through, in any industry this would be an ideal method / opportunity to measure performance from time of order to fulfillment on the table, then seek ways & methods on how to improve or even get all branches to have similar times. Would of course also quickly pinpoint good & bad sites

[NickDavies]

The could always get some of these

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/techandgadgets/selfserving-beer-pump-could-cut-queues-during-busy-times-of-the-year-a3421836.html

[Moonraker]

Absurd.

[hondo]

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/business/business-news/wetherspoons-union-rooms-newcastle-sold-12472647

[oldboots]

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Operators/JD-Wetherspoon/Staffordshire-JDW-refuses-to-serve-football-fans

sounds more like over reaction by the polis..

[Farway]

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Operators/JD-Wetherspoon/Staffordshire-JDW-refuses-to-serve-football-fans

sounds more like over reaction by the polis..

I don't know the pub but my guess is there has been "bovver" on match days and his licence is just not worth it

[hondo]

"he was a strike leader involved in the first national "
http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/ricky-tomlinson-open-chester-wetherspoons-12496011

[hondo]

"the moment 100 Wetherspoons customers were caught on camera "
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/shocking-100-man-wetherspoons-brawl-9809205

and
"tension on derby days, but this is just standard operating procedure."
http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/reports-that-plymouth-wetherspoons-is-evacuated-as-flare-is-let-off-ahead-of-devon-derby/story-30128954-detail/story.html

[Aqualung]

"the moment 100 Wetherspoons customers were caught on camera "
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/shocking-100-man-wetherspoons-brawl-9809205

and
"tension on derby days, but this is just standard operating procedure."
http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/reports-that-plymouth-wetherspoons-is-evacuated-as-flare-is-let-off-ahead-of-devon-derby/story-30128954-detail/story.html

They are both Lloyds No 1s and in the Trowbridge case where were the bouncers? They want to close the other one in Trowbridge.

[ETA]

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/second-time-lucky-for-wetherspoon-121050/

Let's hope it goes through this time.

[Aqualung]

I got a sneak peak of the new menus coming in next week on Friday at the Bull & Stirrup as they have started with it. I got the impression that the food menu had been trimmed down and that the food was slightly more expensive but that might be specific to the pub.
On the drinks menu the keg Devil's Backbone has gone, hardly surprising as nowadays few places seem to actually have it. It's been replaced by a 500ml bottle at £2.99 which is also available as the "free" drink with food orders that include a drink. Possibly more interesting is that they are also doing 500ml bottles of Oakham Green Devil for £2.99. That will come in handy for those outlets with a rubbish beer choice, such as the Mount Stuart at Cardiff Bay.

[bcfczuluarmy]

To help my dad knock off some of the last few he needs to do I've agreed to drive him this route https://goo.gl/maps/hRqPqxYyJu82 to bag the South West five he needs to do. 5 pubs on a Saturday doesn't help boost my numbers much given only 4 will be new but it's a long day and a challenge....

[london calling]

To help my dad knock off some of the last few he needs to do I've agreed to drive him this route https://goo.gl/maps/hRqPqxYyJu82 to bag the South West five he needs to do. 5 pubs on a Saturday doesn't help boost my numbers much given only 4 will be new but it's a long day and a challenge....
Nice to see a father and son with the same hobby.Pubs. Good lad.

[Aqualung]

The new JDW menus display the number of calories in specific drinks. I was slightly surprised to see that Doom Bore contains more calories than Abbot. No wonder the 4.0% rubbish tastes so sweet!

[hondo]

""creating a family pub with a day to evening, toddler to adult itinerary".
http://www.cornwalllive.com/newquay-s-former-wetherspoons-pub-the-cribbar-set-to-reopen/story-30227682-detail/story.html

[hondo]

http://www.somersetlive.co.uk/wetherspoons-food-prices-compared-in-bridgwater-taunton-yeovil-and-wells/story-30226471-detail/story.html

[Farway]

""creating a family pub with a day to evening, toddler to adult itinerary".
http://www.cornwalllive.com/newquay-s-former-wetherspoons-pub-the-cribbar-set-to-reopen/story-30227682-detail/story.html

Just reading the blurb puts it on my "must avoid" list should I ever go to Newquay again

[Mobyduck]

""creating a family pub with a day to evening, toddler to adult itinerary".
http://www.cornwalllive.com/newquay-s-former-wetherspoons-pub-the-cribbar-set-to-reopen/story-30227682-detail/story.html

Sounds fantastic. :sick:

[NickDavies]

http://www.somersetlive.co.uk/wetherspoons-food-prices-compared-in-bridgwater-taunton-yeovil-and-wells/story-30226471-detail/story.html

Clearly a slow news day. And local papers wonder why nobody buys them any more.

[Aqualung]

""creating a family pub with a day to evening, toddler to adult itinerary".
http://www.cornwalllive.com/newquay-s-former-wetherspoons-pub-the-cribbar-set-to-reopen/story-30227682-detail/story.html
I have to admit I've not returned to any of the recent JDW closures even though I've had the opportunity to do so.
The one exception from way back is my nearest pub which was a Spoons when I moved here (why else do you think I chose this location?). It's now run by Heineken UK and has DOOMED written all over it.

[Aqualung]

http://www.somersetlive.co.uk/wetherspoons-food-prices-compared-in-bridgwater-taunton-yeovil-and-wells/story-30226471-detail/story.html

This is absolute rubbish. Newer outlets tend to charge more for the food clubs and of course they include a "free" drink which varies in price as well. I wouldn't be surprised if the prices quoted are the old ones prior to the new spring menu. I get the impression that the way they work is that if something isn't selling they'll knock the price down within limits until it sells. I had a great breakfast today in their Seaham outlet in Co Durham at 31p less than the standard £3.30. It had a more generous helping of baked beans and extra bacon but that was probably because one rasher was frazzled which I don't mind. The 6.5% Sheps festival ale at under two quid washed it down a treat.

[bcfczuluarmy]

To help my dad knock off some of the last few he needs to do I've agreed to drive him this route https://goo.gl/maps/hRqPqxYyJu82 to bag the South West five he needs to do. 5 pubs on a Saturday doesn't help boost my numbers much given only 4 will be new but it's a long day and a challenge....

Well that was an interesting day due to the M5 being a car park at Exeter and the back way though Exeter being even more of a car park. I don't think I'll take him to Scotland to do 19 new ones any time soon...

Did do the http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/4564/ which is a quality pub.

[Aqualung]

Well that was an interesting day due to the M5 being a car park at Exeter and the back way though Exeter being even more of a car park. I don't think I'll take him to Scotland to do 19 new ones any time soon...

Did do the http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/4564/ which is a quality pub.


As someone doing the grand tour entirely by public transport albeit on the cheap with advance rail tickets, a Senile railcard and free buses in England I find your experience quite heartening! I spent hours today just going to two in Cheshire but got my reward in the Wolverhampton Great Western.
I have to admit I have cheated once when out of desperation I got a cab from Tredegar to Abertillery.
Parts of Scotland are a nightmare notably the three Borders ones, Oban, Fort William, Wick and Fraserburgh.

The Blue Anchor is still a fantastic pub but for me the beer is far too sweet and nothing to write home about.

[Aqualung]

I picked up one of these today I've occasionally got mildly annoyed on this site due to data clashes between post codes and county boundaries but that is paled into insignificance by the howler they've made in this document. The most recent addition to their estate is the Swan and Angel in Cambridgeshire. This has been listed under Cornwall so I'm sure the less geographically challenged will realise that the town is St Ives.
There are also various closed ones included and an unannounced one at Midsomer Norton in Somerset.

[bcfczuluarmy]

and an unannounced one at Midsomer Norton in Somerset.

The Midsomer Norton one has been looming for years but nothing has transpired yet. Bats, licencing and an access issue are a few of the hurdles I've recall spotting when I've been tracking the progress of it opening or lack of opening, so I could take my dad to it.

[Aqualung]

The Midsomer Norton one has been looming for years but nothing has transpired yet. Bats, licencing and an access issue are a few of the hurdles I've recall spotting when I've been tracking the progress of it opening or lack of opening, so I could take my dad to it.

Yes, I found all the stories about it. The question is whether including it in the new directory is a simple error or if there is actually some real progress with it.
I've just noticed tonight that they've considerably extended the Pub Histories section on their site.

[london calling]

according to Boak and Bailley,blog the first Wetherspoon pub to get in the GBG was Dick,s Bar London n8.Surprisingly in 1983.

[Aqualung]

according to Boak and Bailley,blog the first Wetherspoon pub to get in the GBG was Dick,s Bar London n8.Surprisingly in 1983.
I can't dispute that having looked through the 1982 GBG and finding nothing. I've not been to any of the former JDWs in the Tottenham and surrounding area apart from ones recently closed.

[trainman]

Corporate banking giants Deutsche Bank have revealed the best cities in the world to live in.
Shockingly Blaenau Gwent in Wales doesn’t feature on the list, despite the fact that it has the most Wetherspoons per person of anywhere in the world. I can only assume the banking colossus was using some other metric to work out what made a place desirable.
http://www.unilad.co.uk/life/these-are-the-best-10-cities-to-live-in-the-world/

[Farway]

Corporate banking giants Deutsche Bank have revealed the best cities in the world to live in.
Shockingly Blaenau Gwent in Wales doesn’t feature on the list, despite the fact that it has the most Wetherspoons per person of anywhere in the world. I can only assume the banking colossus was using some other metric to work out what made a place desirable.
http://www.unilad.co.uk/life/these-are-the-best-10-cities-to-live-in-the-world/

"According to Business Insider they were actually checking the quality of life by crowd souring incredibly boring information"

Never trust a spill chequer :D

[Aqualung]

I ask this for two reasons. The first is that the cover of the 2017 directory makes no mention of them at all. The second is that two new Lloyds outlets are now up for sale, the Milan Bar in Croydon and the Running Horses in St Helens. The directory still shows places as Lloyds in the main content but it's not accurate.
My guess is that they will keep the ones that still attract enough young clubbers as well as daytime old gits but won't advertise them as being different. I can think of a few that they might still get rid of or convert to standard JDWs.

[Quinno]

I ask this for two reasons. The first is that the cover of the 2017 directory makes no mention of them at all. The second is that two new Lloyds outlets are now up for sale, the Milan Bar in Croydon and the Running Horses in St Helens. The directory still shows places as Lloyds in the main content but it's not accurate.
My guess is that they will keep the ones that still attract enough young clubbers as well as daytime old gits but won't advertise them as being different. I can think of a few that they might still get rid of or convert to standard JDWs.

Money is in the family market. Lloyds always seemed a bit of an aberration (Tim's mid-life crisis?).

[NickDavies]

Which is the shortest lived outlet?

I'll start the bidding on this one, 6.5 years, but I know very well there are bound to be many shorter-lived examples.

The Old Library (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/37009/)

[Aqualung]

Which is the shortest lived outlet?

I'll start the bidding on this one, 6.5 years, but I know very well there are bound to be many shorter-lived examples.

The Old Library (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/37009/)

Sadly they no longer show the date opened on the web site. Some time back in the 1990s they decided that all of their pubs had to do a similar food offering and they got rid of ones that couldn't. I would think that some of them from that purge can't have been around for long and included many of their early venues. The Auctioneer in Leyton opened in the early 80s (1982 or1983?) and was sold when they opened the Drum opposite (1986 or 1987?).

[london calling]

T he one in Chiswick was the 50th to open and Im sure it only lasted a few years. They seem to have closed 165 pubs which is a surprise to me.

[hondo]

"short at the bar, for a selection of cakes for "
http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/15315705.WATCH___Falmouth_woman_outraged_after_pol ice_escort_her_from_pub_following_altercation_with _bar_staff/?ref=rss

[Farway]

"short at the bar, for a selection of cakes for "
http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/15315705.WATCH___Falmouth_woman_outraged_after_pol ice_escort_her_from_pub_following_altercation_with _bar_staff/?ref=rss

Who on earth names their child Paradise anyway?

“They say that the police were called because one of the group was two pence short at the bar.

“They fail to say that the individual was then served when she returned with the correct money for her drink but was rude and threatening to a member of bar staff.

[Aqualung]

Who on earth names their child Paradise anyway?


Gobby people with over-inflated egos I expect, eg Jamie Oliver or Chris Martin of Coldplay.
If Paradise was buying the cider for herself she was in breach of the rules set for children in the pub. I bet the reality is that the whole lot were a complete nightmare!

[trainman]

As Milton predicted, Paradise Lost.
And quite right too - wtf - flinging 'minimum wage' taunts at the staff..?

[Mobyduck]

"short at the bar, for a selection of cakes for "
http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/15315705.WATCH___Falmouth_woman_outraged_after_pol ice_escort_her_from_pub_following_altercation_with _bar_staff/?ref=rss

I think we can all work out the truth of the matter. A rare occasion of me backing up JDW for anything.

[hondo]

"set to be one of the largest in the country"
http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/take-a-glimpse-at-the-127556/

[Mobyduck]

"set to be one of the largest in the country"
http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/take-a-glimpse-at-the-127556/

Looks hideous.

[Wittenden]

"set to be one of the largest in the country"
http://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/take-a-glimpse-at-the-127556/
I thought Ramsgate was going up in the world...

[rpadam]

Looks hideous.
Looks better than it did before Wetherspoon decided to do something positive with the place...

[Aqualung]

Looks better than it did before Wetherspoon decided to do something positive with the place...

I won't be going there until Winter, not only do I not like canals, rivers etc, I don't like the seaside much either!!!

[hondo]

"Customers are requested to remain "
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/contact/faqs/our-pubs

[NickDavies]

"Customers are requested to remain "
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/contact/faqs/our-pubs

"Some of our pubs may request that all members of a party order a main meal, if alcohol is ordered, with an under-18 present"

I wonder how that works. If you perfectly understandably don't want to eat JDW food do you have to sit on another table and shout to your friends? Or can you buy a drink for yourself and go and join them but disown them completely if anyone asks?

[Aqualung]

"Some of our pubs may request that all members of a party order a main meal, if alcohol is ordered, with an under-18 present"

I wonder how that works. If you perfectly understandably don't want to eat JDW food do you have to sit on another table and shout to your friends? Or can you buy a drink for yourself and go and join them but disown them completely if anyone asks?

I think you'll find they are only referring to groups that include minors. They are really referring to the people that come in with kids and just order drinks as though they were out with their mates. I've been in one of my local Spoons for beers when a friend has turned up with his grandson and nobody has said anything but he does order food and keeps the grandson from getting bored.

[Wittenden]

"Customers are requested to remain "
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/contact/faqs/our-pubs

Ffs,it's a 'spoons.

[Mobyduck]

Ffs,it's a 'spoons.

:D

[Farway]

Ffs,it's a 'spoons.

"Customers are requested to remain fully clothed throughout their visit, including wearing shoes"

presumably a PJs & slippers is fine for early doors?

[Aqualung]

There are still some up for sale and the odd ones that have officially been sold but not changed hands yet. In the last couple of weeks two have come out of the blue, The John Laird in Birkenhead and the Cotton Bale in Hyde, Manchester. The Robert Hamilton at Airdrie appeared on the CBRE for sale list last month despite never being mentioned before.
I thought their other Birkenhead outlet the Brass Balance was a right dump and gave it 3, one more than Rob CAMRA. I was going to Hyde in October so will divert to Stalybridge instead or somewhere else if I don't manage to get to all the Manc ones before then.

[hondo]

"Pub operator JD Wetherspoon has put The" http://www.scotsman.com/news/weatherspoon-s-put-alexander-graham-bell-pub-up-for-sale-1-4500060

[ROBCamra]

I thought their other Birkenhead outlet the Brass Balance was a right dump and gave it 3, one more than Rob CAMRA.

You always were too generous. :evilgrin:

[hondo]

modern art or a Wetherspoons carpet
https://thetab.com/uk/2017/07/17/can-you-tell-if-this-is-a-piece-of-modern-art-or-a-wetherspoons-carpet-43100

11/14

[Farway]

06/14:o

[oldboots]

modern art or a Wetherspoons carpet
https://thetab.com/uk/2017/07/17/can-you-tell-if-this-is-a-piece-of-modern-art-or-a-wetherspoons-carpet-43100

11/14

10/14

[dasusara]

[QUOTE=hondo;88036]modern art or a Wetherspoons carpet
https://thetab.com/uk/2017/07/17/can-you-tell-if-this-is-a-piece-of-modern-art-or-a-wetherspoons-carpet-43100

14/14 Oh dear. 4/9 for the pubs.

[aleandhearty]

modern art or a Wetherspoons carpet
https://thetab.com/uk/2017/07/17/can-you-tell-if-this-is-a-piece-of-modern-art-or-a-wetherspoons-carpet-43100

12/14

[Wittenden]

modern art or a Wetherspoons carpet
https://thetab.com/uk/2017/07/17/can-you-tell-if-this-is-a-piece-of-modern-art-or-a-wetherspoons-carpet-43100

11/14

8/14. Could do better.

[Mobyduck]

12/14 and disappointed at that.

[london calling]

11/14 but I thought the Scream looked like someone had vomited on a carpet so I chose carpet rather than art.

[oldboots]

11/14 but I thought the Scream looked like someone had vomited on a carpet so I chose carpet rather than art.

You're mixing it up with the eponymous bar chain where I think vomit on the carpet would be a feature.

[Aqualung]

modern art or a Wetherspoons carpet
https://thetab.com/uk/2017/07/17/can-you-tell-if-this-is-a-piece-of-modern-art-or-a-wetherspoons-carpet-43100

11/14

A pathetic 8 for me and I've been to all the outlets featured!

[bcfczuluarmy]

9 but I've been in none of them.

[ETA]

12 but then I don't really have much interest in carpets.

[Mobyduck]

12 but then I don't really have much interest in carpets.

Or JDW's , personally speaking of course.

[sheffield hatter]

14/14. I just went for carpet when they looked like a carpet. The ones that didn't look like carpet were therefore works of art.

[hondo]

"stands up slightly, as if perusing the menu, or perhaps planning to jump"

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4711778/RAT-sniffs-clambers-busy-Wetherspoons.html

[Mobyduck]

Not my idea of fun, https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2017/08/epic-pub-crawl-sees-woman-visit-1000-wetherspoons/
Mr lung and Wilde I'm sure will disagree. :D

[bcfczuluarmy]

Not my idea of fun, https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2017/08/epic-pub-crawl-sees-woman-visit-1000-wetherspoons/
Mr lung and Wilde I'm sure will disagree. :D

If referring to my old man's quest I'll have to check his stats next time I speak to him. He's well up in the 900's from memory not sure who would win a battle of not doing shut ones that add to the total she has. Fair play to her though in carrying on post husbands death. My dad hasn't any intentions of doing Ireland ones though so will have a lower total I suspect if she's done these.

[Aqualung]

Not my idea of fun, https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2017/08/epic-pub-crawl-sees-woman-visit-1000-wetherspoons/
Mr lung and Wilde I'm sure will disagree. :D

Wetherpsoons have a publicity machine (aka Eddie Gershon) dedicated to the few people that court publicity for going around all their pubs. There are loads of people doing it who don't want publicity including myself (unless there was a photo opportunity to smack the mullet in the gob while he was ranting about the EU).
The geezer that does his own list on the web has been to over a 1000 but isn't recognised by their publicity machine. I don't really care about closed ones but I estimate I've been to over 50 but less than 100. Closures are continuing and I reckon they currently have over 850 outlets (including the airports) but less than 900. I'll be attempting a proper count at the end of the year.
I will be including all of Ireland but not until it's clear whether the three up for sale in the North are actually going and if the suspected new one in Dublin materialises.

As for current ones in England I have a real problem with the new one at Bexhill as the appalling Southern Railway seem to have suspended cheap advance tickets. There's no way I'm going to the South Coast at full fare, I hate it!

[NickDavies]

How Britain fell for Wetherspoon's

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/aug/06/how-britain-fell-for-wetherspoons

[Aqualung]

How Britain fell for Wetherspoon's

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/aug/06/how-britain-fell-for-wetherspoons


Some interesting points there, as I mentioned elsewhere it's more like 900 open outlets (including the airports) now rather than 1,000 and there are still some open ones up for sale. They'll have opened something like 10 or 12 this year by the time it ends. Even if the on-going closures stop there is still going to be the odd one where a whole area gets redeveloped, where they are gazumped (this (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/57142/) one) or where the Landlord wants an unaffordable rent (TFL in the case of this (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/65333/) one). Given those figures it will take then many years to get back to 1,000 pubs let alone 1,200.

[NickDavies]

I'd love to know what and where was the round of drinks he bought in Soho.

[Farway]

A GUARDIAN reader is trying to condemn Wetherspoon pubs without saying they are common.

http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/middle-class-woman-trying-to-condemn-wetherspoons-without-using-word-common-20170807133588

[hondo]

https://thetab.com/uk/2017/08/09/how-much-do-you-really-love-wetherspoons-take-this-quiz-to-find-out-45082
6/10

[Farway]

https://thetab.com/uk/2017/08/09/how-much-do-you-really-love-wetherspoons-take-this-quiz-to-find-out-45082
6/10

8/10 [some were lucky guesses, honest]

[dasusara]

https://thetab.com/uk/2017/08/09/how-much-do-you-really-love-wetherspoons-take-this-quiz-to-find-out-45082
6/10
Also 6/10

[Aqualung]

https://thetab.com/uk/2017/08/09/how-much-do-you-really-love-wetherspoons-take-this-quiz-to-find-out-45082
6/10

8 for me, I got the lager price wrong and the gin one. I did try a gin in the Drum when they were knocking out the Adnam's one cheap because it wouldn't sell.
It said with the result that the traditional breakfast is £2.99. It's £3.30 in most outlets and usually dearer in City Centres, Hotels or tourist traps (eg seaside resorts). Of course in Scotland you get a Scottish breakfast which is different to the traditional one in England and Wales.
I discussed elsewhere the total number of open outlets they currently have.

[oldboots]

4/10 but I'll dispute the total number of 'spoons as well.

[rpadam]

https://thetab.com/uk/2017/08/09/how-much-do-you-really-love-wetherspoons-take-this-quiz-to-find-out-45082
6/10
A solid 8 (should have been 9 really, but for a premature click...).

[Mobyduck]

7/10 which is disappointing as I would have preferred 0/10. ;)

[london calling]

8 for me, I got the lager price wrong and the gin one. I did try a gin in the Drum when they were knocking out the Adnam's one cheap because it wouldn't sell.
It said with the result that the traditional breakfast is £2.99. It's £3.30 in most outlets and usually dearer in City Centres, Hotels or tourist traps (eg seaside resorts). Of course in Scotland you get a Scottish breakfast which is different to the traditional one in England and Wales.
I discussed elsewhere the total number of open outlets they currently have.
The large breakfast is £10.75 at Stansted airport.

[Mobyduck]

The large breakfast is £10.75 at Stansted airport.

Which I declined recently. :eek:

[Aqualung]

The large breakfast is £10.75 at Stansted airport.
I've heard it's over a tenner ar the airport ones and Doom Bore over four quid but for my purposes I pretend they don't exist, rather like Moby and the entire chain!

[Bucking Fastard]

https://thetab.com/uk/2017/08/09/how-much-do-you-really-love-wetherspoons-take-this-quiz-to-find-out-45082
6/10

8/10 for me (a few lucky guesses) and I'll be in one tomorrow pre match :cheers:

[sheffield hatter]

8/10 [some were lucky guesses, honest]

Indeed. It's not a quiz to determine how much you like 'Spoons - it's a mixture of general knowledge, guesswork and logic. For example, having been given the answer to which day of the week Curry Club is on (Thursday), the next question is what is the promotion on Tuesday - optional answers include Curry! Having said which, I'm quite pleased to have only scored 4/10! (Knowing about the carpets helped.)

[ETA]

8/10 for me (a few lucky guesses) and I'll be in one tomorrow pre match :cheers:

5/10

In some perverse way I'm rather relieved.

[bcfczuluarmy]

8/10 Lager (Heineken isn't my drink of choice and had a minging pint of it today as only feasible option) and chicken burger one wrong.

[london calling]

In my middle class,hipster ,craft beer drinking circle you are probably aware that scoring 1/10 would be classed as a better score than 9/10. Moby would probably agree.

[Mobyduck]

In my middle class,hipster ,craft beer drinking circle you are probably aware that scoring 1/10 would be classed as a better score than 9/10. Moby would probably agree.

Indeed.

[Wittenden]

Having said which, I'm quite pleased to have only scored 4/10! (Knowing about the carpets helped.)

Me too.

[bcfczuluarmy]

If referring to my old man's quest I'll have to check his stats next time I speak to him. He's well up in the 900's from memory not sure who would win a battle of not doing shut ones that add to the total she has. Fair play to her though in carrying on post husbands death. My dad hasn't any intentions of doing Ireland ones though so will have a lower total I suspect if she's done these.

I've just spoken to my dad and he's done 1058 with all shut/sold ones prior to shutting with about 40 still to do or maybe a few more with some new ones listed as opening. Still beats the women into touch as she'll never catch him up once he gets round to doing the new openings.

[Aqualung]

I've just spoken to my dad and he's done 1058 with all shut/sold ones prior to shutting with about 40 still to do or maybe a few more with some new ones listed as opening. Still beats the women into touch as she'll never catch him up once he gets round to doing the new openings.

That's an impressive total. The geezer who does the online list claims 1075 out of 1098 and that includes airports and Ireland. He reckons that the new one at Gorleston in Norfolk has been put back to next year so that's one less to worry about this year. He reckons that they have 922 outlets now but that includes the 16 airport ones and a number that are closed but not yet sold so their total of open outlets is almost certainly under 900.

[NickDavies]

'Shark in minnow pond': Ramsgate locals split on new Wetherspoon pub

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/aug/28/new-wetherspoon-pub-ramsgate-kent-royal-victoria-pavilion

[london calling]

'Shark in minnow pond': Ramsgate locals split on new Wetherspoon pub

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/aug/28/new-wetherspoon-pub-ramsgate-kent-royal-victoria-pavilion
I would hate to be a publican in Ramsgate.This will shut quite a few pubs. Don't know Ramsgate but maybe this is the shake up It needs. I wonder if a pub this size can ever be profitable or will it be subsidised by the rest of the chain.

[Aqualung]

I would hate to be a publican in Ramsgate.This will shut quite a few pubs. Don't know Ramsgate but maybe this is the shake up It needs. I wonder if a pub this size can ever be profitable or will it be subsidised by the rest of the chain.
The new GBG currently lists a back street local with up to five beers and three micropubs. I can't see them being affected much. IMO Spoons are more a threat to chain restaurants and local cafes rather than pubs.
I had similar thoughts about the size of the place. I've only been through Ramsgate, never stopped there. Apparently it has a population of 40,000. I don't recall ever hearing anyone say they were going to Ramsgate for a day by the sea or a holiday.
The bloke who thinks a Spoons will put off Londoners is talking drivel.
I won't be going there until October so we shall see.

[NickDavies]

I wonder if a pub this size can ever be profitable or will it be subsidised by the rest of the chain.

The biggest cost is staff. I expect it will be as difficult to get served on a sleety January Wednesday afternoon as it is on a hot August Saturday night.

[ETA]

I don't recall ever hearing anyone say they were going to Ramsgate for a day by the sea or a holiday.


Back in the 1960s/early 70s it was quite a popular day trip for people living in the Medway Towns, and we once had a week's holiday in a B&B there as we couldn't afford the petrol to drive to Bournemouth or Bognor, and going North through the Dartford Tunnel was a significant undertaking. I wouldn't fancy spending time there now, though, other than as part of an extended pub crawl or when berthing overnight in the Harbour when I can't be bothered to carry on to Dover.



I won't be going there until October .

Remember to take your Romanian phrase book with you.

[Aqualung]

Remember to take your Romanian phrase book with you.

I'm more likely to take a cattle prod with me to encourage the clueless old duffers to sort their food order out or even to remind them why they were there in the first place. I might even use it on myself!

[NickDavies]

Order your ideal meal at Wetherspoons and we’ll guess where in the UK you’re from

https://thetab.com/uk/2017/09/01/order-your-ideal-meal-at-wetherspoons-and-well-guess-where-in-the-uk-youre-from-47727?utm_source=studentxpost&utm_medium=national&utm_campaign=xpost

[NickDavies]

Order your ideal meal at Wetherspoons and we’ll guess where in the UK you’re from

https://thetab.com/uk/2017/09/01/order-your-ideal-meal-at-wetherspoons-and-well-guess-where-in-the-uk-youre-from-47727?utm_source=studentxpost&utm_medium=national&utm_campaign=xpost

Astonishingly and correctly, I got The Midlands

[Mobyduck]

Order your ideal meal at Wetherspoons and we’ll guess where in the UK you’re from

https://thetab.com/uk/2017/09/01/order-your-ideal-meal-at-wetherspoons-and-well-guess-where-in-the-uk-youre-from-47727?utm_source=studentxpost&utm_medium=national&utm_campaign=xpost

What a load of bollocks, its got me from Scotland, never been to the place. No ale choice on Q 1 despite the photo.:confused:

[Wittenden]

What a load of bollocks, its got me from Scotland, never been to the place. No ale choice on Q 1 despite the photo.:confused:

Yes, gave up after Q1. Anyway, 'spoons portions are too small.

[Aqualung]

Astonishingly and correctly, I got The Midlands

It had me down as from Wales and although I have spent a lot of time there I've always lived in London. It's probably because I deliberately went for the Rarebit burger to throw them. The drink question is stupid as I would never order any of them. I said JD as I didn't know what it was! Unless it's a Monday or Saturday I always go for the Food Club of the day.

[Farway]

Order your ideal meal at Wetherspoons and we’ll guess where in the UK you’re from

https://thetab.com/uk/2017/09/01/order-your-ideal-meal-at-wetherspoons-and-well-guess-where-in-the-uk-youre-from-47727?utm_source=studentxpost&utm_medium=national&utm_campaign=xpost

Had me down as South west, guess it is at least dahn sarf. Q1 is balls, like Aqau I would not order any of them, but picked Carling cos it a t least was not as yucky as some of the others sounded

[bcfczuluarmy]

Astonishingly and correctly, I got The Midlands

Me too as that's where I'm from but not where I live. I drink Carling an are fuzzy with food and rarely eat in a spoons. I think automatically from question 1 and selecting Carling you'll be Midlands. Other algorithms may give the answer from wanting an Onion ring.

I'll try it again with posher options and see if it gives me SW.

[NickDavies]

The first question is awkward if you drink none of those things.. but like all their quizzes it is aimed at students and not intended
to be taken seriously ...

[Aqualung]

and not intended to be taken seriously ...

Haven't I seen that somewhere else? Ah yes, I remember! It says the same thing about Dark Side reviews so presunably the two can be filed together.
All this joviality masks the crisis in my life this week as I haven't been to a single new Spoons. Actually, I've really enjoyed a break and the Wanstead George was great!

[NickDavies]

Here's another Tab list, pinch of salt required....

The Wetherspoons Uni League: The universities with the best boozing facilities in the country


https://thetab.com/uk/2017/09/04/definitive-wetherspoons-uni-league-47453?utm_source=student&utm_medium=national&utm_campaign=xpost

I'm very dubious of the 'garden' column. Do 5 of the nearest JDWs to LSE have a garden?

[rpadam]

Here's another Tab list, pinch of salt required....

The Wetherspoons Uni League: The universities with the best boozing facilities in the country


https://thetab.com/uk/2017/09/04/definitive-wetherspoons-uni-league-47453?utm_source=student&utm_medium=national&utm_campaign=xpost

I'm very dubious of the 'garden' column. Do 5 of the nearest JDWs to LSE have a garden?
The five nearest 'spoons to the LSE are:
Knights Templar (0.2 miles)
Shakespeares Head (0.2 miles)
Penderel's Oak (0.3 miles)
Montagu Pyke (0.6 miles)
Moon under Water (0.6 miles)
Even the company only claims a 'licenced outdoor area' for three of these, all of which are just small patio / pavement areas as far as I know (with not a blade of grass in sight).

[Aqualung]

Here's another Tab list, pinch of salt required....

The Wetherspoons Uni League: The universities with the best boozing facilities in the country


https://thetab.com/uk/2017/09/04/definitive-wetherspoons-uni-league-47453?utm_source=student&utm_medium=national&utm_campaign=xpost

I'm very dubious of the 'garden' column. Do 5 of the nearest JDWs to LSE have a garden?

Surely there are various universities missing here? There used to be one called Queen Mary at Mile End which is right next door to one of their outlets. Imperial College in London, Keele University near Stoke and Bangor in North Wales also spring to mind. Very few JDWs have a proper garden rather than just a patio. Some that do have a garden have had the real grass replaced by fake grass, presumably because the staff can't work out how a lawn mower works.

[NickDavies]

Not just lack of lawn mower skills. Keeping indoor tables clear and unsticky is challenging enough, I suspect having to venture outside is too a big an ask. Let alone feral kids issues.

[hondo]

"Prices at Wetherspoons will be "
http://www.devonlive.com/news/uk-world-news/wetherspoons-reducing-prices-one-day-437168

[Aqualung]

"Prices at Wetherspoons will be "
http://www.devonlive.com/news/uk-world-news/wetherspoons-reducing-prices-one-day-437168

If you find a copy of Wetherspoon's News then don't bother reading it. There are endless pages droning on about Brexit including a two page editorial by the Moronic Mullet. If you still haven't passed out through boredom find the pages about the unfair treatment between supermarkets which are an essential part of life and pubs & restaurants which are a luxury. It's the same tired old arguments.. I expect I will go to a JDW on tax equality day but after stocking up on some zero VAT uncooked food and beer which the supermarket is clearly selling at a loss (NOT!).

[Aqualung]

Two South London Spoons have been put up for sale, both are freehold original pubs, neither are Lloyds No 1s and only one of them has a neighbouring JDW. The two are the Crown & Sceptre (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/24605/) a former Truman's gin palace perched on the summit of Brixton Hill and the Grapes (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/65230/) in Sutton which is a close neighbour to the Moon on the Hill.
The JDW web site only has two upcoming openings at Bletchley and Gorleston in Norfolk so with a number open but up for sale they are heading towards only having 850 outlets.

[london calling]

Two South London Spoons have been put up for sale, both are freehold original pubs, neither are Lloyds No 1s and only one of them has a neighbouring JDW. The two are the Crown & Sceptre (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/24605/) a former Truman's gin palace perched on the summit of Brixton Hill and the Grapes (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/65230/) in Sutton which is a close neighbour to the Moon on the Hill.
The JDW web site only has two upcoming openings at Bletchley and Gorleston in Norfolk so with a number open but up for sale they are heading towards only having 850 outlets.

I passed the Crown and Sceptre on the bus last week and about a mile before it the Holland Tringham and 1 1/2 miles past it the Beehive Brixton so plenty of Spoons options if it does close.Didnt notice any Wetherspoons branding on it.

[Mobyduck]

heading towards only having 850 outlets.
More than enough. :whistle:

[Aqualung]

I passed the Crown and Sceptre on the bus last week and about a mile before it the Holland Tringham and 1 1/2 miles past it the Beehive Brixton so plenty of Spoons options if it does close. Didn't notice any Wetherspoons branding on it.

The others you mention are a bus ride away and are both shop conversions if I remember rightly, as opposed to this grand looking old Truman's pub. The SW London CAMRA branch is one of the more active ones so I will be surprised if an ACV isn't quickly applied to the C & S, especially as it was once a regular GBG entry. I would hope that the same would apply to the Croydon & Sutton branch.

[NickDavies]

"Prices at Wetherspoons will be "
http://www.devonlive.com/news/uk-world-news/wetherspoons-reducing-prices-one-day-437168

Can someone explain what his VAT grievance is. As I understand it, cooked food is VATable. Alcoholic drinks are VATable. No matter who sells them they are VATable, be it a pub or a supermarket in its cafe. If a pub sells zero-rated groceries, and some do, they are not VATable, same as a supermarket.

What is it he wants, apart from his cake and eating it?

[Aqualung]

Can someone explain what his VAT grievance is. As I understand it, cooked food is VATable. Alcoholic drinks are VATable. No matter who sells them they are VATable, be it a pub or a supermarket in its cafe. If a pub sells zero-rated groceries, and some do, they are not VATable, same as a supermarket.

What is it he wants, apart from his cake and eating it?

He claims that supermarkets are using zero VAT on food to subsidise selling beer at a loss. A 500ml bottle of beer in Tesco for £2.00 is £2.27 a pint which is similar to many Wetherspoons. He claims that business rates for pubs and restaurants are higher than supermarkets. I would hope they are and applaud that as buying in food is essential whereas going down the pub and eating out are not. Does anyone know if any government anywhere has actually reduced taxes for just pubs and restaurants?

[NickDavies]

Lots of countries have lower VAT - typically around 10% - for restaurants, bars and hotels.

See eg France, Germany, Italy, Ireland...

http://www.vatlive.com/vat-rates/european-vat-rates/

[Rex_Rattus]

The others you mention are a bus ride away and are both shop conversions if I remember rightly, as opposed to this grand looking old Truman's pub. The SW London CAMRA branch is one of the more active ones so I will be surprised if an ACV isn't quickly applied to the C & S, especially as it was once a regular GBG entry. I would hope that the same would apply to the Croydon & Sutton branch.

CAMRA is less sold on ACVs now that the Neighbourhood Planning Act has allowed permitted development rights (that allowed pubs to be converted to other uses without the need for planning permission) to be removed. As a consequence, CAMRA HQ no longer supports branches (obtaining deeds and site plans) in any ACV nominations. A further consideration is that Wetherspoon's pubs tend not to host the sort of community activities that would form the basis of a nomination. I could be wrong, but I doubt whether Lambeth would consider that all day drinking furthers the social interests of the community!

[hondo]

Festival
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/real-ale-festival

[london calling]

'Shark in minnow pond': Ramsgate locals split on new Wetherspoon pub

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/aug/28/new-wetherspoon-pub-ramsgate-kent-royal-victoria-pavilion

The Deserter blog has a review of it.Tongue in cheek.But he says they have 550 tables and the beer is £2.65 a pint.How much !

[Aqualung]

The Deserter blog has a review of it.Tongue in cheek.But he says they have 550 tables and the beer is £2.65 a pint.How much !
Bloody Hell!!! I'll take my full quota of vouchers next month. It's only on the slightly expensive side for a Southern JDW.

[Aqualung]

"Spoonatics" comes courtesy of Roger's Profanisaurus in Viz.

The drink-crazed denizens of certain high street pubs, particularly the one in Bishop Auckland.

I look forward to my visit to that outlet next month with even greater relish.

[Aqualung]

It seems that the lease is being given up on the Flpra Sandes in Thornton Heath (May 2018) and the Gig House in Wokingham (Sep 2018). The Flora Sandes is popular with the handful of existing Crystal Palace supporters while the Gig House is another doomed Lloyds No 1. My recollection of just a single visit to both is that they are pretty poor JDWs.

[Bucking Fastard]

The Flora Sandes is popular with the handful of existing Crystal Palace supporters

Not this one,although I do need a significant amount of ale pre match due to the current circumstances :(................which always seems to mean a trip to The George.:drinkup::drinkup::drinkup::drinkup: