Wetherspoon's news of the day

[NickDavies]

“the kitchen will be a ‘microwave’ kitchen, essentially only allowing for the heating of food and not cooking.”
https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/business/huge-wetherspoon-pub-to-open-in-edinburgh-s-southside-despite-police-concerns-1-4917292

Nothing new there. Friend of mine went for a JDW breakfast once and was told there were no more fried eggs left, he'd have to have scrambled.

[RealAleRobUK]

Nothing new there. Friend of mine went for a JDW breakfast once and was told there were no more fried eggs left, he'd have to have scrambled.

I assume everything is microwaved apart from chips and mixed grill type stuff?

[Pubsignman]

" is to open a brand new bar with views of the "
https://www.eadt.co.uk/business/nw-runway-bar-the-windmill-stansted-airport-essex-1-5972689

Just popped in here. It's an impressive Spoons by the admittedly low standards of most airport venues, and would arguably give many of their High Street branches a run for their money, let down only by the limited number of ales. The first floor bar has good views of a number of planes parked up at gates and somewhat more distant views of the runway, but it's bright, spacious and a massive improvement on the original Windmill. And it is definitely airside.

[bcfczuluarmy]

I can't say I noticed the views of planes and I sat upstairs but had been up since 4.30 so wasn't the most awake and it was heaving. More annoyed I didn't have time to do the Express Bar as it was right by my gate last Friday morning.

[hondo]

"A new Wetherspoons pub on Austhorpe Road in Cross Gates will be named"
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/people/name-of-new-wetherspoons-pub-in-leeds-chosen-as-tribute-to-one-of-city-s-industrial-fathers-1-9782377

[NickDavies]

Spoons drinks, ranked by alcohol content to price

https://www.pints.wtf/

See here (https://thetab.com/uk/2019/05/24/i-made-it-my-mission-to-rank-every-spoons-drink-by-value-for-alcohol-102051) for background

Interesting that Sixpoint Bengali IPA gives the most bang for your buck in some branches. It would be even more interesting if their core all-day clientele ever catch on.

[rpadam]

Spoons drinks, ranked by alcohol content to price

https://www.pints.wtf/

See here (https://thetab.com/uk/2019/05/24/i-made-it-my-mission-to-rank-every-spoons-drink-by-value-for-alcohol-102051) for background
As least Jack seems to drink real ale (although mostly Abbot I would guess from his findings).

[Tris39]

Spoons drinks, ranked by alcohol content to price

https://www.pints.wtf/

See here (https://thetab.com/uk/2019/05/24/i-made-it-my-mission-to-rank-every-spoons-drink-by-value-for-alcohol-102051) for background

Interesting that Sixpoint Bengali IPA gives the most bang for your buck in some branches. It would be even more interesting if their core all-day clientele ever catch on.

"As it turns out, Magners and Abbot Ale are unbelievable value." ...until you drink them.

[oldboots]

"As it turns out, Magners and Abbot Ale are unbelievable value." ...until you drink them.

Exactly, it's a very odd way of looking at drinking for "normal" people. Perhaps the data could be used to produce a mapping of the banding used by JDW in structuring its pricing in various places, if I have time I might look at pricing between JDWs in the same city or adjacent towns, arguably of more use.

[NickDavies]

Exactly, it's a very odd way of looking at drinking for "normal" people. Perhaps the data could be used to produce a mapping of the banding used by JDW in structuring its pricing in various places, if I have time I might look at pricing between JDWs in the same city or adjacent towns, arguably of more use.

Oh come on it's obviously not a serious project, he made it for a laugh. Large pinch of salt and all that.

I wouldn't have posted it if I thought everyone would get all po-faced.

[oldboots]

Oh come on it's obviously not a serious project, he made it for a laugh. Large pinch of salt and all that.

I wouldn't have posted it if I thought everyone would get all po-faced.

Yeah, but surely a joke has a funny bit somewhere.

[Tris39]

Exactly, it's a very odd way of looking at drinking for "normal" people. Perhaps the data could be used to produce a mapping of the banding used by JDW in structuring its pricing in various places, if I have time I might look at pricing between JDWs in the same city or adjacent towns, arguably of more use.

Indeed. I was surprised just how cheap the IKB in Portsmouth was when compared to a typical London 'spoons, but the disparity between Portsmouth and London pubs is nothing like as great.

[Aqualung]

Oh come on it's obviously not a serious project, he made it for a laugh. Large pinch of salt and all that.

I wouldn't have posted it if I thought everyone would get all po-faced.

At the risk of being po-faced I clocked onto Bengali as being good value years ago and still occasionally order two cans and a pint glass if I don't care for any of the guest ales. His findings don't take into account the multi-buy option of three cans of 5.6% Black Sheep Pathmaker for a fiver which is roughly a litre or two short pint measures. It doesn't account for higher abv guests either. I was happy as Larry today in Glasgow's Hengler's Circus knocking back pints of Oakham Green Devil at £2.25. Glaswegians seem to have the taste for this beer as it seems to be a regular in the State Bar across the road and in the smaller JDW near Glasgow Central.

[oldboots]

https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/central-surgery-hamilton-road-wetherspoon-pub-plans-1-6071397

[london calling]

Saw a food programme today where they were trying to save money.They looked at a Mcspoons in Liverpool where fish and chips were £9.50 but the bargain hunter took them on a 6 minute walk to another Mc spoons where the same meal deal was £6.95.

[Aqualung]

Saw a food programme today where they were trying to save money.They looked at a Mcspoons in Liverpool where fish and chips were £9.50 but the bargain hunter took them on a 6 minute walk to another Mc spoons where the same meal deal was £6.95.

I bet the expensive one was the Lime Street station based North Western. The typical; going rate for Fish Friday is now just under £7.50 which includes an alcoholic drink which can be Punk IPA. My recollection of Liverpool City Centre Spoons is that the food prices are fairly standard. I'll find out next week!

[hondo]

"have won a reprieve after being among 16 put up for sale by the national pub chain in March"
https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/1764827/wetherspoons-to-keep-branch-open-in-wick/

[Aqualung]

"have won a reprieve after being among 16 put up for sale by the national pub chain in March"
https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/1764827/wetherspoons-to-keep-branch-open-in-wick/

I'm really pleased to hear that as for anyone with an eye on going around them all it is challenging! I very much doubt if I'll ever return there.

[Aqualung]

"have won a reprieve after being among 16 put up for sale by the national pub chain in March"
https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/1764827/wetherspoons-to-keep-branch-open-in-wick/

The word is that the Peebles and Hawick outlets are also no longer for sale. This Hartlepool outlet (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/56307/) has been sold to Tees Inns so is no longer a JDW. The Captain Alexander (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/87664/) in Liverpool James Street id now open.

[hondo]

"National pub chain JD Wetherspoon has today revealed to LeicestershireLive"
https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/wetherspoon-reveals-leicester-pub-last-3175839

[Aqualung]

"National pub chain JD Wetherspoon has today revealed to LeicestershireLive"
https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/wetherspoon-reveals-leicester-pub-last-3175839


At one point they had plans to convert the upper floors into one of their hotels. The Baron of Hinckley is also said to be closing that month with the current word being the 22nd. Kidderminster is also said to be closing in September. Not relevant to this site but the two Eire outlets in Carlow and central Dublin are now open.

[NickDavies]

The best and worst Wetherspoons in Essex according to Trip Advisor

"These are all definitely cheap, but only some are cheerful"

https://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-news/best-worst-wetherspoons-essex-according-3249569

[Mobyduck]

May be of interest to the Spoonsy lot on here. Cheapest beer. (https://www.pints.wtf/)

[NickDavies]

May be of interest to the Spoonsy lot on here. Cheapest beer. (https://www.pints.wtf/)

We did this ... http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?627-Wetherspoon-s-news-of-the-day&p=100616&viewfull=1#post100616 et seq

[Mobyduck]

We did this ... http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?627-Wetherspoon-s-news-of-the-day&p=100616&viewfull=1#post100616 et seq

Shows how much notice I take of the Wetherspoons thread. :D

[Mobyduck]

Its an Oss. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-45692710

[hondo]

"Wetherspoon cuts the price of a"
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/news/2019/09/free-trade-means-lower-prices

[NickDavies]

"Wetherspoon cuts the price of a"
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/news/2019/09/free-trade-means-lower-prices

The only way that news release would make the slightest bit of sense is if Ruddles was imported from outside the EU.

[Tris39]

"Wetherspoon cuts the price of a"
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/news/2019/09/free-trade-means-lower-prices


Mmmm....Ruddle's and brewed by GK. :sick:

[oldboots]

"Wetherspoon cuts the price of a"
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/news/2019/09/free-trade-means-lower-prices

At least it's getting closer to its true value.

[Delboy20]

I can't remember the last time I had a pint of Ruddles and the lower price won't tempt me to have one.
It is great news for the daytime Spooners who occupy a prominent table in every one I have visited though. it will help to stretch the benefits money that little bit further!

[Tris39]

I can't remember the last time I had a pint of Ruddles and the lower price won't tempt me to have one.
It is great news for the daytime Spooners who occupy a prominent table in every one I have visited though. it will help to stretch the benefits money that little bit further!

PSM's review of The Rochester Castle (JD Wetherspoon) (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/25637/) matches my experience of customers about six months earlier - I walked out and didn't write a review; cheaper beer will only make things worse, but as long as Mullet Martin is better off, that's ok then.

[Aqualung]

At least it's getting closer to its true value.

I was in the Wolverhampton one yesterday and didn't notice Ruddles being cheaper. It was £1.89 10p less than the Doom Bore (another worthless product). I have to say there was a table nearby with a couple of lager swilling oafs whose vocabulary was severely restricted as every other word started with "F" and they could.t even pronounce that properly!

Edit: It might be that the staff hadn't changed the pump price. The till price would have been updated automatically.

[Aqualung]

The most ridiculous thing is that he's trying to tie this price cut into having a No Deal Brexit.
I've a strong suspicion that JDW are ditching the cans of Sixpoint USA brewed beers which are Bengali and Lo Res IPA. This is probably more due to the sinking pound than any tariffs.

[hondo]

"Wetherspoon cuts the price of a"
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/news/2019/09/free-trade-means-lower-prices

"your recent announcement that beer prices would be cut further has caused significant"
https://www.siba.co.uk/2019/09/10/siba-chief-executive-writes-open-letter-j-d-wetherspoon-chairman-tim-martin-beer-prices/

[hondo]

"Wetherspoon’s pubs will be cutting the price of all food and drink by 7.5 per cent on"
"In Scotland, prices will be reduced on all food, soft drinks, non-alcoholic drinks and hot drinks"
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/events/national-tax-equality-day

[NickDavies]

Miss, miss, that drunken old man with the funny hair said a rude word miss..

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/sep/13/spirits-high-for-wetherspoon-customers-as-sales-rise-tim-martin-brexit

Any guesses as to the pic. Looks like an airport branch.

[Pubsignman]

Miss, miss, that drunken old man with the funny hair said a rude word miss..

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/sep/13/spirits-high-for-wetherspoon-customers-as-sales-rise-tim-martin-brexit

Any guesses as to the pic. Looks like an airport branch.

Yep - it's https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/70414/ in Edinburgh Airport.

[oldboots]

Miss, miss, that drunken old man with the funny hair said a rude word miss..
.

Absolutely, the B word should be banned among decent folk, I'm outraged everytime I hear the word Brexit. :moremad:

[Aqualung]

Absolutely, the B word should be banned among decent folk, I'm outraged everytime I hear the word Brexit. :moremad:

I heard our beloved Prime Minister use the "S" word on BBC news recently from Parliament AND before the watershed. I say he should resign!

[RealAleRobUK]

"your recent announcement that beer prices would be cut further has caused significant"
https://www.siba.co.uk/2019/09/10/siba-chief-executive-writes-open-letter-j-d-wetherspoon-chairman-tim-martin-beer-prices/

A load of fuss over nothing.

If I go into a Wetherspoon pub I'm not going to order Ruddles just because it is cheaper. Nor am I going to abandon other pubs and other breweries (craft or otherwise) just to save a bit of cash.

This really is just a marketing gimmick, and it has worked as people are talking about it. The only people it will really benefit are those who crawl into their local JDW at 9am and sit drinking the same beer, pint after pint, all day long. But in my experience most of those customers tend to be on the lager anyway. If a handful of customers are happy to drink Ruddles all night long then why do we have to be outraged that they can now do it a bit cheaper? If they're the kind of customer who buys beer based purely on price then chances are they are already in Wetherspoons anyway so are not going to be depriving other establishments of their custom as a result of this. I fail to see how anyone is getting hurt by this.

[Tris39]

I heard our beloved Prime Minister use the "S" word on BBC news recently from Parliament AND before the watershed. I say he should resign!

This is an even more shocking revelation! (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/snickers-marathon-chocolate-bars-morrisons-a9105926.html)

[hondo]

"Work on the new JD Wetherspoons pub next to"
https://www.edp24.co.uk/business/diss-wetherspoons-work-to-start-soon-1-6268821

[Delboy20]

Update on Kingswinford - https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/black-country/kingswinford-finally-getting-jd-wetherspoon-16966497

[hondo]

"However, if an order is obtained from the Court of Chivalry"
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7511555/Wetherspoons-refusing-seaside-towns-demand-remove-carpet-pub.html

[london calling]

I was I Wethersppons Kingston today and I like the way they put the prices on the hand pumps.Makes it easier to choose
Doombar £2.35
Oakham -citra £1.99
was going to go for the doom but decided to save some money.

[Aqualung]

As I suspected, the 20p decrease in the price of Ruddles was just a publicity stunt designed to detract attention from a price rise. In the last two weeks when I haven't been in a JDW just about all of their drink prices have risen by 100p. As I also expected, they have also got rid of the American brewed Sixpoint products as well as the Black Sheep Pathmaker Pale and Marston(?) Crafty Dan. The Crafty choice looks depleted to me with the inclusion of a small container of an Oakkham IPA and a Brewdog Clockwork Tangerine. The best bet on the non cask front seemed to be a 500ml bottle of Redemption Big Chief at £2.89. Food prices have also increased by 10p but as I invariably get something that includes a drink so that is cancelled out. The Wanstead George didn't have Ruddles but the GK IPA was ticketed at £1.69 despite being billed differently on the drinks menu!
In my part of London the JDWs are still charging less than half for cask than much of the opposition so I won't be switching any time soon. However, the projected new micropub at nearby Highams Park has been given the go ahead for change of use so who knows what the future holds.

I wondered how many JDWs are still charging under two quid for guest ales. I suspect they are restricted to the North or S Wales. The hysterical rants from the anti JDW wing of CAMRA now look a bit pathetic.

[Aqualung]

I was I Wethersppons Kingston today and I like the way they put the prices on the hand pumps.Makes it easier to choose
Doombar £2.35
Oakham -citra £1.99
was going to go for the doom but decided to save some money.

I'm surprised to see that as generally Doom Bore is 10p cheaper than the guest ales so it's locally £2.19 for guests and £2.10 or £2.09 for Doom Bore. The Kingston outlet seems to be outstanding, especially for a Lloyds so they may have their own rules.

[Mobyduck]

The Kingston outlet seems to be outstanding, especially for a Lloyds so they may have their own rules.
Beer wise it is very good, probably the one I've been in most of all, but it is still a Spoons and only go in there waiting for the Albion to open.

[Mobyduck]

I was I Wethersppons Kingston today and I like the way they put the prices on the hand pumps.Makes it easier to choose
Doombar £2.35
Oakham -citra £1.99
was going to go for the doom but decided to save some money.
Now you're not a full blown beer ticker anymore, had you down as a Pride man. :D

[london calling]

The manager loves Oakham and they had 3 on cask and 1 keg.The Ruddles was £1.69 and Tim has stated the 20p off Ruddles only applies to the quieter branches .About only 40 I think will reduce it.

[london calling]

Still drinking good beers.Had 5 I have drank before and 5 new ones this week.Only one iffy one others superb. Also am drinking more pints but Pride is a distress beer only to be drank if nowt about.cheers

[london calling]

Beer wise it is very good, probably the one I've been in most of all, but it is still a Spoons and only go in there waiting for the Albion to open.
Always go in there to get my Oakham fix then went down to the Albion.2 great beers in the Albion. Love this pub.

[Aqualung]

The manager loves Oakham and they had 3 on cask and 1 keg.The Ruddles was £1.69 and Tim has stated the 20p off Ruddles only applies to the quieter branches .About only 40 I think will reduce it.

Are you certain about that? I understood it that more expensive outlets (central London, central Leeds etc) would be excluded but still have a decrease. Most JDWs do Ruddles or GK IPA at £1.89 or less which is nor £1.69 (or presumably less).

[Aqualung]

The manager loves Oakham and they had 3 on cask and 1 keg.The Ruddles was £1.69 and Tim has stated the 20p off Ruddles only applies to the quieter branches .About only 40 I think will reduce it.

Is the Citra sold at a special price? I'm also a big Oakham fan and the good people of Glasgow seem to be fans of the Green Devil IPA. What are the other Oakham options?

[Bucking Fastard]

The best bet on the non cask front seemed to be a 500ml bottle of Redemption Big Chief at £2.89.

Agreed.

I wondered how many JDWs are still charging under two quid for guest ales. I suspect they are restricted to the North or S Wales.

All guests in The Felix Holt ,Nuneaton were £1.99 last Thursday.

[london calling]

Is the Citra sold at a special price? I'm also a big Oakham fan and the good people of Glasgow seem to be fans of the Green Devil IPA. What are the other Oakham options?

Its not usually that cheap but its a big seller and they have 2 pumps for it Green Devil on keg,and Oblivion and Black Hole porter on cask.
Tim was replying to Siba who complained about the price cut affecting other brewers when he mentioned the rather limited amount of pubs reducing by 20p.

[Aqualung]

Its not usually that cheap but its a big seller and they have 2 pumps for it Green Devil on keg,and Oblivion and Black Hole porter on cask.
Tim was replying to Siba who complained about the price cut affecting other brewers when he mentioned the rather limited amount of pubs reducing by 20p.

He's an ardent Brexiteer so is used to lying. I'm sure he was in this case, but are you sure he wasn't talking about outlets selling it at £1.39?

[Aqualung]

All guests in The Felix Holt ,Nuneaton were £1.99 last Thursday.

I should have said the Midlands, North & Wales possibly. I doubt if there are any in Greater London now. I also like the Felix Holt and with a great micropub nearby it makes a visit well worthwhile. I'm pretty sure there are not enough pubs for a PUG crawl.

[Bucking Fastard]

I'm pretty sure there are not enough pubs for a PUG crawl.

There are very few pubs in the town centre ,a PuG crawl would have to visit every establishment to get close to the usual tally .A different sort of challenge.

[NickDavies]

If Gregg's Vegan Sausage Roll Gate (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46809868) is anything to go by it should get Tim's core clientele chuntering.


Wetherspoon's adds its first ever fake-meat burger to menu (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/oct/07/wetherspoons-adds-its-first-ever-fake-meat-burger-to-menu)

[oldboots]

Wetherspoons autumn festival beer list:


1850
1849

[aleandhearty]

Wetherspoons autumn festival beer list:


1850
1849

It's funny how the 'spoons festivals seem to have fallen off the radar in recent years. It wasn't so long ago that they were eagerly anticipated by PuG users. (Remember when Roger Button used to slurp his way through the list, before most of us had even got started?) Anyway, I think this list sounds pretty good, with 13 out of the 40 I'd like to try. The Salopian Infinite Orbit and Ballistic Short Fuse have particularly piqued my curiosity. I might have to cross the threshold of the Six Chimneys, this weekend, which would be the first time in ages.

[oldboots]

... and Ballistic Short Fuse have particularly piqued my curiosity.

You wont be disappointed by that one.

[london calling]

It's funny how the 'spoons festivals seem to have fallen off the radar in recent years. It wasn't so long ago that they were eagerly anticipated by PuG users. (Remember when Roger Button used to slurp his way through the list, before most of us had even got started?) Anyway, I think this list sounds pretty good, with 13 out of the 40 I'd like to try. The Salopian Infinite Orbit and Ballistic Short Fuse have particularly piqued my curiosity. I might have to cross the threshold of the Six Chimneys, this weekend, which would be the first time in ages.

Best of luck

[NickDavies]

It's funny how the 'spoons festivals seem to have fallen off the radar in recent years. It wasn't so long ago that they were eagerly anticipated by PuG users.

Maybe it's that many branches have gone from being just about tolerable to being actively unpleasant.

[Mobyduck]

It's funny how the 'spoons festivals seem to have fallen off the radar in recent years. It wasn't so long ago that they were eagerly anticipated by PuG users. (Remember when Roger Button used to slurp his way through the list, before most of us had even got started?) Anyway, I think this list sounds pretty good, with 13 out of the 40 I'd like to try. The Salopian Infinite Orbit and Ballistic Short Fuse have particularly piqued my curiosity. I might have to cross the threshold of the Six Chimneys, this weekend, which would be the first time in ages.

I shall probably be going to a proper beer festival (https://www.hampshireoctoberfest.co.uk/food-and-drink/beers-and-ales/#.XaAaM0ZKiUk) instead, a lot of dross on the list but plenty of good stuff also on the list to help me avoid it.

[Tris39]

I shall probably be going to a proper beer festival (https://www.hampshireoctoberfest.co.uk/food-and-drink/beers-and-ales/#.XaAaM0ZKiUk) instead, a lot of dross on the list but plenty of good stuff also on the list to help me avoid it.

Mmmm....A Fuller's stand. The Swing Low is surely the star of the show.

[Mobyduck]

Mmmm....A Fuller's stand. The Swing Low is surely the star of the show.

Certainly will not be trying that one, Vibrant Forest will be the way to go, prospective brewer of the year going on the last six months performance.

[Aqualung]

I shall probably be going to a proper beer festival (https://www.hampshireoctoberfest.co.uk/food-and-drink/beers-and-ales/#.XaAaM0ZKiUk) instead, a lot of dross on the list but plenty of good stuff also on the list to help me avoid it.

I don't know what the beer prices are like but the admission fee alone is a total rip off. There's also plenty of crap imbedded in that list. Why brews from London, Surrey and other Counties when the Dose Of Crabs (aka Itchen Valley) one is missing?
Overall I've been disappointed with the JDW fest. So far two of the weaker ones have been best, possibly because the brewer can afford better hops for a low abv beer. I could have tried Arkell's 3B in Colwyn Bay but felt that some standards had to be maintained.
I think that JDW have nailed down the prices paid for their national beers too much. Most of them aren't very good and you're more likely to get a good locale beer in a decent JDW. The JDW beer fest beers certainly aren't as good as they once were.
I didn't mind the Ruby Abbot in the stronger ones but it really is just a darker and slightly stronger Abbot.

[london calling]

It's funny how the 'spoons festivals seem to have fallen off the radar in recent years. It wasn't so long ago that they were eagerly anticipated by PuG users. (Remember when Roger Button used to slurp his way through the list, before most of us had even got started?) Anyway, I think this list sounds pretty good, with 13 out of the 40 I'd like to try. The Salopian Infinite Orbit and Ballistic Short Fuse have particularly piqued my curiosity. I might have to cross the threshold of the Six Chimneys, this weekend, which would be the first time in ages.

I and my fellow scoopers used to look forward to the McSpoons fest but the disappointing flavour of the beers year after year has wore us down.Nobody gives a toss now about completing the list of new beers.There have been very few beers that have been brewed for the fest (1000 plus) that have been good enough to become regular beers from the brewers involved which tells its own story.

[Mobyduck]

I don't know what the beer prices are like but the admission fee alone is a total rip off. There's also plenty of crap imbedded in that list. Why brews from London, Surrey and other Counties
On the face of it I agree, what is not apparent unless you are in the know or read the FAQ's , Camra members get in free, prices are £4.00 a pint, agree with the regional aspect, when I go to a beer festival I like to see stuff from far afield, also agree there's a lot of crap in the list, but as I mentioned there is also some good stuff, I shall be busying myself with the likes of Vibrant Forest ,Siren, Elusive, Red Cat and Urban Island amongst others, I am unlikely to be calling into either of the spoons while passing through Basingstoke town.

[Aqualung]

I and my fellow scoopers used to look forward to the McSpoons fest but the disappointing flavour of the beers year after year has wore us down.Nobody gives a toss now about completing the list of new beers.There have been very few beers that have been brewed for the fest (1000 plus) that have been good enough to become regular beers from the brewers involved which tells its own story.

That just about sums it up and I think you've made a similar point to me. I've found the January London beer fest a lot better than the national ones, probably because it allows brewers the chance to sell off much better beers they have may brewed too much of for the Xmas period.

[Aqualung]

while passing through Basingstoke town.

That's probably the best idea!
Apart from the rail station I've only been there twice, once over 45 years ago and more recently to visit the two Spoons. It's now a rare example of a town with a Lloyds and a normal JDW.

[Aqualung]

They've released an October issue and with (almost) no mention of the "B" word or VAT rates. It's to commemorate their 40th anniversary. I've got a small quiz l8ined up for this site to celebrate the event and at least three questions are answered by this publication.
One important point they have overlooked is that VIZ magazine also started out in 1979 and gained national popularity much quicker than the pub chain!

Edit: For anyone wanting to download it scroll to the bottom of the main web site page.

[Aqualung]

Wetherspoon have bought the Navigation Inn (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/37737/) and if planning goes through will open next Summer. Previous attempts to turn it into a supermarket or demolish it have failed.

[oldboots]

Not exactly a news story but an interesting take on Spoons


http://benviveur.blogspot.com/2019/10/wetherspoons-life-just-beginning.html

[Mobyduck]

Not exactly a news story but an interesting take on Spoons


http://benviveur.blogspot.com/2019/10/wetherspoons-life-just-beginning.html

I make him generally right ,particularly on the six bad things.

[Aqualung]

Not exactly a news story but an interesting take on Spoons


http://benviveur.blogspot.com/2019/10/wetherspoons-life-just-beginning.html

He is right with many of the things he says. Certainly in the 1980s when they were just a small chain of London pubs you did find them run by beer enthusiasts.

For me the biggest problem on the real ale front is that the national list (and the beer festival is just an alternative one) is dominated by dross. I haven't made a huge effort with the festival Bingo as I've been away but the choice in the Shrewsbury Hotel on Friday was dismal, in fact my second pint was Punk IPA.

I think he's very harsh about the food. The vast majority of pubs with "home cooked" food make a huge batch of any given dish and then freeze it. This is also something I do myself at home. Is this really that different to the JDW operation where it's produced in a warehouse of some sort? With regard to chips the answer is yes as properly cooked fresh chips are excellent but are absent from virtually all the pubs and chippies I've been to. I remember when the "free" drink had to be Ruddles with the clubs but now I always go for the Punk IPA which does make them very good value as Punk is normally priced at £3.00-£3.50.

I don't recognise his list of recent South London closures. Norwood?, Southfields?, Morden?, Sydenham?, Bellingham? and he also mentions Hook and Surbiton in the same breath where it was the Cap In Hand overlooking the Hook underpass on the A3 that they closed. Regarding closures, they closed a whole raft of outlets when they opted for a standardised food menu in the 1990s. More recent closures have generally been leasehold properties which they are trying to move away from or ones wher they have two very close in a town rather than city.

I suspect that new openings have stalled as they are going all out to create new hotels from their outlets. It's dawned on them that running a hotel is money for old rope unless they get a total nightmare guest (moi?).

JDWs can still spring good surprises, A few Glasgow JDWs seem to stock Oakham Green Devil IPA as a regular guest which is fine by me.
I recently visited the Newtown (Powys) outlet which had a crap choice of beer but had a local cider at £2.45 that was 8.4% abv!!

[Pangolin]

Not exactly a news story but an interesting take on Spoons


http://benviveur.blogspot.com/2019/10/wetherspoons-life-just-beginning.html

I tend to agree with Aqualung except his closures are spot on, apart from listing Suburbiton as well as Hook (William Stanley/Grid/Lady St Helier/Windmill/Tigers Head were the ones you queried). A lot of closures stemmed from the rip-off leases set up by his (allegedly) crooked one-time associate, but they do seem to have been a bit too 'shut it down' recently, although could this be after dear Tim moved away from direct personal control? My local Spoons luckily switched to Stonegate without much difference apart from added music, but you have to wonder where the obligatory collection of morning drinkers went when they closed somewhere like Thornton Heath.

One key objection to the article however is that, if the author is only 'a couple of years' older than 40 himself, how on earth can he remember what they were like in the 1980s? Which is possibly why he missed the important point that JDW set new standards in serving food all day (after the passing of the 1988 Act) and were frequently the only place you could find to eat at, especially in provincial towns.

[NickDavies]

and were frequently the only place you could find to eat at, especially in provincial towns.

There were always plenty of places to eat, just that JDWs were the only ones where you could have a pint of beer too outside hotels and places like Berni Inns.

[Aqualung]

apart from listing Suburbiton as well as Hook (William Stanley/Grid/Lady St Helier/Windmill/Tigers Head were the ones you queried).

I knew I would forget about one of the closures (William Stanley). The other four you mention were hardly recent closures with the Grid being the most recent (2011). Spare a thought for Tottenham which has had six closed down over many years plus a few nearby. I forgot to mention that some of the closures are purely down to a bigger and better outlet opening nearby.

Who was the associate? If it was that bloke Marler I was under the impression that he disappeared in very early days.

[Pangolin]

Who was the associate? If it was that bloke Marler I was under the impression that he disappeared in very early days.

Chris Braun, of Van de Berg - see here (https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2009/04/08/Wetherspoons-case-a-warning-to-property-agents)

[Aqualung]

Chris Braun, of Van de Berg - see here (https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2009/04/08/Wetherspoons-case-a-warning-to-property-agents)

Thanks for that, I'd missed out on that story. Many of the closures are and have been down to excessive rents. The Mardi Gras in the Trafford Shopping Centre had a rent dispute but it seems to have gone quiet.

[NickDavies]

Those of a nervous disposition may need a drink of one of Timmyboys's stronger brews before scrolling down to the thousand words* telling picture.

*Well maybe five words beginning "What a pair of" repeated 200 times.


JD Wetherspoon may have breached law over 1.9m Brexit beer mats (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/oct/27/jd-wetherspoon-may-have-breached-law-over-19m-brexit-beer-mats)

[Aqualung]

Those of a nervous disposition may need a drink of one of Timmyboys's stronger brews before scrolling down to the thousand words* telling picture.

*Well maybe five words beginning "What a pair of" repeated 200 times.


JD Wetherspoon may have breached law over 1.9m Brexit beer mats (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/oct/27/jd-wetherspoon-may-have-breached-law-over-19m-brexit-beer-mats)


I seem to recall questioning years ado whether all the propaganda was above board and now we know it probably wasn't. Given that most of the staff in their pubs are quite young it's highly probable that they don't agree with his views and it's an abuse of his position to expect them to distribute his propaganda. I've a suspicion that some outlets might have just binned the beer mats. I wonder if the beer mat collecting brigade regard these as prized pieces?

[Tris39]

Tim chilling with his buddies: http://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/brexit/wetherspoons-faces-calls-to-keep-pro-brexit-politics-out-of-pubs/ar-BBWxhat?li=BBoPWjQ&ocid=DELLDHP

[NickDavies]

Tim chilling with his buddies: http://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/brexit/wetherspoons-faces-calls-to-keep-pro-brexit-politics-out-of-pubs/ar-BBWxhat?li=BBoPWjQ&ocid=DELLDHP

There's worse than that lot ...https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/nov/06/reject-wetherspoon-report-over-pro-brexit-outlay-investors-told

[Tris39]

There's worse than that lot ...https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/nov/06/reject-wetherspoon-report-over-pro-brexit-outlay-investors-told

Oh yes, you're right. It does get worse!

[Aqualung]

Despite Mullet Man's opposition to the EU he seems quite happy opening new Eire outlets. Earlier in the year saw an outlet in Carlow which is somewhere South of Dublin. The original three Dublin outlets are all well outside the centre but this year saw the opening of one not far East from the O' Connell Bridge. This month has seen them buy up Bar HQ in Hanover Quay near Great Canal Square which is near the Southern bank of the Liffey in the East of Dublin City. Next year should see the opening of their Camden Street hotel which is just to the South of the centre. There are also rumours of a new outlet in Waterford.

[NickDavies]

Despite Mullet Man's opposition to the EU he seems quite happy opening new Eire outlets.

It wouldn't surprise me if he thinks Ireland is still a British colony. Does he distribute his silly propaganda mag in Ireland?

[Aqualung]

It wouldn't surprise me if he thinks Ireland is still a British colony. Does he distribute his silly propaganda mag in Ireland?

You may well be right! I can't remember if they don't have it at all or if they have their own version.

[NickDavies]

Black Wetherspoon's customer boycotts pub (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/56920/) over banana order

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-50507429

[Delboy20]

That's not good …

It does beg the question - Who ordered it? Surely if it was ordered by someone on the App it can be traced?

[Mobyduck]

Black Wetherspoon's customer boycotts pub (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/56920/) over banana order

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-50507429

Well and truly out of order.

[NickDavies]

That's not good …

It does beg the question - Who ordered it? Surely if it was ordered by someone on the App it can be traced?

Of course it can, apart from anything else you have to pay and give an e-mail address. And as far as I know you can only order a piece of fruit at breakfast, which isn't served (or even visible in the app) at 10pm - the ticket is blurred but I reckon it says 22:06.

Looks like an inside job to me.

[Delboy20]

Of course it can, apart from anything else you have to pay and give an e-mail address. And as far as I know you can only order a piece of fruit at breakfast, which isn't served (or even visible in the app) at 10pm - the ticket is blurred but I reckon it says 22:06.

Looks like an inside job to me.

Certainly looks like 22.06 on the receipt. It appears to have been ordered as a dessert.

A sick attempt at a joke by some complete tosser ( and coward).

[Aqualung]

Black Wetherspoon's customer boycotts pub (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/56920/) over banana order

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-50507429

I saw this raised a day or two ago. I've no idea how any apps work but it must involve a card payment so must be traceable.
I've only been to this outlet once and didn't like it. It was early on a Friday afternoon and there were a number of "young suits" in who were quite gobby (I didn't mention that in the review). RAR & Mrs A were there on Halloween night and it didn't sound great.
I've never seen this item on the printed menu but it may be an option on the kiddies one which should have raised an alarm as children aren't allowed in that late.

[bcfczuluarmy]

You can buy fruit in a spoons is more the shocker to me, is it a thing? I've never seen fruit in one, not that I go to a pub for fruit. Someone left an apple in my local yesterday that they bought in with them that the brat didn't eat. He had a better go at the bangers and mash though.

[Aqualung]

You can buy fruit in a spoons is more the shocker to me, is it a thing?

A bowl of chopped fruit is an option on the PRINTED breakfast menus. It consists of apple slices, chopped banana, blueberries and one or two sliced strawberries. I've had it several times and enjoyed it. It costs about the same as scrambled egg on toast. The same thing is available as a dessert but with ice cream. Kiddies who had a Spoons meal would get given a bag of fruit to take away.

[NickDavies]

A bowl of chopped fruit is an option on the PRINTED breakfast menus. It consists of apple slices, chopped banana, blueberries and one or two sliced strawberries. I've had it several times and enjoyed it. It costs about the same as scrambled egg on toast. The same thing is available as a dessert but with ice cream. Kiddies who had a Spoons meal would get given a bag of fruit to take away.

Same on the app, I've just had a look now it's available. There's no option for an unpeeled anything at any time of day. Indeed I suspect the prepared fruit options come pre-packed, and most JDW kitchen staff would be stumped if asked to peel a banana.

Hence my suspicion this was an inside job - looks like the sort of thing you can only do on the tills.

[Aqualung]

Same on the app, I've just had a look now it's available. There's no option for an unpeeled anything at any time of day. Indeed I suspect the prepared fruit options come pre-packed, and most JDW kitchen staff would be stumped if asked to peel a banana.

They must be the sane as the prepared bags and plastic containers of fruit in Tesco. You'd think the fruit would deteriorate but the apples are always fresh and crisp plus the bananas never seem bruised. The strawberries are a more recent addition and may be a result of being a garnish for one of the gins.



Hence my suspicion this was an inside job - looks like the sort of thing you can only do on the tills.

Surely certainty? I can't come to any other conclusion. The food operation is virtually over at 22:00, while the bar staff would probably be busy.

[Pangolin]

I meant to post this one the other day: https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-7712523/Wethespoons-shareholders-reject-advice-sack-founder-Tim-Martin.html

Note his declared intention to be there for another 40 years - that would make him around 104!!

[hondo]

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/drunk-idiot-destroys-christmas-tree-21017682

[RealAleRobUK]

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/drunk-idiot-destroys-christmas-tree-21017682

I suppose it at least makes a refreshing change from pretending to be remorseful after the event...

Can't help thinking there may have been more than alcohol running through his system though. :whistle:

[Aqualung]

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/drunk-idiot-destroys-christmas-tree-21017682

It wasn't me your honour!!
That one at Cantom is a real drinking den. They only do a limited menu and I felt quite out of place with a Fish Friday.

[Tris39]

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/drunk-idiot-destroys-christmas-tree-21017682

A drunken idiot in a 'spoons??? Perhaps he's done us all a favour, given that Christmas runs from 25th December to 5th January - I'm sick of it already.

Humbug!:(

[Mobyduck]

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/drunk-idiot-destroys-christmas-tree-21017682

"drunken idiot" more like dick head, but then again its Spoons.

[hondo]

"We've delved deep into the archives to find out"
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/every-spoons-in-kent-and-what-was-there-before-217918/

[RealAleRobUK]

"We've delved deep into the archives to find out"
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/every-spoons-in-kent-and-what-was-there-before-217918/

I haven't checked the pubs listed, but pretty sure the Spoons web site has a bit about the history of each pub which would have saved this intrepid journalist from having to delve deep within dusty archives...

[Aqualung]

I haven't checked the pubs listed, but pretty sure the Spoons web site has a bit about the history of each pub which would have saved this intrepid journalist from having to delve deep within dusty archives...

To be fair to the hack, not all Kent outlets have one of those pub histories. It's just possible that the author may have actually visited them all.
Kent JDWs have proved resilient with only two closures (Dartford & Sittingbourne) and the Sittingbourne closure came soon after the opening of a new , presumably Freehold outlet in a better location nearby.

[rpadam]

"We've delved deep into the archives to find out"
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/every-spoons-in-kent-and-what-was-there-before-217918/


I haven't checked the pubs listed, but pretty sure the Spoons web site has a bit about the history of each pub which would have saved this intrepid journalist from having to delve deep within dusty archives...
For the Kent Messenger (rightly or wrongly notorious in these parts for various reasons), this is a good, well-illustrated feature that will rightly catch the attention of people who wouldn't otherwise become aware of some interesting pub histories.

[NickDavies]

Wetherspoons to create 10,000 new jobs over four years in huge £200m expansion

"...new pubs in Bourne in Lincolnshire; Waterford in Ireland; Hamilton in Scotland; Ely in Cambridgeshire; Diss in Norfolk; Felixstowe in Suffolk; Newport Pagnell in Buckinghamshire; and Prestatyn in North Wales"


https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/breaking-wetherspoons-create-10000-new-21062379

[Aqualung]

Wetherspoons to create 10,000 new jobs over four years in huge £200m expansion

"...new pubs in Bourne in Lincolnshire; Waterford in Ireland; Hamilton in Scotland; Ely in Cambridgeshire; Diss in Norfolk; Felixstowe in Suffolk; Newport Pagnell in Buckinghamshire; and Prestatyn in North Wales"


https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/breaking-wetherspoons-create-10000-new-21062379


Galway will be a real pig to get to. I don't even know where Hamilton is but assume it's somewhere in Scotland's populous central area.

[oldboots]

Galway will be a real pig to get to. I don't even know where Hamilton is but assume it's somewhere in Scotland's populous central area.

Clyde valley just a bit south east of Glasgow, it's a bit of post industrial disaster area and not particularly pleasant. probably its only claim to fame is being near the birthplace of David Livingstone of "Dr Livingstone I presume" fame. Remarkably there is one pub there in the 2020 GBG.

[ROBCamra]

Galway will be a real pig to get to.

Piece of cake. Car to Holyhead, fast ferry to Dun Laoghaire, night in Dublin then drive across to Galway and stay in the Jury's Inn for a couple of nights
and call in Limerick for a couple of nights on the way back.

That's what we did anyway. :evilgrin:

[Aqualung]

Piece of cake. Car to Holyhead, fast ferry to Dun Laoghaire, night in Dublin then drive across to Galway and stay in the Jury's Inn for a couple of nights
and call in Limerick for a couple of nights on the way back.

That's what we did anyway. :evilgrin:

Errrr, I don't drive. I have been to Galway nearly 40 years ago. It wasn't my favourite place in Ireland.

[ROBCamra]

Errrr, I don't drive. I have been to Galway nearly 40 years ago. It wasn't my favourite place in Ireland.

Not mine either. I much prefer Limerick, Cork and Sligo.

[oldboots]

Errrr, I don't drive. I have been to Galway nearly 40 years ago. It wasn't my favourite place in Ireland.


I don't drive either now so:, train to Holyhead, Ferry to Dun Laoghaire, DART / LUAS to Dublin Heuston, Intercity to Galway. Dublin - Galway is about 2 1/2 Hours.


https://www.irishrail.ie/ has a journey planner like our National Rail Enquiries one.

[rpadam]

Errrr, I don't drive. I have been to Galway nearly 40 years ago. It wasn't my favourite place in Ireland.
Galway is much better than it was - I like it nowadays.

[hondo]

"the former Central Bar in Glasgow Central Station, the new pub will be called The "
https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/name-revealed-glasgows-new-city-17415526

[NickDavies]

"the former Central Bar in Glasgow Central Station, the new pub will be called The "
https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/name-revealed-glasgows-new-city-17415526

Wetherspoons Appreciation Society...ye gods. Anyway GlasgowLive (aka the Daily Record etc) are clearly hot with breaking news - that story dates back to at least October on the source cited.

[NickDavies]

Look the beans go on toast! How an American tourist’s Sheffield Spoons trip became a viral sensation

https://thetab.com/uk/sheffield/2020/01/05/tiktok-wetherspoons-breakfast-american-mallory-viral-sheffield-41524

[Tris39]

Look the beans go on toast! How an American tourist’s Sheffield Spoons trip became a viral sensation

https://thetab.com/uk/sheffield/2020/01/05/tiktok-wetherspoons-breakfast-american-mallory-viral-sheffield-41524

You'd think that Americans would by now have discovered that baked beans - an American invention - would work on toast!

[hondo]

spoons app
https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/10695249/wetherspoons-build-own-breakfast-option/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7861869/Dominatrixes-using-WETHERSPOONS-app-order-fawning-men-buy-food-drinks.html

[Quinno]

spoons app
https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/10695249/wetherspoons-build-own-breakfast-option/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7861869/Dominatrixes-using-WETHERSPOONS-app-order-fawning-men-buy-food-drinks.html

Timbo is a genius and a trailblazer!

[Tris39]

Timbo is a genius and a trailblazer!

First there was Grindr.

Then there was Tinder.

Now we have 'Spoonr. :eek:

[Quinno]

First there was Grindr.

Then there was Tinder.

Now we have 'Spoonr. :eek:

:lol:

[hondo]

"particularly with details in the booth seats, and ironmongery"
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/cross-gates-wetherspoons-opening-delayed-what-it-will-look-inside-1363356

[Wittenden]

"particularly with details in the booth seats, and ironmongery"
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/cross-gates-wetherspoons-opening-delayed-what-it-will-look-inside-1363356

The write-up makes me want to visit, and I'm no fan of the 'Spoon.

[hondo]

"into a 27,000 square foot bar serving food and drink to up to 591 customers"
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/strand-bank-wetherspoons-london-a4334671.html

https://www.timeout.com/london/news/the-most-beautiful-bank-in-london-is-being-turned-into-an-enormous-wetherspoons-011520

[NickDavies]

"into a 27,000 square foot bar serving food and drink to up to 591 customers"


591 seems remarkably precise. If you turn up as #592 will you be turned away and have the good fortune to have to use the Edgar Wallace instead?

Joking aside, it's very close to the Knight's Templar - I thought JDW were busy closing branches deemed too close to each other. I wonder which two branches (airports excepted) are currently in closest proximity,

[Pubsignman]

591 seems remarkably precise. If you turn up as #592 will you be turned away and have the good fortune to have to use the Edgar Wallace instead?

Joking aside, it's very close to the Knight's Templar - I thought JDW were busy closing branches deemed too close to each other. I wonder which two branches (airports excepted) are currently in closest proximity,

My guess would be the two in Romford, which are separated only by a branch of Slug & Lettuce.

The Moon & Stars (JD Wetherspoon) (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/12152/)
The World's Inn (Lloyds No 1) (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54449/)

[hondo]

591 seems remarkably precise. If you turn up as #592 will you be turned away and have the good fortune to have to use the Edgar Wallace instead?

Joking aside, it's very close to the Knight's Templar - I thought JDW were busy closing branches deemed too close to each other. I wonder which two branches (airports excepted) are currently in closest proximity,
in cornwall
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/15789438/calculating_occupancy.pdf

[oldboots]

591 seems remarkably precise. If you turn up as #592 will you be turned away and have the good fortune to have to use the Edgar Wallace instead?

Joking aside, it's very close to the Knight's Templar - I thought JDW were busy closing branches deemed too close to each other. I wonder which two branches (airports excepted) are currently in closest proximity,

My guess would be Derby

Standing Order (JD Wetherspoon) (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/7228/)
The Thomas Leaper (Lloyds No 1 Bar) (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/67840/)

[Aqualung]

Joking aside, it's very close to the Knight's Templar - I thought JDW were busy closing branches deemed too close to each other. I wonder which two branches (airports excepted) are currently in closest proximity,

It's mainly been in smaller towns with a Lloyds and a standard one near each other. The one that goes has tended to be the Lloyds but it depends on profitability and whether it's Leasehold. There are still a few towns with two, Bury, Fareham Romford, Loughborough, Windsor, Basingstoke, Aylesbury and Banstable to name a few.
Old Boots is right, the two in Derby are literally next door. The Romford pair are a few doors apart. I should have had that one in my quiz!
I think the prediction for later in the year may be optimistic but I won't complain if I'm wrong.

[NickDavies]

My guess would be Derby

Standing Order (JD Wetherspoon) (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/7228/)
The Thomas Leaper (Lloyds No 1 Bar) (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/67840/)

Are they really separate pubs or two shop fronts of the same operation - one set of staff etc?

[ROBCamra]

Are they really separate pubs or two shop fronts of the same operation - one set of staff etc?

Nope, definitely separate entities and very different to each other, although the Babington Arms just down the road is better than either of them. :cheers:

[Tris39]

"into a 27,000 square foot bar serving food and drink to up to 591 customers"
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/strand-bank-wetherspoons-london-a4334671.html

https://www.timeout.com/london/news/the-most-beautiful-bank-in-london-is-being-turned-into-an-enormous-wetherspoons-011520

Indeed. And The ES is bringing up old news: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/britains-most-beautiful-bank-opposite-royal-courts-of-justice-could-be-turned-into-wetherspoon-pub-a3848756.html

Expect it to be called the Palsgrave Head, the pub which was demolished in 1883 to make way for a restaurant which was later converted into the bank - you heard it here first (pre-emptively ducks for cover should prediction prove wrong).:ninja:

And how will it fair with https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/23506/ which is essentially in the same street, just another name over the WC2/EC4 border?

[hondo]

EU
https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2020/01/20/JDW-celebrates-Brexit-with-EU-drinks-sale

[NickDavies]

EU
https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2020/01/20/JDW-celebrates-Brexit-with-EU-drinks-sale

Money talks, eh, Timmyboy?

[Aqualung]

Money talks, eh, Timmyboy?

No mention of Guinness which is sacrosanct to Irish drinkers. I bet they wished they hadn't closed the Park Royal brewery.

[Tris39]

Eek! (https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2019/12/12/JDW-pub-closed-after-mouse-spotted)

Some pubs are overrun with the things.

[london calling]

No mention of Guinness which is sacrosanct to Irish drinkers. I bet they wished they hadn't closed the Park Royal brewery.

Guinness is a British company so the boycott doesn't apply to them.

[Tris39]

I saw the headline's first four words (https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/jan/20/spoons-are-so-brutal-paris-hiltons-cooking-show-is-a-rare-work-of-comic-genius?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other) before realising that this has nothing to do with Timbo...

[oldboots]

https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2020/01/22/New-JD-Wetherspoon-pubs

10-15 new 'spoons.

[Aqualung]

https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2020/01/22/New-JD-Wetherspoon-pubs

10-15 new 'spoons.

There's only two definite new openings on their web site, both expected in April. They are Cross Gates in Leeds and Kingswinford. The big new Dublin hotel has no fixed date but they are hoping for a Summer opening.
The buying up of the leaseholds is probably one of the driving forces behind the closures.

[hondo]

"These are set to include new pubs in"
https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/wetherspoons-open-new-pubs-across-21341259

[Aqualung]

https://metro.co.uk/2020/01/24/wetherspoons-bans-people-two-drinks-children-12114389/

If only this rule was enforced in all outlets!
It could do with being applied in other pubs as well.

[NickDavies]

"How Brexit drove my affair with Wetherspoons on to the rocks"

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/24/brexit-wetherspoons-31-january-leave-eu

[hondo]

"initial groundworks on the site are expected to finally start imminently"
https://www.edp24.co.uk/business/wetherspoons-granted-licence-for-diss-pub-norfolk-1-6512853

[NickDavies]

"initial groundworks on the site are expected to finally start imminently"
https://www.edp24.co.uk/business/wetherspoons-granted-licence-for-diss-pub-norfolk-1-6512853

Interior mock-up looks like a motorway services, designed to be uncomfortable so you don't stay too long

[ETA]

https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/grandad-told-leave-wetherspoons-after-3914384?fbclid=IwAR0eTdoJdqkvusyhmBPRkwnij0Ngra24C MIiVaH7jFKLNJPCT-dVCUI7gBs

You'd have to be going some to get thrown out of the one in Yeovil.

[NickDavies]

Wetherspoons boss says UK pubs will stay open as long as possible (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/mar/20/coronavirus-wetherspoons-boss-says-uk-pubs-will-stay-open-as-long-as-possible)

He said that people getting the virus early and becoming immune could be beneficial

Keep your fingers crossed you get the mild form Tim.

[Aqualung]

Wetherspoons boss says UK pubs will stay open as long as possible (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/mar/20/coronavirus-wetherspoons-boss-says-uk-pubs-will-stay-open-as-long-as-possible)

He said that people getting the virus early and becoming immune could be beneficial

Keep your fingers crossed you get the mild form Tim.

His views aren't very helpful. The idea is to prevent the NHS becoming more overwhelmed than it already is. He's obviously forgetting that the majority of his weekday day trade comes from retired people, especially away from city centres.

[hondo]

"Wetherspoons workers have been urged by the company’s owner"
https://metro.co.uk/2020/03/24/wetherspoons-boss-urges-staff-get-jobs-tesco-warns-pay-delays-coronavirus-crisis-12447096/

[NickDavies]

A shareholder revolt can't be far off if he carries on like this. They hate reputational damage.

JD Wetherspoon refuses to pay suppliers until lockdown ends (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/mar/25/jd-wetherspoon-refuses-pay-suppliers-until-uk-coronavirus-lockdown-ends)

[rpadam]

A shareholder revolt can't be far off if he carries on like this. They hate reputational damage.
Eddie Gershon Reputation Management (https://www.eddiegershon.com/service/reputation-management/) are going to be busy...

[Aqualung]

There was a talk on the news last night with James Hadfield the astronaut about how to survive self isolation. One of the things he said was along the lines of "If everyone around you seems to be behaving like a jerk then take a look at yourself, it could be you that's the jerk".
I wonder if Tim Martin saw this or even Donald Trump.

[RealAleRobUK]

If Tim is being this bad, I wonder how Humphrey is treating his staff?

[hondo]

"been given permission for the scheme in 2018 but expanded the plans to include the building's fourth floor"
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-52105768

[Aqualung]

"been given permission for the scheme in 2018 but expanded the plans to include the building's fourth floor"
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-52105768
I would guess they intend to completely revamp the pub as they also have extra ground floor space. It currently lacks any smoking area. There's an existing hotel next to the Theatre opposite called the Britannia so there will be lots of them around the new Interchange.
The pub is currently a poor outlet for a city with just the five front hand pumps used for genuine guest ales and the two side ones doubled up with the Trio Of Doom, a cider and some football themed dross from the Marston stable. It always seems to be hopelessly short staffed. On the plus side they've had Pale Rider on a couple of times on recent visits.

[oldboots]

... There's an existing hotel next to the Theatre opposite called the Britannia so there will be lots of them around the new Interchange.
...

Stayed there - dump. There looks to be plenty of room in the 'spoons for expansion.

[Aqualung]

Stayed there - dump. There looks to be plenty of room in the 'spoons for expansion.
It looks a dump! I believe that JDW are looking at 90 rooms. There's a Novotel the other side of the Bus Station and most handy of all, a new Premier Inn by the low level station just yards from the Great Western. I can see the Britannia folding.

[Pangolin]

That would be one of the Britannia Hotels currently getting lots of stick for sacking and evicting all their staff without notice immediately following lockdown. It is suggested that they make (made) most of their money from local authority contracts for homeless families and asylum seekers.

[rpadam]

It looks a dump!
I've stayed there too, and once was enough!

[Al Bundy]

A new Wetherspoons to open here (Heswall)...2353

[hondo]

https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2020/06/17/Wetherspoons-Elihu-Yale-pub-name-linked-to-slave-trade

[NickDavies]

Wetherspoon pub closed by managers after drinkers flout social distancing and threaten staff

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/wetherspoon-pub-closed-managers-after-18557162

Par for the course. Stratford has a surprisingly high infection rate, seems some are trying to make it worse.

[trainman]

Anyone heard of the 'neverspoons' app, which supposedly finds a decent independent near to your wetherspoons? Just had a msg from pal in Beeston saying it worked. Mind you, not hard to find excellent pubs in Beeston...

This is what I found online, not tried it:
https://neverspoons.app/

[oldboots]

Anyone heard of the 'neverspoons' app, which supposedly finds a decent independent near to your wetherspoons? Just had a msg from pal in Beeston saying it worked. Mind you, not hard to find excellent pubs in Beeston...

This is what I found online, not tried it:
https://neverspoons.app/

It's the one for those people who said they would boycott 'spoons in future even though they never used 'spoons in the past. Probably a bit too common for them; full of the lower orders and old codgers.

[Tris39]

It's the one for those people who said they would boycott 'spoons in future even though they never used 'spoons in the past. Probably a bit too common for them; full of the lower orders and old codgers.

...or a drain on cash which could be better spent propping up real pubs.:o

[hondo]

https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2020/07/14/JD-Wetherspoon-response-to-lower-beer-prices-criticism

[Pangolin]

Trouble at Swindon!

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/huge-brawl-erupts-wetherspoons-beer-22376121

[oldboots]

My Wetherspoons App suggests to me there is a shortage of Greene King beers and Doombar in Timbo's outlets, should I worry? Lasr weeek it was guest beers. :eek:

[Mobyduck]

My Wetherspoons App suggests to me there is a shortage of Greene King beers and Doombar in Timbo's outlets, should I worry? Lasr weeek it was guest beers. :eek:

I don't have a Wetherspoons App and very unlikely to ever want one. :whistle:

[oldboots]

I don't have a Wetherspoons App and very unlikely to ever want one. :whistle:

You may be lucky where you live and drink, the North is a different country and Scotland even more so. (Basingstoke excepted)

[rpadam]

"Wetherspoons workers have been urged by the company’s owner"
https://metro.co.uk/2020/03/24/wetherspoons-boss-urges-staff-get-jobs-tesco-warns-pay-delays-coronavirus-crisis-12447096/
If you haven't been into a 'spoons since the lockdown was eased, the Summer 2020 version of Wetherspoon News contains some very robust responses about what was said (or not said) by Timbo back in March and how it was (mis)reported in the national newspapers - some of which have since apologised, at least in part - and by several politicians.

[NickDavies]

If you haven't been into a 'spoons since the lockdown was eased, the Summer 2020 version of Wetherspoon News contains some very robust responses about what was said (or not said) by Timbo back in March and how it was (mis)reported in the national newspapers - some of which have since apologised, at least in part - and by several politicians.

He can say whatever he wants, burnt his boats with me long ago.

[NickDavies]

Fears overcrowding in Wetherspoon pubs may lead to Covid spike

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/16/fears-overcrowding-in-wetherspoon-pubs-may-lead-to-covid-19-spike

Wetherspoons pubs in virus tracking failure despite Covid-19 hotspot fears

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/wetherspoons-staff-fail-record-drinkers-22491519

[Al Bundy]

Lime Kiln, Liverpool, had only 5 of the 10 handpulls working. On them you could choose from, Big Bog Quagmire 6%, Wobbly Bob 6%, Peerless Full Whack 6%, Wychwood King Goblin 6.6(?)% and Abbott whatever. All for £1.79. EvEry oNe of theM wAs, I ThinK, niCe. Hic!

[Pubsignman]

Lime Kiln, Liverpool, had only 5 of the 10 handpulls working. On them you could choose from, Big Bog Quagmire 6%, Wobbly Bob 6%, Peerless Full Whack 6%, Wychwood King Goblin 6.6(?)% and Abbott whatever. All for £1.79. EvEry oNe of theM wAs, I ThinK, niCe. Hic!

Quick - someone notify Custodian42!!

[Tris39]

Lime Kiln, Liverpool, had only 5 of the 10 handpulls working. On them you could choose from, Big Bog Quagmire 6%, Wobbly Bob 6%, Peerless Full Whack 6%, Wychwood King Goblin 6.6(?)% and Abbott whatever. All for £1.79. EvEry oNe of theM wAs, I ThinK, niCe. Hic!

Now that's what I call a pub with six appeal!


Quick - someone notify Custodian42!!

:D

[oldboots]

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

[ETA]

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

I note that you can't see Daily Mash stuff without either disabling your ad blocker or paying for theirs :(

[sheffield hatter]

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/24/wetherspoons-sales-fall-as-pub-chain-says-covid-will-push-it-to-loss

[NickDavies]

'No risk' at Wetherspoons as 66 staff test positive

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54144130

Which is little more than the general prevalance of the disease at the moment.

[Mobyduck]

'No risk' at Wetherspoons as 66 staff test positive

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54144130

Which is little more than the general prevalance of the disease at the moment.

More media pub kicking, it's only 0.15 % of their total workforce.

[NickDavies]

Pub chain JD Wetherspoon reveals first loss since 1984

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54566137

Hardly surprising

[NickDavies]

Wetherspoon's offers 99p pints in run-up to England lockdown



https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/nov/02/wetherspoons-offers-99p-pints-england-lockdown-pub-prices

[oldboots]

https://mailchi.mp/2e3cbe6df041/breakingnews-223730?e=cade24c58e

[Pangolin]

Tim cashing in while he has the chance:

https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-9011447/Wetherspoons-boss-Tim-Martin-sells-5m-worth-shares.html

[Tris39]

From the *u*: Three Pints and You're Out! (https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/13360339/wetherspoons-drinkers-three-pint-rule-pub/)

[Tris39]

More from Timbo. (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/wetherspoons-poised-to-snap-up-ailing-rival-pubs-at-cheap-prices-after-raising-over-93m-in-fresh-investor-cash-but-boozers-set-to-stay-shut-until-march/ar-BB1cVGug?ocid=msedgdhp)

[Tris39]

And of course more! (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/feb/15/wetherspoons-chief-calls-for-pubs-to-reopen-at-same-time-as-non-essential-shops?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other)

[hondo]

"to open beer gardens, roof top gardens and patios at 394 of its pubs"
https://www.standard.co.uk/business/leisure-retail/jd-wetherspoon-plans-open-hundreds-beer-gardens-april-12-b922074.html

[trainman]

I'm amazed that over half the chain have outdoor space at all, never mind sufficient space to make opening financially viable.

[ROBCamra]

I'm amazed that over half the chain have outdoor space at all, never mind sufficient space to make opening financially viable.

The Regal Moon in The Dale has a pretty smart beer garden to the rear and are allowed to have an outside area at the front until 8 p.m. Two for One.:cheers:

[Mobyduck]

"to open beer gardens, roof top gardens and patios at 394 of its pubs"
https://www.standard.co.uk/business/leisure-retail/jd-wetherspoon-plans-open-hundreds-beer-gardens-april-12-b922074.html

My local Spoons is on the open list, however I shall be finding a proper pub to go to instead.

[Tris39]

My local Spoons is on the open list, however I shall be finding a proper pub to go to instead.

Ditto.

[NickDavies]

Ditto.

Double ditto. But I have a sort of grim fascination to find out how long from arrival, being assigned a cleared table and to ordering and then being served a pint of beer takes.

[ROBCamra]

Double ditto. But I have a sort of grim fascination to find out how long from arrival, being assigned a cleared table and to ordering and then being served a pint of beer takes.

Especially if you don't have the app as your phone doesn't support it. :mad:

[Tris39]

But I have a sort of grim fascination to find out how long from arrival, being assigned a cleared table...

You mean there are 'spoons with cleared tables? And there are the huge branches where it takes 20 minutes to change the barrels, which met my experience at The Coronet (JD Wetherspoon) (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/25495/).


Especially if you don't have the app as your phone doesn't support it. :mad:

I'm now fully contactless for payment and from now on will always be, but I'll be avoiding any pub which inflicts the soullessness of the 'app' on customers.

[rpadam]

I won't take any cheap shots at Wetherspoon - all the ones I visited between the various lockdowns were as well run as anywhere else (i.e. variable) and I managed to find a good beer in most.

Of course, they are no substitute for a traditional urban, suburban or rural pub, but they serve their purpose well enough in my experience.

I will happily visit them as soon as I can if they are the best option in the area.

[Tris39]

'spoons have bathrooms? (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/mar/19/wetherspoons-hit-by-68m-loss-as-boss-hits-out-at-covid-controls?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other)

[rpadam]

'spoons have bathrooms? (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/mar/19/wetherspoons-hit-by-68m-loss-as-boss-hits-out-at-covid-controls?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other)
Well, they have the highest number of award-winning toilets of any company in any industry I think?

[hondo]

https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2021/03/30/How-much-is-JD-Wetherspoon-going-to-spend-on-new-pubs

[Tris39]

Well, they have the highest number of award-winning toilets of any company in any industry I think?

Great news! But what awards have they garnered for their baths?;)


https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2021/03/30/How-much-is-JD-Wetherspoon-going-to-spend-on-new-pubs

Why are they closing at 22.00? :confused: No curfiew restrictions cited here. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52977388)

[NickDavies]

[QUOTE=Tris39;115363

Why are they closing at 22.00? :confused: No curfiew restrictions cited here. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52977388)[/QUOTE]

Nights are seldom warm and dry in April. If you really must sit in a pub garden at 10pm you're asking someone, a badly paid someone, to cheerfully serve you without catching their death. I think closing at 10, or earlier if it's sheeting down, is fair enough

[rpadam]

https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2021/03/30/How-much-is-JD-Wetherspoon-going-to-spend-on-new-pubs
More details of locations from Sky News: COVID-19: Wetherspoons plans to open 18 new pubs but warns over 'constant changing of rules' (https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-wetherspoons-plans-to-open-18-new-pubs-but-warns-over-constant-changing-of-rules-12260632).

[Tris39]

Nights are seldom warm and dry in April. If you really must sit in a pub garden at 10pm you're asking someone, a badly paid someone, to cheerfully serve you without catching their death. I think closing at 10, or earlier if it's sheeting down, is fair enough

But it's far colder in early November and the pubs were closing at 22.00 last year. The government imposed this to restrict alcohol consumption, not of course that people would just drink faster. If Timbo wants to close at 22.00, he'll lose custom to other pubs - his loss, not that it'll affect me. And last night it was incredibly hot here, parks overflowing late into the night with drinkers wearing T-shirts and shorts, me desperately regretting having gone out with a jacket on.:(

[NickDavies]

But it's far colder in early November and the pubs were closing at 22.00 last year. (

You could sit inside in November.

[Tris39]

You could sit inside in November.

True. But most probably wouldn't want to sit outside. That said, it's nothing like as warm today.:(

[london calling]

Great news! But what awards have they garnered for their baths?;)



Why are they closing at 22.00? :confused: No curfiew restrictions cited here. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52977388)
The 4 nearest Wetherspoons to me in London always have to close the outside space at 10.00 .Its part of their licence due to noise so the garden part is only licenced till 10.00

[Tris39]

The 4 nearest Wetherspoons to me in London always have to close the outside space at 10.00 .Its part of their licence due to noise so the garden part is only licenced till 10.00

Quite right. I suppose I am failing to adjust to re-opening. :muppet: Of course many outdoor venues will have to close earlier than the pub, which is going to be a pain.

[NickDavies]

Wetherspoon’s to reopen dozens more pubs as lockdown eases (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/apr/21/wetherspoons-to-reopen-dozens-more-pubs-as-lockdown-eases)

"Chain to reopen 44 sites in England, 60 in Scotland and 32 in Wales on 26 April, and three in Northern Ireland on 30 April"

[Mobyduck]

Wetherspoon’s to reopen dozens more pubs as lockdown eases (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/apr/21/wetherspoons-to-reopen-dozens-more-pubs-as-lockdown-eases)

"Chain to reopen 44 sites in England, 60 in Scotland and 32 in Wales on 26 April, and three in Northern Ireland on 30 April"

Still not tempted. :D

[Tris39]

Still not tempted. :D

:D:D

[hondo]

bloody foreigners coming ov.. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57314682

[hondo]

https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/best-in-leeds/restaurants-bars/gallery/look-inside-headingleys-huge-new-20767359

[Spinko]

https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/best-in-leeds/restaurants-bars/gallery/look-inside-headingleys-huge-new-20767359

That ends the longest stretch of no pubs on the Otley Run!

[Mobyduck]

https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/best-in-leeds/restaurants-bars/gallery/look-inside-headingleys-huge-new-20767359

Looks like a canteen.

[NickDavies]

Looks like a canteen.

And all high chairs. Wheelchair users left staring at table legs. And a fiver says the bogs are a staircase away. Sigh.

[rpadam]

And all high chairs. Wheelchair users left staring at table legs. And a fiver says the bogs are a staircase away. Sigh.
Looks like there are a mix of table types (not all high), and I won't pre-judge the toilets until I visit.

[Tris39]

Looks like a canteen.

I thought this was often the 'spoons model?

[Mobyduck]

I thought this was often the 'spoons model?

Yes, I'm engaging in sarcasm. :whistle:

[aleandhearty]

https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/best-in-leeds/restaurants-bars/gallery/look-inside-headingleys-huge-new-20767359

The building was starting to look very sad when I used to drive past, the graffiti alone was horrendous. I'm no fan of 'spoons but they have certainly given the old girl some of her dignity back. Hard to work out what they've spent £4million on, though.


That ends the longest stretch of no pubs on the Otley Run!

I read somewhere (Evening Post?) that Otley runners won't be allowed in. Easy enough if they're wearing fancy dress, otherwise, good luck policing that one!


Looks like a canteen.

A manager (possibly rattled) from a nearby bar described it as 'an airport lounge'.

I think it's going to make an absolute mint. On the edge of studentland, plus a few minutes walk away from the rugby and cricket grounds.

[sheffield hatter]

....a few minutes walk away from the rugby and cricket grounds.

I used to go to Arcadia or the Cardigan Arms - occasionally both - before Leeds Rhinos games back in pre-history. I think I'll still be maintaining my 'Spoons boycott when normal service is resumed.

[aleandhearty]

I used to go to Arcadia or the Cardigan Arms - occasionally both - before Leeds Rhinos games back in pre-history. I think I'll still be maintaining my 'Spoons boycott when normal service is resumed.

I'd expect no less, but not everyone is as discerning as you, Will. :D

[Tris39]

A manager (possibly rattled) from a nearby bar described it as 'an airport lounge'.

Aren't all their non-purpose built branches?

[london calling]

Some Spoons love from me as I had in the Red Lion and Pineapple last night 3 superb pints of Oakham -eclipse,green devil and black magic porter for £6.45.
great staff and quick service.Tim gets a gold star from me.

[bcfczuluarmy]

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/new-wetherspoons-gloucester-road-approved-5595840 They have hung it out but I'll have a Spoons at the bottom of my road at some point. Good I think as cheap pub is now charging £4.40 when it used to be about £3.40 pre covid and I will save about 200m of walking.

[Quinno]

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/new-wetherspoons-gloucester-road-approved-5595840 They have hung it out but I'll have a Spoons at the bottom of my road at some point. Good I think as cheap pub is now charging £4.40 when it used to be about £3.40 pre covid and I will save about 200m of walking.

Objecting - all the Guardianistas and Trustafarians that infest Brizzle these days. So I'm happy :D

[hondo]

https://www.radiotimes.com/tv-programme/nwgjhh/wetherspoons-how-do-they-do-it/

[bcfczuluarmy]

Objecting - all the Guardianistas and Trustafarians that infest Brizzle these days. So I'm happy :D

It does mean my dad will come to visit me to tick off the spoons list. Well I'll direct him to the bus stop up the road to get the 73 back to Parkway once we've had a pint.

[ROBCamra]

https://www.radiotimes.com/tv-programme/nwgjhh/wetherspoons-how-do-they-do-it/

The roof at https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/55842/ The Waterhouse in Manchester collapsed last night having been featured on this (fairly useless) TV show.

[rpadam]

From the Mirror: New Wetherspoons rules from July 19 - including queues at bar again and £2 pints (https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/new-wetherspoons-rules-july-19-24541028).

[rpadam]

And a question here: Stick or Twist, Leeds (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?35010-Stick-or-Twist-Leeds).

[hondo]

i would go new listing and say in the review section built on the site of earlier pub

[rpadam]

More from the Bristol cable: Gloucester Road Wetherspoons: a chain changing Bristol’s fiercely independent high street (https://thebristolcable.org/2021/07/gloucester-road-wetherspoons-a-chain-changing-the-bristols-fiercely-independent-high-street/).

[rpadam]

And a question here: Stick or Twist, Leeds (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?35010-Stick-or-Twist-Leeds).
Please see here: Re Stick Or Twist (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?35011-Re-Stick-Or-Twist).

[Tris39]

And a question here: Stick or Twist, Leeds (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?35010-Stick-or-Twist-Leeds).

Past precedents:

The Gun (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/25324/) and The Gun (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/87332/)

Top O'The Morning (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/25114/) and The Italian Job (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/88958/) (the new pub has a slight address change, but the development encompasses the old pub's site.

[rpadam]

News from Grays: Wetherspoon gets permission to convert State Cinema into pub (https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/19453072.wetherspoon-gets-permission-convert-state-cinema-pub/).

[rpadam]

News from Grays: Wetherspoon gets permission to convert State Cinema into pub (https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/19453072.wetherspoon-gets-permission-convert-state-cinema-pub/).
On the other hand (from the Propel hospitality industry newsletter)...


"JD Wetherspoon is set to place an eight-strong package of pubs on the market, Propel has learned. Propel understands Wetherspoon will place the package of pubs, which comprises six freehold and two long leasehold sites, on the market this week. The pubs are

The St Georges Hall in Redfield, Bristol (freehold);
Chapel an Gansblydhen in Bodmin, Cornwall (freehold);
The Drum in Leyton (freehold);
The Bell in Aylesbury (freehold);
North & South Wales Bank in Wrexham (freehold);
Sir Daniel Arms in Swindon (long leasehold);
Postal Order in Worcester (freehold); and
the Robert Peel in Bury (long leasehold)."

[NickDavies]

News from Grays: Wetherspoon gets permission to convert State Cinema into pub (https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/19453072.wetherspoon-gets-permission-convert-state-cinema-pub/).

The BTL comments are always worth a look. I can't decide if whoever put "Another classy establishment. Well done everyone" was being ironic.

[rpadam]

"JD Wetherspoon is set to place an eight-strong package of pubs on the market"
However, the Morning Advertiser today is only listing seven, so this one may be retained?

The St Georges Hall in Redfield, Bristol (freehold)

[Blackthorn]

However, the Morning Advertiser today is only listing seven, so this one may be retained?

The St Georges Hall in Redfield, Bristol (freehold)


Already found a buyer according to reports in the local press - https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink/wetherspoon-accepts-offer-buy-bristol-5406073

[rpadam]

The favourite topic in LeedsLive at the moment:

See inside Leeds' newest Wetherspoons Stick or Twist (https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/news/leeds-news/gallery/see-inside-leeds-newest-wetherspoons-21099682)
We tried the breakfast at Leeds' new Wetherspoons Stick or Twist - and it was really impressive (https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/news/leeds-news/tried-breakfast-leeds-new-wetherspoons-21098727)
We asked Wetherspoons punters in Leeds what they thought of Stick or Twist - this is what they said (https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/best-in-leeds/restaurants-bars/asked-wetherspoons-punters-leeds-what-21101106)

[rpadam]

In Newbury: Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin criticises Boris Johnson’s ‘pillar-to-post’ handling of the pandemic (https://www.newburytoday.co.uk/news/wetherspoons-chairmans-view-on-the-pandemic-9208324/).

[Tris39]

In Newbury: Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin criticises Boris Johnson’s ‘pillar-to-post’ handling of the pandemic (https://www.newburytoday.co.uk/news/wetherspoons-chairmans-view-on-the-pandemic-9208324/).

£1.69 a pint - I haven't paid that in London since 1993!