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Conrad
01-12-2009, 10:37
Wetherspoon to create 10,000 jobs in 250 new pubs (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8387862.stm)

Hopefully will be new pubs rather than refurbished ones, good to see a pub bucking the trend though, and Arkrite often had good things to say about the service he received.

hopwas
01-12-2009, 10:46
Saw it on Teletext this morning. Great news as I am huge fan of Wetherspoon (Purely for Real Ales and affordable)

Reminds me I must go to Derby as soon as possible and visit this new Wetherspoon which I just found out yesterday.. http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/67840/

Soup Dragon
01-12-2009, 11:43
Wetherspoon to create 10,000 jobs in 250 new pubs (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8387862.stm)

Hopefully will be new pubs rather than refurbished ones, good to see a pub bucking the trend though, and Arkrite often had good things to say about the service he received.

Knowing spoons, each job will be a 1-hour contract per week, so still only 2 people on at any one time:moremad:

Farway
01-12-2009, 13:52
I saw the news as well, in fact Conrad beat me to it by posting

I always used to dislike the 'spoons pubs, large noisy caverns as far as my experiences, however the refurb of Mucky Duck [aka White Swan] in Pompey changed my views

Good luck to them

On similar sort of note, heresy to pub trade from boss of Coors, he reckons some pubs fail because publicans do what they want & not what customer wants, and some rants ratings on PG would seem to bear this out

"The more diplomatic say establishments fail because they do not meet customer needs.

Others less subtly argue it is because they are "just crap". "
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8162943.stm

Bit off message, surely should be blaming, tax, parking, supermarkets etc? :D

Oggwyn Trench
01-12-2009, 20:30
I dont mind a spoons , its just for every good one there are 3 bad ones , the one in Telford is like a well furnished canteen and your lucky if they have 3 real ales on , not the normal 6-8 you get in the Shrewsbury ones .

PaulOfHorsham
01-12-2009, 20:57
3? 3? That's a real ale mecca! The reason I enquired of Conrad (or it may have been Dave) when we'd be able to post multiple reviews was to slate the Lynd Cross (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/57013/) in Horsham - frequently offers just 2 - one from the usual dreary range, the other from W.J. King (http://www.kingfamilybrewers.co.uk/homepage.htm). Not that you'd know it from a trip down the bar - in a beery kind of "here's what you could have had", all the clips are lined up facing the disappointed / pi$$ed off punter.

Mind you, I did make it in one day during the recent Beer Fest, and there were 6 or more on offer. Not a place I could recommend, all in all.

Conrad
02-12-2009, 11:37
Have to admit I am not a great fan of the 2 Wetherspoons I have used in Bristol - The Berkeley (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/252/) and The Knights Templar (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54711/). That said I am happy enough to go into either, and The Knights is handy when meeting people at the train station.

Also infinitely better than some of the other chains, at least they have some personality unlike the Pitcher & Piano, which seems to be a favourite after work haunt for many in the center of Bristol.

hopwas
02-12-2009, 11:37
I dont mind a spoons , its just for every good one there are 3 bad ones , the one in Telford is like a well furnished canteen and your lucky if they have 3 real ales on , not the normal 6-8 you get in the Shrewsbury ones .

Babington Arms in Derby regularly sells 8 or more. Proving they are more popular than much bigger Standing Order (More for eating than drinking)

My own local wetherspoons (Silk Kite and The Bolebridge) often sells 6 to 8 and Iam more than happy as long it is quality and drinkable ;)

On off days, wetherspoon may forced to sell just one or two real ales as it happened to my local wetherspoon few times.

I guess Wetherspoons cant please everyone 24/7..

Dave M
02-12-2009, 16:04
Have to admit I am not a great fan of the 2 3 Wetherspoons I have used in Bristol - The Commercial Rooms (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/205/),
The Berkeley (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/252/) and The Knights Templar (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54711/).

Corrected that for you. ;)

Knights Templar gets my vote out of the Bristol ones, although didn't have a good experience last time I was there. Beer is usually good though.

Conrad
02-12-2009, 16:23
Corrected that for you. ;)

Knights Templar gets my vote out of the Bristol ones, although didn't have a good experience last time I was there. Beer is usually good though.
If anything that downgrades my opinion of Wetherspoons, even if The Commercial Rooms was the first pub I visited as a married man.

Soup Dragon
02-12-2009, 16:33
A bit rough on the wife, stopping off on your way to your reception, mate:p

Please dont tell me you went out on your wedding night?
:muppet::muppet::muppet:

Conrad
02-12-2009, 16:39
It is next door to the Registry office, so I will let you guess how long it took me to get there.

I am sure there are some in-law jokes to be made here, but I shall refrain.

Soup Dragon
02-12-2009, 16:41
It is next door to the Registry office, so I will let you guess how long it took me to get there.



I take it your wife to be was late, and you were looking for her?:D

Dave M
02-12-2009, 16:49
Please dont tell me you went out on your wedding night?


No of course he didn't - some things are just more important than pubs. Bristol City were at home to Wolves that evening. :rolleyes:


I am sure there are some in-law jokes to be made here, but I shall refrain.

Good, those are probably best left to your wife. ;)

Conrad
02-12-2009, 16:50
I take it your wife to be was late, and you were looking for her?:D
No oddly, only my mother turned up late for the wedding :rolleyes:, no surprise to anyone who knows her.

We then strolled to a local'ish venue for the reception, but stopped for a few pints on the way and needed somewhere small person friendly (another reason to hate Wetherspoons).

Conrad
02-12-2009, 16:52
No of course he didn't - some things are just more important than pubs. Bristol City were at home to Wolves that evening. :rolleyes:


Another bl**dy draw :moremad:, thank gods for all the guests distracting me from the TV.

Soup Dragon
02-12-2009, 16:53
Bristol City were at home to Wolves that evening. :rolleyes:


so at least somebody scored by the end of the night:rolleyes:

hopwas
02-12-2009, 19:17
Hey Conrad..

I was using Google street view to have a look at The Commerical Rooms in Bristol and I came across smallish pub called The John Cabot. Looks closed to me.

Whatever happened to it?

Dave M
02-12-2009, 19:46
I was using Google street view to have a look at The Commerical Rooms in Bristol and I came across smallish pub called The John Cabot. Looks closed to me.

Whatever happened to it?

Ah yes, it was the John Cabot for about a year, then closed for ages. I only went there once, during an England v West Indies Test Match - I asked if they could put it on one of the numerous screen - they refused - I went over the road to Walkabout. I wonder why they didn't last!!

I have a feeling the venue has now reopened and is called bsb, which is really unhelpful because there is another totally unrelated bsb less than a quarter of a mile away. I shall have to go and check that on my way to the office tomorrow.

Dave M
03-12-2009, 15:23
Well got that one sorted now, renamed it to BSB (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54427/) and added a new photo. Probably should've dealt with that before given I pass it fairly often! ;)


Thanks for the nudge on that one!!

hopwas
03-12-2009, 15:26
Thanks for the nudge on that one!!

No problem fella! :glass:

Off to Google street view to search for 'forgetten' pubs in Bristol.. :D

Conrad
03-12-2009, 15:32
Yeah me and Dave have been perusing the Google street view correcting various bits of Bristol trying to get the map points all correct. Been some amusing ones where we have just found the husks of buildings left.

aleandhearty
16-12-2010, 13:38
Whilst trying to find out a little more about the planned opening of a new JDW in Ossett, I came upon this article:

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/businessnews/Wetherspoon-cheered-by-region39s-love.6613624.jp

Seems Timbo is rather impressed with ale loving Tykes, as he plans to open 17 more venues in Yorkshire in the next twelve months. :eek:

"Yorkshire is a key target area for the company, which has identified sites in Ripon, Wakefield, Whitby, Driffield, Beverley, Scarborough, Pudsey, Mirfield, York, Morley, Horsforth, Halifax, Selby, Northallerton, Thorne, Ossett and Chapel Allerton"

That's me and 'oldboots' sorted anyway!

oldboots
17-12-2010, 10:37
That's me and 'oldboots' sorted anyway!

I rarely use them, the Harrogate one's (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/55421/) ok but the Thirsk (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/29810/) one often has deeply unpleasant punters. Anyway with the One Eyed Rat (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/29388/) :notworthy: in Ripon why would I bother? I worry about a number of down market pubs in Ripon that will have their legs cut off by the 'spoons when (if) it opens - we're now at about 8 months since the Unicorn closed and no sign of any work being carried out by JDW. The one in Otley took months to open as well and that's being outdone in the quality ale stakes by the Old Cock (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/71313/) by all accounts. York? the competition is very, very good and there's lots of it. Northallerton has a Market Town Tavern (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/55943/) but otherwise is as poor pubwise as Thirsk so a JDW might be a worthwhile addition.

A&H: If you fancy a trip to Otley some time it's supposed to be a very good town for a crawl now, just a bit difficult to get to (bus from Bradford or the Airport?).

runningdog
17-12-2010, 18:34
It probably comes as no surprise that I'm a Wetherspoon fan. Yeah, there are some crap pubs among them, but then, with 800 or so to choose from what do you expect, universal perfection? If so, then there is no doubt about it, you will be disappointed.
One thing I've noticed is that many complainants citing a good real ale pub nearby. Which, of course, is great if you have one within reach, some of us don't and for us, well, me anyway, the local JDW is the only port on the coast. My experience is that smaller towns, away from the commuter routes, have the worst town pubs and, sometimes, the best Wetherspoon outlets.
Near to me, if you don't want to always be drinking Ringwood or Badger, then JDW is the only name in town..........:drinkup::drinkup::drinkup:

aleandhearty
18-12-2010, 16:44
I rarely use them....

A&H: If you fancy a trip to Otley some time it's supposed to be a very good town for a crawl now, just a bit difficult to get to (bus from Bradford or the Airport?).

Oh, 'ob' I thought you knew me better than that! We need an emoticon for heavy sarcasm.

I'd love a jaunt round Otley at some stage. As you say not the easiest place to get to since the 'Beeching Axe', but not quite as grim as I thought. Train to Menston, then 967 to Otley. Alternatively, the X84 service from Leeds.

oldboots
18-12-2010, 19:45
Oh, 'ob' I thought you knew me better than that! We need an emoticon for heavy sarcasm.

Being a miserable old git I don't do subtle (as you may have noticed:whistle:)



I'd love a jaunt round Otley at some stage. As you say not the easiest place to get to since the 'Beeching Axe', but not quite as grim as I thought. Train to Menston, then 967 to Otley. Alternatively, the X84 service from Leeds.

I was thinking about the Wednesday after Xmas, after the bank holidays and before the horrors of NYE, depends on the weather of course. PM me if you think it's a goer.

aleandhearty
19-12-2010, 13:26
I was thinking about the Wednesday after Xmas, after the bank holidays and before the horrors of NYE, depends on the weather of course. PM me if you think it's a goer.

Sorry, 'ob'. I already know it's a non-starter. Have family descending Tue-Fri. Will take a raincheck.

hondo
15-03-2011, 08:44
http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/article/90031

Farway
15-03-2011, 14:03
http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/article/90031

They're 'avin' a larf surely

Crossste
17-03-2011, 09:10
Unfortunately it looks like Tim and his gang have had to pull out of this venture in Shaw, nr Oldham. Shame really Shaw could do with some descent non J.W.Lees real ale.

http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/8/news/53185/shaw-still-a-target-for-wetherspoons-chain
http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/8/news/54005/sykes-backs-pub-bid

oldboots
17-03-2011, 09:22
Unfortunately it looks like Tim and his gang have had to pull out of this venture in Shaw, nr Oldham. Shame really Shaw could do with some descent non J.W.Lees real ale.

http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/8/news/53185/shaw-still-a-target-for-wetherspoons-chain
http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/8/news/54005/sykes-backs-pub-bid

Oldham is notorious for anti-drink / neo-pro behaviour so it's not very surprising.

ROBCamra
17-03-2011, 09:58
Oldham is notorious for anti-drink / neo-pro behaviour so it's not very surprising.

It also has a rep for being one of the most drunk fuelled town centres around.

The more you crack down the worse it becomes? :confused:

Farway
17-03-2011, 14:36
It also has a rep for being one of the most drunk fuelled town centres around.

Have to hang my head in shame here, unfortunately my Northern nieces contribute to this reputation :(

oldboots
19-03-2011, 18:28
We've all seen the "coming soon" flashes on JDW pub clips, now they're putting them on whole pubs520

Wittenden
19-03-2011, 20:06
We've all seen the "coming soon" flashes on JDW pub clips, now they're putting them on whole pubs520

Interesting "shop front"-looks like a micropub!

Oggwyn Trench
19-03-2011, 21:37
We are getting a new JDW around here , the former B wise shop in Wellington is to be converted this summer , not the Charlton Arms Hotel as was rumoured , it is now going to be luxury flats :mad:

Spinko
20-03-2011, 08:28
"Luxury flats" probably means some poky shoebox that someone will spend £200k on for 75% ownership, expecting a "foot on the housing ladder" only to find he'll probably never afford anything bigger! :D

oldboots
20-03-2011, 08:59
Interesting "shop front"-looks like a micropub!

Not when you see the big picture (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubpictures/29395/) :D

It will be a Wetherlodge and the latest opening date is 19th April.

Andy Ven
22-03-2011, 20:31
My local rag tonight reports that Martha's Vineyard in Walsall town centre http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/38892/, which closed suddenly last week, is to be given a £1.3 million and transformed into a specialist real ale pub after being bought by JD Wetherspoon. The move was encouraged by the success of the JDW Imperial just around the corner.

Given JD's already sell real ale, does anyone know if this move represents a new JDW brand?

RogerB
23-03-2011, 11:37
I have long thought there is a market for 'Spoons to open pubs dedicated purely to Real Ales, preferably in smaller, more intimate premises than the usual converted carpet warehouses. Cheap prices, good selections and no morons. I feel a Dear Tim letter coming on.

aleandhearty
23-03-2011, 14:26
I have long thought there is a market for 'Spoons to open pubs dedicated purely to Real Ales, preferably in smaller, more intimate premises than the usual converted carpet warehouses. Cheap prices, good selections and no morons. I feel a Dear Tim letter coming on.

Seconded, in principle. However, I'd be concerned how this particular variant would impact on the better real ale pubs.

Farway
23-03-2011, 15:27
My local rag tonight reports that Martha's Vineyard in Walsall town centre http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/38892/, which closed suddenly last week, is to be given a £1.3 million and transformed into a specialist real ale pub after being bought by JD Wetherspoon. The move was encouraged by the success of the JDW Imperial just around the corner.

Given JD's already sell real ale, does anyone know if this move represents a new JDW brand?

I do not know, but my guess is a bit of hype by JDW & reporter just printing the press release given to them by JDW

In Portsmouth, Landport area there are at least 3 JDWs to my knowledge, all within easy 5 minutes walking distance of each other, I suspect JDW just goes where the likely customers are

Spinko
23-03-2011, 19:12
Seconded, in principle. However, I'd be concerned how this particular variant would impact on the better real ale pubs.

Surely if they were better it wouldn't impact on them?

hondo
24-03-2011, 10:20
http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/article/90123

Alesonly
24-03-2011, 10:56
http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/article/90123

They all seem too be alco pops. If I drank this one ( Hendrick’s, tonic and cucumber ) I would chunder Cucumber has that effect on me.

aleandhearty
25-03-2011, 15:24
Surely if they were better it wouldn't impact on them?

I suspect you're being playfully facetious here, but there's always a battle between price and quality. If Timbo has venues only serving real ale (at a decent temperature!), at the regular JDW discounted price, then they're bound to steal a percentage of the quality led market. In today's climate, that lost percentage might be the difference between staying in the black, or going in the red, for even the best run places.

Evil Gazebo
25-03-2011, 21:10
I have long thought there is a market for 'Spoons to open pubs dedicated purely to Real Ales, preferably in smaller, more intimate premises than the usual converted carpet warehouses. Cheap prices, good selections and no morons. I feel a Dear Tim letter coming on.

I've long been under the impression that the "moron" market was Tim Martin's target
demographic.

Seriously though, the idea of smaller Wetherspoons does sound alarmingly like a sort of Tesco Metro of the pub world, laying waste to independent businesses (pubs in this case) as it goes.

I speak as someone with a pathological aversion to Wetherspoons, obviously.

Conrad
26-03-2011, 10:55
I'm guessing that it will come as no surprise that I am a +1 on Evil Gazebo's comment.

Alesonly
26-03-2011, 12:53
Whilst I don't mind going in the Wetherspoons now and then like the Gatehouse http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/25474/ and the Tally Ho http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/25591/ for instance as they were traditional Charrington Pubs at one time. But I do hate those large large places that are like drinking in a supermarket like the New Crown at Southgate it was a Sainsburys and it still feels like when drinking in there it is very Dull Dark & Dreary.

Farway
26-03-2011, 14:53
I'm +1 with Alesonly, similar ex pub, White Swan http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/13604/ without Martin buying & refurb it would be still closed as the area is full of moron [aka students & yoof ] binge drinking in the Walkabouts and similar, he also owns the ex gas board premises nearby which is the normal dark & dingy 'spoons

Oggwyn Trench
26-03-2011, 15:03
I dont mind a Spoons , but then again there are not that many round here , only 5 in the whole of Shropshire(soon to be 6) there used to be 7 but the one in Dawley was sold(to much trouble) and the one in Whitchurch never took off .

Although i have to say the Shrewsbury Hotel was responsible for the death of 3 pubs in Mardol(White Hart , Mardol Vaults and Elephant & Castle) all a bit on the rough side , but intresting pubs non the less.

gillhalfpint
26-03-2011, 16:29
I love what they have done with the Black Horse at Northfield Birmingham. It is a spoons with varied areas in a beautiful old black and white pub. Spent a long time doing it up, and made a good job of it. Just want to get the right clientelle supporting it now. Northfield was a real ale desert.

Andy Ven
26-03-2011, 20:22
Yesterday lunchtime I went into Bacchus Bar (Nicholson's) in Birmingham.

Uninspired, I left and went to the JDW Briar Rose. Nothing to float my boat, despite the real ale festival, so I went to the Wellington.

Pint of Black Country Pig on the Wall Mild. That was more like it.

Delboy20
27-03-2011, 17:29
A while back I heard that Wetherspoons had identified and purchased a property in Oldbury for conversion to a new pub.

I know for certain that an application for change of use to a public house has gone in for the public library as a new one has now been completed. http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Oldbury&aq=0&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=10.885322,21.533203&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Oldbury,+West+Midlands,+United+Kingdom&ll=52.504755,-2.015551&spn=0,0.003439&z=18&layer=c&cbll=52.504637,-2.015968&panoid=KIPUgdhe21aosxjMo3I1mg&cbp=12,78.59,,0,0 - It is the old police station and is a listed building.

I am not certain it is them but I can't see it being anyone else !!

As you all know I am a fan of Spoons but it could be interesting to some of you as it is next door to the excellent Waggon and Horses.

hondo
04-04-2011, 08:58
http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/article/90226

aleandhearty
04-04-2011, 14:12
http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/article/90226

A difficult choice. On the one hand it's yet another 'spoons, on the other hand it might protect the good people of Blyth from a return visit of Ant & Dec. On reflection, go for it, Timbo! :D

oldboots
04-04-2011, 16:01
A difficult choice. On the one hand it's yet another 'spoons, on the other hand it might protect the good people of Blyth from a return visit of Ant & Dec. On reflection, go for it, Timbo! :D

You've not been to Blyth then.

aleandhearty
05-04-2011, 10:57
You've not been to Blyth then.

:D Grim, is it?

oldboots
05-04-2011, 18:56
:D Grim, is it?

If the world had piles this is where ... well you know the rest.

It has one GBG listed pub, the description is illuminating.

hondo
15-04-2011, 10:50
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/04/14/uk-wetherspoon-founder-idUKTRE73D2RD20110414

hondo
15-04-2011, 10:54
http://www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk/community/wetherspoon_sets_sights_on_peebles_pub_1_1575095

hondo
15-04-2011, 10:57
http://www.champnews.com/html/newsstory.asp?id=9210

http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/2223387?UserKey=

hondo
02-05-2011, 10:48
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/markets/article-23944387-theres-no-calling-time-on-spoons-mr-cool.do

hondo
02-05-2011, 10:55
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2011/04/30/wetherspoon-invest-1m-in-middlesbrough-bar-84229-28610181/

Farway
26-05-2011, 15:36
Weatherspoons to open in Waterlooville (http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/local/east-hampshire/wetherspoon_set_to_open_in_waterlooville_1_2699739 )

I suspect quickly followed by The Heroes (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/14099/) closing as it is only one shop down from them

Crossste
27-05-2011, 18:01
I went past the White Hart in Todmorden this week which had large banners proclaiming it is to be Spooned by late July, if i read it correctly as i sped past.

Not sure if JDWs are ready for Tod yet.

ROBCamra
27-05-2011, 18:52
I went past the White Hart in Todmorden this week which had large banners proclaiming it is to be Spooned by late July, if i read it correctly as i sped past.

Not sure if JDWs are ready for Tod yet.

Yes it's true, due to open later this year.

If JDW use the consumer model they were using 20 years ago, they'll be about rightfor Tod. ;)

oldboots
29-05-2011, 19:52
From the Morning Advertiser 23rd May

http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/article/90645?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ma-rss-all-news+%28Rss+news+feed+for+Morning+Advertiser%29

hondo
01-06-2011, 09:16
http://www.thisisjersey.com/2011/05/31/j-d-wetherspoon-calls-time-on-waterfront-plans/

hondo
02-06-2011, 14:50
http://www.flintshirechronicle.co.uk/flintshire-news/local-flintshire-news/2011/06/02/jd-wetherspoon-renames-holywell-pub-after-criticism-51352-28804182/

Oggwyn Trench
02-06-2011, 20:10
The new spoons in Wellington is set to be called the Hesba Stretton after a local auther who died in 1911 , she was a devout Methodist and tee-totaler who wrote many articles and books on the evils of the demon drink :eek::confused::D
There is now a local campaign to name it the Duke of Wellington , which was the original building on the site(demolished in the 1960s)

hondo
13-06-2011, 09:27
http://www.tenby-today.co.uk/news.cfm?id=21456&headline=Pub%20giant%E2%80%99s%20offer%20for%20De% 20Valence%20%E2%80%98in%20region%20of%20%C2%A3500, 000%E2%80%99

hondo
20-06-2011, 08:46
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Pub-plan-goes-spotlight/story-12795048-detail/story.html

hondo
21-06-2011, 13:51
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2011/06/21/woman-paralysed-in-fall-from-pub-bannister-72703-28913506/

runningdog
22-06-2011, 08:47
Well, finally, JDW will be opening a pub in Wimborne. The arguments and objections have been long and acrimonious, but the is now done, albeit with some restrictions on opening hours and the need to employ bouncers for a trial period. It's the old Conservative Club, but what they'll call it now I've no idea..........
A lot, if not all, of Wimborne's existing pubs are shaking in their shoes, some of them with good reason.
Bring it on I say..........
Bah, I can't add me little emoticons, any thoughts, Conrad. It's probably just me..........

hondo
23-06-2011, 08:59
Well, finally, JDW will be opening a pub in Wimborne.

http://www.wimbornepeople.co.uk/Pubs-Wimborne/story-12813755-detail/story.html

hondo
30-06-2011, 07:48
going loco in co co

http://www.campaignseries.co.uk/news/latest/9112202.Eyesore_set_become_a_pub/

Crossste
03-07-2011, 08:17
We called in one of JDW latest outlets, the Lister Arms at Ilkley, on our West Yorkshire metro ticket crawl yesterday. It just didn't feel right! Far to posh.

Not full of your usual Spoons clientele, but, little old genteel ladies...................IN HATS! It was like being, I imagine, at a some kind of Women's Institute meeting on Hyacinth Bucket appreciation day.

Well mannered bar staff were acting as waiters/waitress and taking drink over to tables. Tables were being cleared of plates AND wiped down. Whats going on. All very surreal!

It was very reassuring to finish our day in Timbo's outlet on Leeds station where normal service was resumed and we enjoyed our last drink of the day surrounded by the plates and leftover of the sticky tables previous occupants.

Oggwyn Trench
03-07-2011, 12:51
We called in one of JDW latest outlets, the Lister Arms at Ilkley, on our West Yorkshire metro ticket crawl yesterday. It just didn't feel right! Far to posh.

Not full of your usual Spoons clientele, but, little old genteel ladies...................IN HATS! It was like being, I imagine, at a some kind of Women's Institute meeting on Hyacinth Bucket appreciation day.

Well mannered bar staff were acting as waiters/waitress and taking drink over to tables. Tables were being cleared of plates AND wiped down. Whats going on. All very surreal!

It was very reassuring to finish our day in Timbo's outlet on Leeds station where normal service was resumed and we enjoyed our last drink of the day surrounded by the plates and leftover of the sticky tables previous occupants.

In the Shrewsbury Hotel a few weeks ago on a pleasant Saturday afternoon , instead of the usual 3 deep at the bar scrum there were 2 orderly queues to the bar , very strange !

oldboots
12-07-2011, 08:58
JD Wetherspoon (JDW) is to invest £20m in opening 14 new pubs in July - taking its total number of pubs to 822.


http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/article/91031?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ma-rss-all-news+%28Rss+news+feed+for+Morning+Advertiser%29

ROBCamra
12-07-2011, 09:06
JD Wetherspoon (JDW) is to invest £20m in opening 14 new pubs in July - taking its total number of pubs to 822.


http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news.ma/article/91031?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ma-rss-all-news+%28Rss+news+feed+for+Morning+Advertiser%29

Dave the kitchen manager & Simon a shift manager both from The Regal Moon in Rochdale are part of the team opening up the Todmorden one.

I was talking to Dave on Sunday and he told me that they were picking up the keys yesterday to start the prep for opening on 22/07/2011.

Should be a good start for the pub with all their experience.

No doubt we'll be visiting after the Tod beer fest in September if not before.

Best of luck guys:cheers:

Oggwyn Trench
12-07-2011, 13:25
The one in Wellington is next to a place called Cash Providers , across the road from Cash Converters and a couple of charity shops , you cant say they dont know their target customers

Farway
12-07-2011, 14:23
The one in Wellington is next to a place called Cash Providers , across the road from Cash Converters and a couple of charity shops , you cant say they dont know their target customers

Agreed, they seem to have sent an advance party to Waterlooville prior to the conversion of a large shop into one, recently we have had Poundland, a pawn shop, payday loan shop plus two tattoo parlours open

aleandhearty
12-07-2011, 16:13
JD Wetherspoon (JDW) is to invest £20m in opening 14 new pubs in July - taking its total number of pubs to 822.

Still no sign of the 'imminent' Lloyds Bar for Wakefield's Unity Hall, or the rumoured venue in Ossett, come to that.

oldboots
12-07-2011, 16:59
Still no sign of the 'imminent' Lloyds Bar for Wakefield's Unity Hall, or the rumoured venue in Ossett, come to that.

judging by the time it took to open the Otley and Ripon outlets I wouldn't hold your breath.

hondo
10-08-2011, 10:11
"After a £1.5 million redevelopment the old Gala bingo hall in Whitstable will reopen as The Peter Cushing Wetherspoon pub on August 23."

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentish_gazette/news/2011/august/9/wetherspoons.aspx

Farway
10-08-2011, 17:35
Britain's best pub boss (http://www.fool.co.uk/news/investing/2011/08/09/britains-best-pub-boss.aspx)

If you've ever wondered why all of Wetherspoon's pubs sell real ale, don't play music and turn down the noise made by the fruit machines to avoid annoying the rest of the customers, Martin is the person to thank.

hondo
08-09-2011, 09:08
:twigs:alert:twigs:
"The 300-year-old sweet chestnut"
http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/9237418.WANSTEAD__Pub_would_consider_housing_iconi c_tree_sculpture/

hondo
06-10-2011, 08:24
"The group will meet from 10am to 12pm every Tuesday from October 4."

http://www.herefordtimes.com/news/local/hereford/9278902.Do_you_fancy_toddling_down_the_pub_in_Here ford_today_/

arwkrite
08-10-2011, 15:36
JDWs should start thinking about parking areas for scooters for the disabled. These vehicles cause more obstruction than prams in the Kings Fee. I know cos' I sometimes drink there while waiting for my bus.

Farway
10-10-2011, 15:59
JDWs should start thinking about parking areas for scooters for the disabled. These vehicles cause more obstruction than prams in the Kings Fee. I know cos' I sometimes drink there while waiting for my bus.

Maybe they should follow grot burger chains & move to drive through, or even "drive thru" :sick:

Or revamp as "scooter inn" :D

oldboots
10-10-2011, 18:43
Maybe they should follow grot burger chains & move to drive through, or even "drive thru" :sick:

Or revamp as "scooter inn" :D

"drive thru" can't you hear the howls from the nannies and the neo-pro's already?

aleandhearty
11-10-2011, 16:03
Maybe they should follow grot burger chains & move to drive through, or even "drive thru" :sick:

Or revamp as "scooter inn" :D

:D Can't see it taking off, as the start up costs would be prohibitive....Would have to cover everything in half inch steel to stop it being demolished.

Oggwyn Trench
09-11-2011, 21:33
JDW is already working its magic in Wellington , the William Withering has only been open about 3 months and a quick walk round tonight and the 3 nearest pubs , the Dun Cow and White Lion are closed up and Rasputins is boarded up , not my sort of pubs but still a shame :(

ROBCamra
10-11-2011, 07:59
JDW is already working its magic in Wellington , the William Withering has only been open about 3 months and a quick walk round tonight and the 3 nearest pubs , the Dun Cow and White Lion are closed up and Rasputins is boarded up , not my sort of pubs but still a shame :(

Dun Cow & Rasputins were no loss to anyone but the local pondlife in my opinion but I'm a bit surprised about the White Lion.

Oggwyn Trench
10-11-2011, 09:36
Dun Cow & Rasputins were no loss to anyone but the local pondlife in my opinion but I'm a bit surprised about the White Lion.

Rasputins is no suprise as Pussycats nightclub now opens early and has free entry before 10 , the Dun Cow was a suprise , its always been the dossers pub and pretty busy because Wellington is full of them , the White Lion tried its hand at being a real ale pub and failed dismally (TT Landlord on if you were lucky), its been up for sale for a bit now , but whos going to buy a rundown pub 100yds from a new JDW

Farway
10-11-2011, 14:13
its been up for sale for a bit now , but who's going to buy a rundown pub 100yds from a new JDW

Dunno, but if you find someone, there may be two for sale in Waterlooville shortly now Denmead Queen (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/75431/)opened last week

hondo
12-11-2011, 11:57
"complained about the length of time it was taking to serve him his dinner."

http://news.stv.tv/scotland/tayside/278526-disgruntled-diner-attacked-waiter-because-of-slow-service/

Alesonly
12-11-2011, 21:02
I was amazed too see yesterday that there was still Four Of the wetherspoons Festival Ales still on when I went in my Local one.

arwkrite
14-11-2011, 14:26
Last week I stood at the bar of my nearest JDWs and was totally ignored. Now either I was invisible which considering my size is unlikely or the staff were half blind and perhaps have memory problems. I up and left.I do not mind waiting, something for which JDWs is famous, but hate being queue jumped with the connivance of bar staff. Just plain lazy to memorise a line. No its not difficult because I have done it.:moremad:

gillhalfpint
14-11-2011, 14:41
I always look to who is on my right and left waiting to be served at a bar and get a look as if I am a strange species if I say to bar staff, "he's before me". Manners cost nought, but I know what you mean when they go straight to friends and their regulars ignoring the poor souls who have been waiting ages.

NickDavies
14-11-2011, 15:07
Probably in a dead spot. Cars always break down in a dead spot where the phones don't work. People like you and me stand in a JDW where the bar staff don't.

A model Wetherspoons is set up so that there is a till, set of pumps and soft drinks machine on the counter and a bank of optics, wines and fridge behind, the arrangement replicating several times along the bar. The operative therefore needn't step more than a couple of paces to prepare an order and take the money. If the branch is staffed by some of their more robotic specimens the chances of them seeing, let alone serving, anyone not in their patch are remote.

arwkrite
14-11-2011, 15:19
When I finally pleaded for a drink when stood in front of the till her Ladyship took off and served two johnny cum lately s at the far end of the bar. I was in the thick of the action but ignored. I only wanted my usual 2x scotch . The Marstons pub round the corner gave me fast service with a smile.

Alesonly
14-11-2011, 19:21
I had the same problem I the Wetherspoons on Friday afternoon I walked up to the bar waited ages whilst the Bar Manager whos standing on my left behind the Bar stood talking too his regulars And the barmaid stood on my right taking food orders. Suddenly someone else walks up and says Hi Carole another coffee please. Barmaid goes off too make the coffee I'm still waiting. A guy comes back from bog and asks hes mates who are still talking too the bar Manager another round They all answer yes he turns too Bar Manager another round please. By this time I'm fuming & gasping barmaid comes back with coffee serves But again ignores me and serves the two Girls that just walk in with kids.
I walk out and go too the Bridge Tavern instead. What a way for the Duty Manager too behave If he cant set a good example how will the staff.

Farway
15-11-2011, 15:32
My new local JDW only opened 1st Nov, so no time for staff to have "mates" yet, but I must have had the cloaking device switched on by accident, like Nick though I pointed out a young lady who was before me, for which she said thanks

Dead spots seem right, the action area in mine seems to be around the coffee machine near the entrance, so to avoid the melee I went to centre of bar, thus triggering the cloaking device

But I can wait a bit for Ruddles at £1.95, I am not that proud

arwkrite
15-11-2011, 21:19
Arwkrite can be pretty acidic when crossed but will also praise those who do a damn good job. I visited the Kings Fee, Hereford the second of my available JDWs. Quick service, fast food and all with a smile and a polite word. The tables were cleared as well. Well done everyone it has put me in a better frame of mind :cheers:

pintplease
16-11-2011, 02:48
Kids are the problem in wetherspoons. I appreciate the good range of usually well kept ales at reasonable prices, also a quiet atmosphere without music where you can enjoy a few pints in the afternoon and a read of the paper. Recently in several JDW pubs that I have visited the quiet relaxing atmosphere has been spoiled by screaming kids accompanied by parents who just don't give a damn about the disturbance and disruption being caused to other customers.
A number of times over the last few months I have been driven from my table to go and try to find a seat where I can drink without the shrill screaming of those kids.
They should be kept in a separate area or better still not be allowed in at all.

arwkrite
16-11-2011, 04:21
I seem to recall that JDWs had a recent policy of encouraging mums and toddlers. Around my area the problem has abated, prams being replaced by large mobility scooters. I notice a great many of ladies who lunch or just pop in for coffee clog up the works during daytime hours. I would have thought dedicated coffee shops more their scene to park the Primark bags. Unemployed immigrants are not so noticeable. They hung around in large groups until this year. Pensioners, of whom I am one, make up a large slice of the daytime customer base. These can form noisy parties almost as bad as kids.
I appreciate that other JDWs in other areas have different problems but a customer through the door is money in the till.

gillhalfpint
16-11-2011, 09:01
Christmas beer list, and some have started appearing on the pumps. Said to be reducing price down to £1.70 a pint till Christmas.


Tom Woods Jolly Snowman 3.6%
Caledonian Santa's Little Helper 3.7%
RCH Steam Sleigh 3.8%
Belhaven Howells Frosty Bells 4.0%
Wood's Santa's Tale 4.0%
Moorhouses Lap Prancer 4.2%
Nethergate Red Santa 4.2%
Springhead Rudolph's Ruin 4.2% ** beware - rebadge
Highgate Stocking Filler 4.3%
Robinson's Mr Scrooge Humbug Bitter 4.4%
Daleside Christmas Cracker 4.5%
Everards Sleighbell 4.5%
Jennings Redbreast 4.5%
Titanic Eight Bells 4.5%
Batemans Rosey Nosey 4.9%
Mauldons Bah Humbug 4.9%
Box Steam Christmas Box Blonde 5.0%
Elgood's Snicklemas 5.0%
O'Hanlon's Goodwill Bitter 5.0%
Otter Claus 5.0% ** beware - rebadge
Palm Biere De Noel 5.0%
Wooden Hand Elves Bells 5.0%
Vale Good King Senseless 5.2%
Hook Norton Twelve Days 5.5

ROBCamra
16-11-2011, 09:08
Christmas beer list, and some have started appearing on the pumps. Said to be reducing price down to £1.70 a pint till Christmas.




Just a reminder. This is why the CAMRA Wetherspoons tokens are only valid until Friday 2nd December.

Use 'em or lose 'em. :p

gillhalfpint
16-11-2011, 09:12
Got rid of a few spoons vouchers in Castle Roch pubs on Friday.

NickDavies
16-11-2011, 12:59
Kids are the problem in wetherspoons. I appreciate the good range of usually well kept ales at reasonable prices, also a quiet atmosphere without music where you can enjoy a few pints in the afternoon and a read of the paper. Recently in several JDW pubs that I have visited the quiet relaxing atmosphere has been spoiled by screaming kids accompanied by parents who just don't give a damn about the disturbance and disruption being caused to other customers.
A number of times over the last few months I have been driven from my table to go and try to find a seat where I can drink without the shrill screaming of those kids.
They should be kept in a separate area or better still not be allowed in at all.

Sadly that isn't just Wetherspoons. They do attract a certain demographic but the kids in pubs problem runs across all classes. Little Tarquin and Samantha taken on a Sunday lunch run out in the 4x4 to a nice country pub are just as (if not more) obnoxious as their little cousins Wayne and Chardonnay screaming down the local JDW on benefit cheque day.

The best pubs have family areas or keep them to the restaurant. The very best ban under 18s completely.

gillhalfpint
16-11-2011, 13:57
Spoons at Truro can be like a creche. More kids per table than adults - or that's how it feels. You turn from the bar to see if you are going to stand on or fall over the little ones rolling around on the floor. And that is without the vocals.

Al 10000
16-11-2011, 14:03
Kids are the problem in wetherspoons. I appreciate the good range of usually well kept ales at reasonable prices, also a quiet atmosphere without music where you can enjoy a few pints in the afternoon and a read of the paper. Recently in several JDW pubs that I have visited the quiet relaxing atmosphere has been spoiled by screaming kids accompanied by parents who just don't give a damn about the disturbance and disruption being caused to other customers.
A number of times over the last few months I have been driven from my table to go and try to find a seat where I can drink without the shrill screaming of those kids.
They should be kept in a separate area or better still not be allowed in at all.

Most Spoons that i have been in have seperate areas for people with children.

For example if you go in the Babbington in Derby and dont want to drink close to screaming kids dont go to the back of the pub either drink in the middle or the front

If you happen to be in the Roebuck in Nottingham dont go in the room at the front left the rest of the pub is kids free.

I could go on and name more but it is'nt that hard to find the kid free area in any Spoons.

Farway
16-11-2011, 14:15
Most Spoons that i have been in have seperate areas for people with children.

I could go on and name more but it is'nt that hard to find the kid free area in any Spoons.

I have never been aware of separate kids areas, if there are then it may be purely by accident, unable to get push chair there etc

I know when I go in with the grandchildren we plonk down wherever there is space for us [no pushchair], if we are wrong, then either staff do not tell us or there are no notices, or more likely, as silly old duffer, everyone assumes I can't help it:D

rpadam
16-11-2011, 21:42
Most Spoons that i have been in have seperate areas for people with children.

For example if you go in the Babbington in Derby and dont want to drink close to screaming kids dont go to the back of the pub either drink in the middle or the front

If you happen to be in the Roebuck in Nottingham dont go in the room at the front left the rest of the pub is kids free.

I could go on and name more but it is'nt that hard to find the kid free area in any Spoons.
At the last count, I had visited about 145 'spoons and can only recall seeing a designated children's area in perhaps a dozen of them...

Millay
17-11-2011, 00:09
At the last count, I had visited about 145 'spoons and can only recall seeing a designated children's area in perhaps a dozen of them...

In my opinion there should be a designated children's area in every pub, whether it be a Wetherspoons or not, and that designated area should be OUTSIDE. It could be in a McDonalds, a coffee shop, a restaurant, a cafe, a creche, or a park, but not in a PUB.

Al 10000
17-11-2011, 17:05
At the last count, I had visited about 145 'spoons and can only recall seeing a designated children's area in perhaps a dozen of them...

The childrens areas dont say Children area but if you take children into an other area of the Spoons that is'nt the childrens area you will be told to move to the correct area.
These areas are usually well away from the bar.

I am not saying i agree with childen going in pubs but just stating that Spoons and other pubs let children into designated areas and not throughout the pub.

gillhalfpint
17-11-2011, 17:47
I think a lot of JDW's have a freestanding sign marked "family area" and can be moved forward or backwards depending on how full it gets. They are usually towards the rear of the room away from the bar, but by no means do all the kids get into that area - especially in Truro's creche.

Alesonly
18-11-2011, 15:53
Two of the Wetherspoons I go in have Marked & Signed children's areas But these are the only areas where you don't see family's or Kids.? Instead they always seem too go in the quiet Part. Or should I say the Part thats supposed too be the quiet Part thats done out like a library then they deliberately screech and jumping of the tables disturbing me I'm sure of it.

oldboots
20-11-2011, 20:17
The Punch Bowl in York has tweeted:

“Due to a new company wide ale offer, we will now be running Ale Wednesdays (pints from £2.10) and CAMRA Sundays (50p discount with card.)”

Don't see anything on the JDW website, anyone care to confirm this?

Alesonly
20-11-2011, 20:33
The strange thing is Four out of Six Spoons we went in on our Wetherspoons Crawl were selling All guest Ales at £2.00 a Pint as a Managers Special offer on Friday Afternoon/Evening.

gillhalfpint
21-11-2011, 09:16
Must be JDW giving their managers permission to do what they need to bring folks in for a "dead day offer" if different outlets doing different things on different days.

NickDavies
25-11-2011, 09:43
Grauniad today (http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/nov/24/hugh-muir-diary-occupy-westwood)

It'll be this pub (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/25495/) I expect

"We all have that road to travel, and they know that at the pub chain JD Wetherspoon. That's why it has been pondering events prompted by the entry policies adopted by one of its pubs in north London. The pub sits close to the offices of the Irish Traveller Movement in Britain. And as that organisation held its annual conference, someone briefed pub security staff to ensure the ambiance was not unduly affected by an invading horde. Travellers get that a lot. And so when a thirsty party left the conference, they indeed discovered that there was no room for "large groups" at the inn. But now that seems a strategic mistake. For among those barred was a police inspector who acts as the head of diversity at Cheshire constabulary, a solicitor and a member of the Law Society. Legal action will follow, we are told. Might have been easier to let them have that drink."

ROBCamra
05-12-2011, 17:18
Rasputins is no suprise as Pussycats nightclub now opens early and has free entry before 10 , the Dun Cow was a suprise , its always been the dossers pub and pretty busy because Wellington is full of them , the White Lion tried its hand at being a real ale pub and failed dismally (TT Landlord on if you were lucky), its been up for sale for a bit now , but whos going to buy a rundown pub 100yds from a new JDW

Apparantly the White Lion has been bought by Darwin Inns and will be reopened after a refurb with 5 handpumps selling Salopian beers.

Good news for Wellington for once. :cheers:

Oggwyn Trench
05-12-2011, 19:18
Apparantly the White Lion has been bought by Darwin Inns and will be reopened after a refurb with 5 handpumps selling Salopian beers.

Good news for Wellington for once. :cheers:

Darwin Inns have got a few pubs now , the only one i have been in is the Foresters in Madley , much preferred the old dark wood interior , the new look is like walking into IKEA world , but the beer is decent , 4 pulls 2 Salopian and 2 guests , only real problem is its the other side of the hill from the All Nations knackering walk:D

They have also got Smokey Joes (Sutherland Arms) in Muxton , keep meaning to visit but i rarely go that way these days now the Champion Jockey has gone :(

3 decent beer pubs is still pretty poor for a town Wellingtons size (the new JDW isnt to bad either) but at least its a step in the right direction :cheers:

NickDavies
24-12-2011, 11:35
Joke in the Grauniad (http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2011/dec/23/christmas-cards-piers-morgan)

Chap meets an old school mate and asks what he is up to these days. "I'm a cook," he says, "I make food and serve drink to the lost, the wretched, the drunk, and those who have nowhere else to go."

"So you work in a soup kitchen?" says the friend.

"No, Wetherspoons."

hondo
19-01-2012, 07:36
"50 more pubs this year, taking the total to around 900."
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/simon-english-it-wont-happen-but-cameron-would-benefit-from-sharing-a-tipple-with-martin-6291494.html

NickDavies
05-02-2012, 16:55
News of one of Croydon's finest (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54157/)

http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/Croydon-pub-Nazi-salute-row-days-Holocaust/story-15121073-detail/story.html

trainman
28-02-2012, 07:51
Email from Crosse Keys, Gracechurch Street, advises 'Superfest' is back, 05-13Mar.

BREWERY BEER ABV
ABBEYDALE DARK MATTER 3.6
STRINGERS PLAN B 3.7
GOACHERS FINE LIGHT 3.7
MILK STREET FOLKLORE 3.8
BRISTOL BEER FACTORY ACER 3.8
FYNE ALES JARL 3.8
BRANSCOMBE VALE BRANOC 3.8
CASTLE ROCK HARVEST PALE 3.8
PLAIN ALES SHEEP DIP 3.8
TAP HOUSE ASHBY PRIDE 3.8
KINGSTONE GOLD 4.0
LEEDS EAGER OWL 4.0
MILLSTONE TIGER RUT 4.0
HIGHLAND DARK MUNRO 4.0
EAST LONDON PALE ALE 4.0
ILKLEY FIRESIDE PORTER 4.2
SADLER'S RANDY OTTER 4.2
SALOPIAN ICON 4.2
ENVILLE CHERRY BLOND 4.2
EAST LONDON FOUNDATION BITTER 4.2
GREAT NEWSOME HOLDERNESS DARK 4.3
WOLD TOP HEADLAND RED 4.3
CHEDDAR ALES POTHOLER 4.3
WENTWORTH BUMBLE BEER 4.3
NELSON SHIVER M' TIMBERS 4.3
BLACK IRIS BITTER 4.3
NOTTINGHAM COCK & HOOP 4.3
HOLDENS TEMPLE OF LOVE 4.5
SALOPIAN LEMON DREAM 4.5
HOPDAEMON SKRIMSHANDER IPA 4.5
OLD DAIRY SILVER TOP 4.5
EAST LONDON NIGHTWATCHMAN 4.5
BURTON BRIDGE FLY BY NIGHT 4.5
BACKYARD SILLY RUCKER 4.6
RAMSGATE 80 SCHILLING 4.6
BLACKWATER RED HERRING 4.7
KELHAM ISLAND BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY 4.7
SALTAIRE TRIPLE CHOCOHOLIC 4.8
GODDARDS FUGGLE DEE DUM 4.8
ACORN USA NORTHERN BREWER 5.0
ATLAS NIMBUS 5.0
DENT KAMIKAZE 5.0
GRAIN BLACKWOOD STOUT 5.0
LEATHERBRITCHES SHAFTED 5.1
OLDE SWAN BUMBLEHLE 5.2
OSSETT EXCELSIOR 5.2
MILESTONE FLETCHER'S ALE 5.2
SARAH HUGHES RUBY MILD 6.0
RCH FIREBOX 6.0
NELSON ROBBIE SPECIAL 6.0

RogerB
28-02-2012, 09:08
Will make an effort to do a couple of evenings for this. Looking at 5th or 6th and then 14th or 15th.

trainman
28-02-2012, 12:40
I must try a couple of visits in the hope that the Old Dairy will be on, - still not managed to find anything from that brewery.
Other principal targets would be Ossett Excelsior, Kelham Island Bohemian Rhapsody, Acorn USA and, since I love all the Millstone beers, Tiger Rut.

PaulOfHorsham
28-02-2012, 19:40
Oh right - this is clearly a different list to March's festival - the online list (http://www.jdwrealale.co.uk/ales/list) runs to 10 pages.

Not sure I'll be doing next week Roger, but 14th/15th sounds possible.

RogerB
29-02-2012, 14:06
I'm meeting a couple of friends there on Tuesday but they'll be gone early (by 7'ish). If anyone wants to join me I'm happy to hang around later. I'll keep 14/15 open for anyone else who fancies it.

gillhalfpint
29-02-2012, 14:24
First list posted different altogether. Try this one.

Wetherspoons 14/03/2012 – 01/04/2012

Fullers - Chiswick Bitter 3.5
Hawkshead - Windermere Pale 3.5
Hydes - Owd Oak 3.5
Lancaster – Pearl 3.8
Franklins(Whites) – Brighton Rock 4
Highgate – Bee Zone 4
Saltaire – Cream Stout 4
Wooden Hand – Pirates Gold 4
Banks – Sunbeam 4.2
Caledonian – Red Mountain 4.2
Conwy – Lemon Ale 4.2
Holt – Two Hoots 4.2
Newmans(Celt Experience) - Spring Cottage Biscuit 4.2
Smuttynose(Wadworth) - Murrikan Mild 4.2
Brains – Clock Tower 4.3
Caledonian – Coffee Porter 4.3
Robinsons – Enigma 4.3
Thwaites – Logans Run 4.3
Acorn - Old Moor Porter 4.4
Atlas – Wayfarer 4.4
Inveralmond – Duncans IPA 4.4
Phoenix – March Hare 4.4
Elgoods – Snake Charmer 4.5
Lymestone – Foundation Stone 4.5
Nogne (Batemans) Bitter 4.5
Skinners – Riggin Ale 4.5
Zululand (Caledonian) Zulu Blond 4.5
Arundel – New Horizons 4.6
Hilden – Scullions Irish Ale 4.6
Nethergate IPA Reserve 4.7
Wolf – Whistle 4.7
Woods – Hopping Mad 4.7
Batemans – Smokey Joe 4.8
Everards – Gallentry 4.8
Moorhouse APA Special 4.8
Otters – Pilgrim 4.8
Greene King – Libertine 5
John Martins (Everards) - Pale Ale 5
RCH – Puxton Cross Extra 5
Springhead – Willys Wheatbeer 5
Wadworth – Swordfish 5
Wharfebank – Wispa IPA 5.1
Rudgate – IPA 5.2
Daleside - Monkey Wrench 5.3
Mauldons – White Adder 5.3
Kelham Island – Wild Rider IPA 5.5
Titanic – Nine Tenths Below 5.9
Wychwood – King Goblin 6
Vasileostrovsky (Banks) Imperial Russian Stout 6.5

Sorry left off O’Hanlons – Flagship 4.2

trainman
29-02-2012, 18:00
First list posted different altogether. Try this one.

Wetherspoons 14/03/2012 – 01/04/2012


Yes, my list was specific superfest just for the Crosse Keys, Gill. They usually do one following the main 'spoons 'fest, but this one looks like it precedes it, for a change.

PaulOfHorsham
29-02-2012, 21:49
I'm meeting a couple of friends there on Tuesday but they'll be gone early (by 7'ish). If anyone wants to join me I'm happy to hang around later. I'll keep 14/15 open for anyone else who fancies it.

14/15 - that'll be me then :whistle:

Next week (Wednesday), I have a tentative plan to pop into Cask and mop up the dregs from Monday's Hardknott 'Meet the Brewer (http://www.caskpubandkitchen.com/2012/02/hardknott-meet-the-brewer-march-5th/)'.

rpadam
14-03-2012, 22:16
First festival beer: Vasileostrovsky Imperial Russian Stout 6.5% in the Lord Moon of the Mall at £2.70 - bargain!

Alesonly
15-03-2012, 12:40
First festival beer: Vasileostrovsky Imperial Russian Stout 6.5% in the Lord Moon of the Mall at £2.70 - bargain!

Yes I had that last night along with the KingGoblin Wispa & Brians Clock Tower The Vasileostrovsky Imperial Russian Stout 6.5% will be my Beer of the week as thats it for this week im now working till next friday so no more Ale.

hondo
04-07-2012, 13:44
"The grim find was made by a pub manager"

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Corpse-lay-pub-s-loo-hours/story-16480153-detail/story.html

gillhalfpint
04-07-2012, 18:38
I know the toilet checking is bad as they fail to notice that a door or loo seat is missing, no locks or loo rolls, but to lock up without checking whether one of the regulars had bedded down for the night in a cubicle takes the biscuit.

Farway
05-07-2012, 15:41
I always thought [wrongly it seems] that pubs / clubs always checked loo cubicles in case someone hides away in order to steal all the booze /fags etc overnight

Alesonly
05-07-2012, 19:24
Someone will get a warning for that or he will be reduced. May even get sacked its gross misconduct failure to Check and secure the premises before leaving. One of our station managers was sacked for gross misconduct a few years ago after a similar incident. He locked the station gents up on Christmas eve in a rush did not check the cubicles just called out and locked up. He was in a rush to get a few pints in before closing time not realizing there was a stiff in one of the cubicles the guy was found two days later after boxing day as the station was closed Christmas day and Boxing day.

Wittenden
08-07-2012, 21:47
I'm not a 'spoons afficianado, not having a branch locally, but did meet friends in one yesterday.The beer was dull ,from the regionals:tired and lackluster. Is this generally the case,or were we unlucky? Looking on Pubsandbeers.co.uk,the 'spoons in Kent at least seem to carry more interesting fare.I'm not really prepared to risk my beer money in finding out!
I was considering rejoining CAMRA, but on Saturday's performance, I'd be hard pressed in spending the vouchers!

Mobyduck
08-07-2012, 21:57
The beer was dull ,from the regionals:tired and lackluster. Is this generally the case,or were we unlucky?

Iv'e got to say thats my experience more often than not.

aleandhearty
09-07-2012, 15:11
...The beer was dull ,from the regionals:tired and lackluster. Is this generally the case,or were we unlucky?

To be fair, they do vary quite a lot. I'm lucky in having one that's half decent. My BOTW was drunk there. My common criticism of the chain, is that they invariably serve beers a little too cold.

hondo
22-08-2012, 13:51
"husband’s birthday bash was ruined"
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/districtnews/districtatog/9884319.Elaine___s____fuming____over_pub___s_dummy _cig_blow/

hondo
27-09-2012, 10:21
"10 overseas beers"
http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Drinks-Brands-News/JD-Wetherspoon-autumn-beer-festival-to-offer-ten-overseas-beers

Aqualung
27-09-2012, 20:25
"10 overseas beers"
http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Drinks-Brands-News/JD-Wetherspoon-autumn-beer-festival-to-offer-ten-overseas-beers

More to the point, it says that they are doing Moonraker, one of my all time favourite beers. If I find one selling that it will be time to set up camp.

Aqualung
27-09-2012, 20:43
More to the point, it says that they are doing Moonraker, one of my all time favourite beers. If I find one selling that it will be time to set up camp.

The "Moonraker" is 6.5% so is not the real deal. Lees ruined their bottled mild (Brewer's Dark) by knocking it down to 2.8%. I'll have to check the bottles of Moonraker next time I'm in Morrisons to see if they have done the same with that.

Here's the link for the tasting notes:-

http://www.jdwrealale.co.uk/static/pdfs/Tasting-Notes-October-2012.pdf

Mobyduck
27-09-2012, 22:12
The "Moonraker" is 6.5% so is not the real deal. Lees ruined their bottled mild (Brewer's Dark) by knocking it down to 2.8%. I'll have to check the bottles of Moonraker next time I'm in Morrisons to see if they have done the same with that.

Here's the link for the tasting notes:-

http://www.jdwrealale.co.uk/static/pdfs/Tasting-Notes-October-2012.pdf

6.5% is real enough for me.:nishelypished:

Aqualung
27-09-2012, 22:32
6.5% is real enough for me.:nishelypished:

I subsequently checked the Lees Brewery web site and the bottled version is definitely now 6.5% but the draught is still listed as 7.5%. I'm hoping that the Spoons Moonraker is a one-off draught version of the bottled for the festival.

If the draught HAS changed permanently then it's a disgrace as there is no way it could ever be the same beer. I've been drinking Moonraker on the rare occasions I found it, Robinson's Old Tom and Marston's Owd Roger since the seventies and have always regarded them as the Holy Trinity of winter beers. In fact Owd Roger was one of the first real ales I ever tried as when I was at college a fellow student who lived on the far outskirts of Hillingdon took us on a "Jolly" to the Royal Standard of England at Forty Green which in those days did Owd Roger as a permanent fixture. There was a designated driver!!
Sadly Marston's only now do bottled Owd Roger.
All credit to Robinson's for keeping the Old Tom ABV at 8.5% despite last year's Park Bench tax.

Bucking Fastard
28-09-2012, 11:39
In fact Owd Roger was one of the first real ales I ever tried as when I was at college a fellow student who lived on the far outskirts of Hillingdon took us on a "Jolly" to the Royal Standard of England at Forty Green which in those days did Owd Roger as a permanent fixture. There was a designated driver!!.

Ahhh, draught Owd Roger that takes me back.....to The Whittington Inn (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/72193/) ,Kinver where the landlady would only serve it by the half straight from the cask.So us students just ordered two halves and got quaffing.The designated driver was none too pleased when the projectile vomit while driving around Five Ways roundabout coated the rear window of his A40 :sick:

Back on topic,I noticed from the 'spoons tasting notes that Moonraker...."had it's strength decreased to a more drinkable,yet still potent,level".:moremad:

Mobyduck
28-09-2012, 12:36
Ahhh, draught Owd Roger that takes me back.....to The Whittington Inn (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/72193/) ,Kinver where the landlady would only serve it by the half straight from the cask.So us students just ordered two halves and got quaffing.The designated driver was none too pleased when the projectile vomit while driving around Five Ways roundabout coated the rear window of his A40 :sick:

Back on topic,I noticed from the 'spoons tasting notes that Moonraker...."had it's strength decreased to a more drinkable,yet still potent,level".:moremad:

Must be 25 years since I had any Owd Roger, with similar results as B.F. Tend not to go for anything above 6.5% nowdays except for the odd occasion.Darkstar's Critical Mass 7.5% and Imperial Stout 10.5% spring to mind,very nice too.:nishelypished:

oldboots
28-09-2012, 14:09
Ahhh, draught Owd Roger that takes me back....

Me too, my first taste of the nectar was in The Winsor at Southampton Bus Station on handpump, the pub has long since been demolished but the The White Swan (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/14197/) in Winchester used to have a cask on the bar in its Marstons days.

hondo
01-11-2012, 10:27
"Noel Ale is, at 5 per cent ABV, a full-bodied beer"
http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/10010784.Arkell___s_Noel_Ale_on_Wetherspoon___s_Ch ristmas_list/

Aqualung
01-11-2012, 17:37
I wonder what the difference will be between this beer and Kingsdown, which if I remember correctly was originally stronger than the current 5% abv. To be honest I find all of these Southern regional brewer's (Arkells, Wadworths, Badger, Harvey's) beers just too sweet.

The Spoons Christmas guest list is usually the most boring one of the year. How can anything that isn't a true Winter beer (Old Tom, Headcracker, Moonraker etc etc etc) possibly be a Xmas beer? Instead we get a boring selection of low ABV beers with daft Xmas names from regional brewers or larger micros.

london calling
01-11-2012, 21:20
agree with you. i hate the christmas beers clogging up the handpumps.why cant christmas beers be pale and hoppy.

Aqualung
02-11-2012, 00:00
agree with you. i hate the christmas beers clogging up the handpumps.why cant christmas beers be pale and hoppy.

I'm not averse to strong dark ales which is my idea of what a Xmas beer should be. Long gone are the days of Spoons doing Old Tom at 99p a half. The Spoons Xmas lists in the last few years have been total rubbish.

Bucking Fastard
02-11-2012, 15:09
The Spoons Christmas guest list is usually the most boring one of the year. How can anything that isn't a true Winter beer (Old Tom, Headcracker, Moonraker etc etc etc) possibly be a Xmas beer? Instead we get a boring selection of low ABV beers with daft Xmas names from regional brewers or larger micros.

And you can't use your vouchers during December either :mad:

Millay
06-11-2012, 17:35
And you can't use your vouchers during December either :mad:

A timely reminder, must make sure they are all used by the end of the month. Thanks BF .

Wittenden
09-11-2012, 09:00
A timely reminder, must make sure they are all used by the end of the month. Thanks BF .
Damn. I was planning to (re)join CAMRA! Not that I ever go to a 'spoons.

Aqualung
09-11-2012, 17:27
I have been a member of CAMRA since 1974, although my membersip lapsed briefly some time in the 80's as I didn't get round to renewing. I became a life member in 1990 for the princely sum of £100 or so.

I was told the other day that the annual subs are now approaching thirty quid.

The Spoons vouchers are the icing on the cake!

oldboots
10-11-2012, 09:54
I was told the other day that the annual subs are now approaching thirty quid.

If you pay by direct debit it's £23 for the over 26s and under 60s, £15.50 if you're under 26 or over 60. So for the young and the coffin dodgers who use 'spoons it's got to be a no-brainer. Life membership is now £414.

If you can talk your wife, husband or partner into joint membership it's cheaper each but you get only one set of vouchers :(.

Wittenden
10-11-2012, 10:19
If you pay by direct debit it's £15.50 if you're under 26 or over 60.

If you can talk your wife, husband or partner into joint membership it's cheaper each but you get only one set of vouchers :(.
I think I'll wait for a couple of years! Mrs W doesn't drink,so vouchers and membership would be wasted.

Aqualung
05-12-2012, 14:47
Has anyone come across a list of the Spoon's Xmas ales?

There are supposed to be 22 of them, but I can't find a list on the web site. I think all of the Spoon's I've been to recently have had the boring Hobgoblin on and the few Xmas ones I have seen have looked pretty dull. The Chingford Spoons had Orkney Clootie Dumpling at 4.3%, but it was going at the premium price so I didn't bother. I tried the Burton Bridge Santi-Freeze (4.5%) and to be honest it was a bland boring red ale which I think I may have seen before.

If it carries on like this then it looks like it's going to be Brodie's all the way for me until January, unless I can find some extra beer tokens to visit the Cock in Hackney.

Al 10000
05-12-2012, 15:33
Has anyone come across a list of the Spoon's Xmas ales?

There are supposed to be 22 of them, but I can't find a list on the web site. I think all of the Spoon's I've been to recently have had the boring Hobgoblin on and the few Xmas ones I have seen have looked pretty dull. The Chingford Spoons had Orkney Clootie Dumpling at 4.3%, but it was going at the premium price so I didn't bother. I tried the Burton Bridge Santi-Freeze (4.5%) and to be honest it was a bland boring red ale which I think I may have seen before.

If it carries on like this then it looks like it's going to be Brodie's all the way for me until January, unless I can find some extra beer tokens to visit the Cock in Hackney.

I have been in a few different Spoons in the last couple of weeks,but have not noticed any lists of Christmas beers,the only proper Christmas beer i have noticed was Butcombe Christmas Jester in the Woodthorpe Top.

oldboots
05-12-2012, 19:09
788

Apparently in the latest Wetherspoon's news.

Aqualung
05-12-2012, 21:16
788

Apparently in the latest Wetherspoon's news.

Thanks for that, I saw the News in the King's Ford and never thought to pick it up. I'll get it on Friday, although it does look pretty uninspiring. They now have a three tier price structure for guest ales so why there aren't any over 5.5% I don't know (I think the third tier is 6% plus). to me a Xmas beer is Old Tom or Orkney Skullsplitter. Maybe they are too much for the once a year brigade.

gillhalfpint
06-12-2012, 09:08
Page 37 of the Dec/Jan London Drinker too.

Aqualung
06-12-2012, 12:44
Thanks Gill, I've downloaded it but don't think I'll bother printing off a copy!

hondo
07-12-2012, 13:53
" spend more than £2m on two new town centre pubs in Stamford and in Oakham."
http://www.stamfordmercury.co.uk/news/local/updated-jd-wetherspoon-reveals-2m-scheme-to-open-pubs-in-stamford-and-oakham-1-4563104

hondo
14-12-2012, 10:52
"taking over the former Harry Ramsden’s fish and chip restaurant in Cardiff"
http://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/14/12/2012/346748/JD-Wetherspoon-takes-over-Harry-Ramsdens-in-Cardiff.htm

Farway
28-12-2012, 14:05
JD Wetherspoon has bucked the malaise that has seen rival groups close underperforming pubs by announcing plans to open 30 new sites creating 1,200 jobs.

The expansion plans will see pubs open in cities across the UK, adding to the firm’s current total of 866.

details Daily Mail (http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-2254098/JD-Wetherspoon-open-30-new-pubs-creating-1-200-jobs.html)

Aqualung
28-12-2012, 19:12
JD Wetherspoon has bucked the malaise that has seen rival groups close underperforming pubs by announcing plans to open 30 new sites creating 1,200 jobs.

The expansion plans will see pubs open in cities across the UK, adding to the firm’s current total of 866.

details Daily Mail (http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-2254098/JD-Wetherspoon-open-30-new-pubs-creating-1-200-jobs.html)


I bet Moby can't wait to see them all open!!!!

It would be nice to see a Spoons in Tottenham, an area in which they largely originated. The nearest one is the John Gilpin in Upper Edmonton which has been a disaster beerwise on my last couple of visits.

Mobyduck
28-12-2012, 20:46
I bet Moby can't wait to see them all open!!!!

It would be nice to see a Spoons in Tottenham, an area in which they largely originated. The nearest one is the John Gilpin in Upper Edmonton which has been a disaster beerwise on my last couple of visits.
OMG.:moremad:

oldboots
02-01-2013, 09:54
http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/General-News/JD-Wetherspoon-unveils-January-sales-details

Aqualung
31-01-2013, 00:05
Wetherspoons have been holding a mini London Festival in their pubs since the 14th of January. It is the most complicated and poorly advertised festival I have ever come across. I only found the leaflet for it in Loughton today which is in er, Essex.

They have split London into five areas, N,S,W,E and Central. The South London festival has gone and the North London one ends on Friday so I'm off to see what the Coronet has on Friday.

The East London one is the 11th -15th Feb, the West London one is the 25th Feb - 01st Mar and the Central London one is 11th Mar - 15th Mar.

The pub groupings are not all consistent, North, South and Central London seem OK but East London includes pubs in SW17, SW12, SW16, N16, SW2, SW9 and SW11!

West London includes Croydon!

Each pub is allocated an Ale Group which restricts the choice from all 20 beers down to a pathetic 5 or 6.

Only three pubs are allocated Ale Group D1 which is all 20 and these are the Crosse Keys in the City, The George in Croydon and the Wibbas Down in Wimbledon.

The ten breweries are By the Horns, Clarence & Fredericks, Cronx, East London, London Fields, Portobello, Redemption, Sambrooks, Twickenham and Fullers.

The only Fullers beer is the weak Seafarers but the new and lacking a website Portobello brewery has three.

The festival leaflets which can be found in Essex have a voting form for the best brewery!

Bucking Fastard
31-01-2013, 10:21
Only three pubs are allocated Ale Group D1 which is all 20 and these are the Crosse Keys in the City, The George in Croydon and the Wibbas Down in Wimbledon.

The ten breweries are By the Horns, Clarence & Fredericks, Cronx, East London, London Fields, Portobello, Redemption, Sambrooks, Twickenham and Fullers.



Thanks for the heads up,I will be in The George pre match on Saturday so will check out whats on.

Bucking Fastard
03-02-2013, 12:17
Thanks for the heads up,I will be in The George pre match on Saturday so will check out whats on.

Ooops noticed this is happening 25th Feb to 1st March in The George,explains why the ales yesterday were mainly from Oakham and Dark Star....not that i am complaining :drinkup::drinkup:

Mobyduck
03-02-2013, 16:58
the ales yesterday were mainly from Oakham and Dark Star....not that i am complaining :drinkup::drinkup:
sounds like heaven.

hondo
19-02-2013, 13:46
"it sparked one of the biggest planning battles the upmarket Hampshire town had ever seen."
http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/10235327.Wetherspoons_finally_set_to_open_in__the_ snootiest_town_in_Britain_/

Aqualung
19-02-2013, 14:21
"it sparked one of the biggest planning battles the upmarket Hampshire town had ever seen."
http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/10235327.Wetherspoons_finally_set_to_open_in__the_ snootiest_town_in_Britain_/

The article in the local Lymington rag states


Members voted against the scheme after objectors claimed that rowdy customers would upset pensioners living in nearby Monmouth House and mourners attending funerals at the church.

In a fair number of Spoons I've visited during the day it's the pensioners that ARE the rowdy customers!!

PaulOfHorsham
19-02-2013, 20:05
Ooops noticed this is happening 25th Feb to 1st March in The George,explains why the ales yesterday were mainly from Oakham and Dark Star....not that i am complaining :drinkup::drinkup:

Eh? But that's the West London slot. Oh no - you're right :whistle: - JDW clearly having trouble with their compass. The George is in group D1 - By The Horns, Redemption, London Fields and more. Think I'm tempted.

ETA
20-02-2013, 15:13
The article in the local Lymington rag states



In a fair number of Spoons I've visited during the day it's the pensioners that ARE the rowdy customers!!

The mourners wouldn't look out of place either.

hondo
27-02-2013, 13:39
" had waited at the bar for at least 10 minutes while several later-comers were served first."
http://www.timesandstar.co.uk/grandad-banned-from-cumbrian-pub-after-writing-to-complain-1.1038401?referrerPath=home

NickDavies
27-02-2013, 17:19
" had waited at the bar for at least 10 minutes while several later-comers were served first."
http://www.timesandstar.co.uk/grandad-banned-from-cumbrian-pub-after-writing-to-complain-1.1038401?referrerPath=home

Only ten minutes? I would have sent a letter of praise.

Aqualung
03-03-2013, 22:08
The tasting notes for the April Spoons Fest are now available from the website (click on the front page ad for it).

Is it me or is there a preponderance of beers from established regionals?

hondo
04-03-2013, 07:44
The tasting notes for the April Spoons Fest are now available from the website (click on the front page ad for it).

Is it me or is there a preponderance of beers from established regionals?

http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/static/pdfs/admin-generated/podium/real-ale-festival-april-183.pdf?t=1362383061

Bucking Fastard
04-03-2013, 09:59
http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/static/pdfs/admin-generated/podium/real-ale-festival-april-183.pdf?t=1362383061

Quite a few innovative brews in that list,and many with a fair amount of poke.Interesting that at #10 Shepherd Neame are trying a blend of British and American hops which seems a departure from their usual policy of Kent hops only.

hondo
05-03-2013, 13:49
"A town centre pub says they have been forced to start charging"
http://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/news/somerset_news/10267345.Bliss_nightclub_closure_forces_Wetherspoo ns_pub_to_charge_entry_fee__bosses_say/?ref=nt

gillhalfpint
05-03-2013, 17:02
"A town centre pub says they have been forced to start charging"
http://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/news/somerset_news/10267345.Bliss_nightclub_closure_forces_Wetherspoo ns_pub_to_charge_entry_fee__bosses_say/?ref=nt

Won't bother us as we are away home at that time of night.

Aqualung
05-03-2013, 20:47
Won't bother us as we are away home at that time of night.

I must agree with that generally speaking. To be honest if a Spoons (or any other pub for that matter) feels it necessary to use bouncers at a given time then I won't even think about going into it while they are there.

hondo
07-03-2013, 10:27
"would not be drawn on where the new site would be located, but predicted the move would be successful"
http://finchannel.com/news_flash/Travel_Biz_News/124588_JD_Wetherspoon_to_open_first_pub_in_a_motor way_service_station_as_food_sales_grow/

hondo
07-03-2013, 13:45
"stunned when a letter arrived four days later banning them from the premises"
http://swns.com/news/couple-banned-wetherspoons-complained-hair-meal-32467/

Aqualung
07-03-2013, 16:39
"would not be drawn on where the new site would be located, but predicted the move would be successful"
http://finchannel.com/news_flash/Travel_Biz_News/124588_JD_Wetherspoon_to_open_first_pub_in_a_motor way_service_station_as_food_sales_grow/

I bet it won't be a good place to go for beer.

I've been to the Victoria Station Spoons several times now before 09:00am on the way to the South Coast and despite being tempted by the ale selection have stuck to tea or coffee. I've found it surprising how many people are drinking alcohol at that time, but the most alarming case I spotted was a bloke knocking back bottles of Newcastle Brown with double whisky chasers!

Aqualung
07-03-2013, 16:48
"stunned when a letter arrived four days later banning them from the premises"
http://swns.com/news/couple-banned-wetherspoons-complained-hair-meal-32467/

This sounds similar to the case of the bloke in Workington who dared to complain about the rubbish service. I suspect they can get away with it in provincial towns where they only have a single pub, but if they started doing it in parts of London where there's another one only a short bus ride away then it would damage the business severely.

Farway
10-03-2013, 17:24
Must be big news, and possibly a first for a JDW pub. We went into The Old Goal in Wichester this Mothering Sunday lunchtime, and got served at the bar immediately, and even had a another barman come along to take our order, Amazing stuff

There were also empty table, some reserved. Maybe Winchester is too posh for JDW?

rpadam
10-03-2013, 17:30
Must be big news, and possibly a first for a JDW pub. We went into The Old Goal in Wichester this Mothering Sunday lunchtime, and got served at the bar immediately, and even had a another barman come along to take our order, Amazing stuff

There were also empty table, some reserved. Maybe Winchester is too posh for JDW?
I hope you didn't compliment the bar staff; otherwise, you'll probably get a letter from the manager banning you!

trainman
11-03-2013, 13:06
A pal just emailed me news that Tim Martin is said to be setting his sights on motorway service stations for new openings.
Somewhat frightening...

oldboots
11-03-2013, 15:31
Story here (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/news/article-2290688/JD-Wetherspoon-wants-motorway-service-station-chain.html). It is from the Daily Wail though :eek: .


If true the neo-pros and their chums will have a field day attacking this so it's not likely to happen.

Farway
11-03-2013, 15:38
Story here (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/news/article-2290688/JD-Wetherspoon-wants-motorway-service-station-chain.html). It is from the Daily Wail though :eek: .

If true the neo-pros and their chums will have a field day attacking this so it's not likely to happen.

If it ever does happen then given price difference between motorway petrol & food to bog standard outlets a pint will be around a fiver or more, and no doubt plod will be at exit slip road with a breathalyser for easy arrest results in crime prevention figures

As OB says, not likely to happen, all pie in sky

Alesonly
11-03-2013, 23:46
Just imagine a motorway spoons full of screaming kids running around out of all control whilst there drunk chave parents sit there necking cheap wine shouting in there mobile phones whilst at the same time pigging there fat guts on a big fry up. :eek::eek:

Farway
12-03-2013, 14:36
Just imagine a motorway spoons full of screaming kids running around out of all control whilst there drunk chav parents sit there necking cheap wine shouting in there mobile phones whilst at the same time pigging there fat guts on a big fry up. :eek::eek:

I just have, no no no no.

It is bad enough in the cafe areas, chuck booze into the mix is a step too far

pintplease
16-03-2013, 02:27
Saw a sign in JDW Leeds showing a massive 40p a pint increase in guest ales applicable from the start of next months beer festival. Never ever seen such a large increase equal to 19% ... £2.09 to £2.49 per pint. Will loyal customers stay loyal ?

Aqualung
16-03-2013, 09:43
Saw a sign in JDW Leeds showing a massive 40p a pint increase in guest ales applicable from the start of next months beer festival. Never ever seen such a large increase equal to 19% ... £2.09 to £2.49 per pint. Will loyal customers stay loyal ?

I'm not really surprised by this. At the start of last summer they knocked the price of what is now a £2.09 pint down to £1.99 from I think it was around £2.25. At the end of the summer they put the £1.99 price up to £2.09. I've no doubt that this price rise is also pre-empting the inevitable duty increase in next week's budget.

What really annoys me is how some Spoons are more expensive than the norm for no obvious reason. The £2.09 pint at Victoria Station is £3.30.

NickDavies
16-03-2013, 16:44
What really annoys me is how some Spoons are more expensive than the norm for no obvious reason. The £2.09 pint at Victoria Station is £3.30.

That's just because it's on the station. Captive audience. Their airside bars are similarly dear. They'll naturally claim huge rents and facility fees charged by Network Rail/BAA etc but you can take that with a little paper sachet of low-sodium salt style condiment.

rpadam
16-03-2013, 16:58
That's just because it's on the station. Captive audience.
But it is still better, and cheaper, than the Iron Duke, Sloe Bar and Sports Bar & Grill...

Aqualung
16-03-2013, 18:38
That's just because it's on the station. Captive audience. Their airside bars are similarly dear. They'll naturally claim huge rents and facility fees charged by Network Rail/BAA etc but you can take that with a little paper sachet of low-sodium salt style condiment.

How about the Half Moon in Mile End (adjacent to Stepney Green Underground). On my visit earlier in the year it was more expensive than the opulent Ledger Building in the middle of Docklands. They did seem to have a captive audience of impoverished students rather than the usual collection of old soaks.

rpadam
16-03-2013, 22:26
How about the Half Moon in Mile End (adjacent to Stepney Green Underground). On my visit earlier in the year it was more expensive than the opulent Ledger Building in the middle of Docklands. They did seem to have a captive audience of impoverished students rather than the usual collection of old soaks.
Apart from the obvious airport / railway station examples, the rationale behind Wetherspoon's pricing policy can be rather opaque. In my experience, there is quite a lot of fluctuation up and down at any one outlet, let alone between outlets in the same area.

Aqualung
16-03-2013, 23:00
Apart from the obvious airport / railway station examples, the rationale behind Wetherspoon's pricing policy can be rather opaque. In my experience, there is quite a lot of fluctuation up and down at any one outlet, let alone between outlets in the same area.

I think the answer is that they charge as much as they can get away with while avoiding driving away the punters, much the same as everywhere else really, only some pub chains are so blind to commercial reality that some of their pubs no longer have many punters left.

rpadam
16-03-2013, 23:05
I think the answer is that they charge as much as they can get away with while avoiding driving away the punters, much the same as everywhere else really, only some pub chains are so blind to commercial reality that some of their pubs no longer have many punters left.
That is certainly the general law of supply and demand, but does not necessarily explain the sort of £2.25 up to £2.49 then down to £1.99 and then back to £2.25 again variations that you gat at some 'spoons.

Aqualung
17-03-2013, 00:40
That is certainly the general law of supply and demand, but does not necessarily explain the sort of £2.25 up to £2.49 then down to £1.99 and then back to £2.25 again variations that you gat at some 'spoons.

I can explain the recent drop to £1.99 as that was the January Sale. However, it wasn't consistently applied as The George in Wanstead had the "Super Premium" price band Essex Beast on at £1.99 (I took full advantage!). I believe that the £1.99 price should have generally only been appicable to beers of 4.9% and under.

I seem to recall that some time ago the manager of the Drum in Leyton managed to negotiate with the area manager a price drop down to £1.35 a pint for all guest beers (they didn't have price bands then). I don't recall what the price was before, but I never heard a single complaint!

hondo
18-03-2013, 11:13
http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Company-City-News/JD-Wetherspoon-will-have-to-increase-prices-in-response-to-rising-costs/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily&c=7OBUOj6DVzs30ZccXpRqG3xQDSdVS%2BsG

pintplease
18-03-2013, 15:04
JDW Guest ales price increase today 19% are they extracting the urine ?

Aqualung
18-03-2013, 16:38
If my calculations are correct and they maintain the silly 9p rather than rounding up to the 10p figure then in a "standard" Spoons the 4.9% and less guests will be £2.49 up from £2.09, the Premium guests will be £2.69 up from £2.25 and the Super Premium guests will be £2.89 up from £2.40.

I would like to see them get rid of mainstream beers which cost more than the guests which would definitely apply to the two Fuller's beers ESB and Pride and on recent evidence GK Abbot and IPA. As Abbot is reputedly Tim Martin's favourite tipple that may not happen.

Whether the £3.30 minimun guest beer price at Victoria Station will be increased to £3.90 or more remains to be seen.

They are pre-empting the budget so if they go up AGAIN after that then I think they will be losing their edge, depending what other pubs do.

NickDavies
20-03-2013, 13:47
[QUOTE=
They are pre-empting the budget so if they go up AGAIN after that then I think they will be losing their edge, depending what other pubs do.[/QUOTE]

Well they pre-empted it the wrong way.

Wonder if they'll come down again, and further.

Wonder if any pubco will drop its prices.

Aqualung
20-03-2013, 14:15
Well so much for 18% price rises! I popped in the King's Ford in Chingford this lunchtime and the price increases are nothing like that. The Ford is a typical London suburban Spoons with exactly the same price structure as all the other Spoons I regularily visit.

The standard guests have risen from £2.09 to £2.15 and the premium guests have risen from £2.25 to £2.30. The ultra premium (7% ciders and the like) have risen from £2.65 to £2.75. I think I was told that the super premium guests (the likes of Essex Beast etc) have risen from £2.40 to £2.60 which would make it the largest increase but I may have been told £2.50.

I was far more concerned about the fact that there seems to be a new or temporary manager in place and the beer quakity was well below par.


I noticed that some of the food had gone up a bit but only someone who ate in them all the time would really notice.

Isn't the beer duty payed by the brewer? I thought it was so it would be up to them to reduce their prices, but I can't see any of them doing that.

Given the cuts in the public sector I wonder how the people who police excise duty are coping with the plethora of new brewers that have spring up in the last five years. Do they just take their word for granted or what?

pintplease
21-03-2013, 01:32
Aqualung...The JDW I use in Leeds increased its guest ale price by 40p per pint from Monday this week. Went from £2.09 to £2.49 equal to 19% increase. New price lists had been printed so it will be interesting to see if they reduce the price by 1p as per budget and then have to reprint the price lists, serve em right for being greedy.

Aqualung
21-03-2013, 08:57
Aqualung...The JDW I use in Leeds increased its guest ale price by 40p per pint from Monday this week. Went from £2.09 to £2.49 equal to 19% increase. New price lists had been printed so it will be interesting to see if they reduce the price by 1p as per budget and then have to reprint the price lists, serve em right for being greedy.

I've also seen a post on the other site saying that the George in Croydon's premium guests have risen 40p to £2.65 so I'm guessing that they are targetting the busier Spoons with a big increase. I'll be visiting two other East London ones on Friday so we'll see what's what then. The more important point about the budget was that the duty DIDN'T rise as expected and the beer duty escalator has been scrapped. A reduction of 72p on the cost price of a firkin which probably costs well over fifty quid is only going to result in a price drop as part of a marketing gimmick. Osborne's remark that he expects the penny saving to be passed on is ludicrous.

There seems to be some confusion in news web sites which are claiming that the ALCOHOL duty escalator has been scrapped. My reading of it was that it only applied to beer. I hope someone can clarify this point.

Brewguru
21-03-2013, 09:48
Yep, Beer duty escalator is scrapped, all other alcohol - wines spirits and cider increased by 2% above inflation (2.7% so 4.7%)

The main theme to draw is the lack of price rises. Trouble is this is a traditional time of year to raise prices in pubs, as everyone grumbles about a duty increase but at least they expect it and so publicans can increase their prices and justify it along with other costs in the business. Now that has been taken away they are left with a quandary: do I raise prices because everything is more expensive or do I stay the same as duty hasn't increased?

oldboots
21-03-2013, 09:49
There seems to be some confusion in news web sites which are claiming that the ALCOHOL duty escalator has been scrapped. My reading of it was that it only applied to beer. I hope someone can clarify this point.

You can get the whole thing here (http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/budget2013_documents.htm) but the relevant bit says

"Alcohol duty
1.176 The Government is committed to supporting communities as well as individual households. The Government has already taken action to support community pubs through the reduction in both the small profits rate and the corporation tax rate, and regulatory changes to make it easier for pubs to play live music.

1.177 To provide further support to community pubs, Budget 2013 announces that general beer duty will be reduced by 2 per cent from 25 March 2013. The Government will then cancel the escalator for beer duty next year and instead increase it by inflation thereafter. Tax on average strength beer will be 1 penny lower after Budget 2013, saving beer drinkers 4 pence a pint in 2013-14 compared to the previous government’s plans. Duty on high and low strength beer will also be adjusted to reduce the tax on a typical product by 1 penny a pint from 25 March 2013. The Government will shortly respond to its alcohol consultation, including with proposals to deal with deeply-discounted alcohol in supermarkets and other stores."

It's a lttle clearer in his speech:

"Mr Deputy Speaker, there’s another duty escalator – the annual two percent above inflation increases in alcohol. We’re looking at plans to stop the biggest discounts of cheap alcohol at retailers. But responsible drinkers – and our pubs - should not pay the price for the problems caused by others. The sad fact is that we’ve lost 10,000 pubs in the UK over the last decade. Many HM’s have raised their concerns with me like my HF for Bristol North West. My HF for Burton and Uttoxeter in particular has been a committed champion of the famous brewing industry that employs many of his constituents.

I intend to maintain the planned rise for all alcohol duties – with the exception of beer. We will now scrap the beer duty escalator altogether.

And instead of the 3p rise in beer duty tax planned for this year I am cancelling it altogether. That’s the freeze people have been campaigning for. But I’m going to go one step further and I am going to cut beer duty by 1p. We’re taking a penny off a pint. The cut will take effect this Sunday night and I expect it to be passed on in full to customers.


All other duties will remain as previously announced. "

pintplease
21-03-2013, 14:05
Is it only us unfortunate casualties of Leeds JDW that are suffering a 19% per pint increase ? What is the situation in other parts of the country ?. Come on Tim Martin tell us why you are punishing your regulars in Leeds.

Aqualung
21-03-2013, 15:24
Many thanks to The Honourable Member OldBoots for the detailed reply!

Aqualung
21-03-2013, 15:34
Is it only us unfortunate casualties of Leeds JDW that are suffering a 19% per pint increase ? What is the situation in other parts of the country ?. Come on Tim Martin tell us why you are punishing your regulars in Leeds.

As I mentioned in my post earlier today, apparently the same has happened at the George in Croydon so Leeds isn't being persecuted! If someone had told me 30 or more years ago that a pub in Leeds was selling beers over 30p a pint more than one in London (in those days London prices were sky high compared to up North) I would not have believed them.

I'll find out tomorrow what two other East London Spoons have done and if it's the big 18-19% increase I'll check out a third one.

Aqualung
23-03-2013, 00:54
Is it only us unfortunate casualties of Leeds JDW that are suffering a 19% per pint increase ? What is the situation in other parts of the country ?. Come on Tim Martin tell us why you are punishing your regulars in Leeds.

I visited the Wanstead George today to find that they have applied a blanket increase of 20p (under 10%) to the three price bands.

The Walnut Tree in Leytonstione seems to have gone for the lesser increase as their menu stated Guest Ales from £2.15 (up from £2.09). However they do seem to have a different definition of a premium beer as my 4.8% punt was classed as premium at £2.30. There were no price labels on the pumps which I find rether annoying, apart from the solitary pump selling the boring London Pride at a colossal £2.95.

Aqualung
27-03-2013, 15:53
The Last Post in Loughton appears to have had the 20p increase making Standard Guests £2.29. However they are now stocking the ubiquitous Doombar at a shocking £3.05 price tag. I just hope the Essex locals do the right thing by ignoring it completely and allowing it to turn to vinegar.

hondo
28-03-2013, 10:28
"application to open a new venue in Oakham town centre"
http://www.stamfordmercury.co.uk/news/local/jd-wetherspoon-submits-plans-for-1-8m-pub-in-oakham-1-4942486

Oggwyn Trench
31-03-2013, 17:21
The Shrewsbury Hotel (JD Wetherspoon) (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/56964/) was rammed on Saturday , with JDWs usual understaffing they managed to run out of glasses :muppet:

oldboots
31-03-2013, 19:29
There's a nasty rumour that this pub (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/55428/) is being considered by Timbo

hondo
24-04-2013, 08:44
"at present there are still negotiations taking place.”
http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/localnews/beaconsfield/10373845.Wetherspoons_keen_for_M40_pub_to_go_ahead/

Aqualung
03-05-2013, 18:25
I went in the Wanstead George today and was horrified to find that two of the handpumps were devoted to the pathetic Doombar and a new one to me Tetley's Gold. Given that both of these concoctions are the spawn of Satan (ie the Global Corporate Abominations) I wondered just what is going on.

My anger was compunded by the fact that these two "beers" were both 20p dearer than the vastly superior standard guests, in fact the 6.2% Essex Beast was on offer for just 11p a pint more.

In addition the global but a long time Spoons regular, Directors was available at the same price, the boring and ubiquitous London Pride was wasting a pump at a ridiculous price and the two usual GK suspects were both doubled up. I can understand the cheap house beer Ruddles being doubled up, but Abbot is nowadays expensive compared to guest beers and is no longer the "Get Out of Jail Free Card" that it used to be when the guests didn't appeal.

All this rubbish is blocking out the proper guests and the local brewer's stuff.

I am going to send feedback to Spoons and hope that anyone else who finds themselves in this situation will follow suit. Spoons claim they are supporting micros and local brewers but on this evidence they are doing so reluctantly.

london calling
03-05-2013, 19:58
Well last month i got 50 +new beers without resorting to Wetherspoon dross.Thats a line up from HELL at the George.

Aqualung
03-05-2013, 21:21
Well last month i got 50 +new beers without resorting to Wetherspoon dross.Thats a line up from HELL at the George.

The Wetherspoon Dross that you talk about is actually the dross that most pubs whether by choice or coercion seem to stock. My biggest gripe is the totally pointless Doombar and Tetley's Gold being sold at a higher price than the standard guests.

It wasn't all dross as I did manage to try three of the four proper guests on offer Purity Mad Goose, and two Nethergate beers (Mary Mild and Essex Beast). I'm not that bothered about new beers but do try to steer clear of ones from the Global Corporate Abominations and the overpriced SE Regionals.

There's no way I'm going to chase around the rip-off Central London "Craft" pubs just to try a new beer although I'm prepared to make occasional one pint visits to more expensive non Spoons pubs. I feel blessed to have the Brodie's Brewery Tap local to me where the prices are slightly higher or less than the local Spoons.

hondo
03-06-2013, 11:19
"secures first pub at motorway services"
http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Company-City-News/JD-Wetherspoon-secures-first-pub-at-motorway-services

london calling
03-06-2013, 20:45
"secures first pub at motorway services"
http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Company-City-News/JD-Wetherspoon-secures-first-pub-at-motorway-services

The main draw with Wetherspoon is cheap beer and cheap food but I suppose that like the airport outlets the price will be a lot higher than the normal pubs.

gillhalfpint
03-06-2013, 21:28
Can't see it working. Will the police be waiting to check if fit to go on the motorway again. A bit scary to worry about who is on the road with you.

Aqualung
03-06-2013, 22:04
I'm not sure about how it will work either, but I can see their food going down well as in my experience Spoon's food is Michelin Starred compared to the appalling rubbish that I've come across at Motorway Services.

I can't see real ale other than maybe GK Ruddles being an option due to the drink and drive issue and any attempt to stock more surely wouldn't work as the sales would be too slow. Maybe Spoons have a completely different business plan for it. I thought these places were not allowed to serve alcohol.

Quinno
03-06-2013, 23:45
I thought these places were not allowed to serve alcohol.

That's what my wife said but you are both wrong...tedious detail is here: http://motorwayservicesonline.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1320

Farway
04-06-2013, 15:19
Like others can't see the beer side working with cops just lurking on the slip road for easy collar, but 'spoons is very popular for food & coffee, plus some motorway service areas have a Travel Lodge or similar attached, so could be OK for a few evening pints if in one

It will beat some of the dire offerings currently available

Al 10000
04-06-2013, 15:24
I'm not sure about how it will work either, but I can see their food going down well as in my experience Spoon's food is Michelin Starred compared to the appalling rubbish that I've come across at Motorway Services.

I can't see real ale other than maybe GK Ruddles being an option due to the drink and drive issue and any attempt to stock more surely wouldn't work as the sales would be too slow. Maybe Spoons have a completely different business plan for it. I thought these places were not allowed to serve alcohol.

The majority of people travelling on motorways are not driving,there are loads of coaches with 50 odd people on them and car passengers who would enjoy a decent pint in a motorway Spoons,i would gladly drink in one after all the times i have been stuck at Woodhead services for 30 to 45 minutes drinking crap coffee while the National Express driver has his break.

Farway
05-06-2013, 15:50
The majority of people travelling on motorways are not driving,there are loads of coaches with 50 odd people on them and car passengers who would enjoy a decent pint in a motorway Spoons,i would gladly drink in one after all the times i have been stuck at Woodhead services for 30 to 45 minutes drinking crap coffee while the National Express driver has his break.

Yep, had not thought of coaches, like you have been stuck whilst coach driver has his break..

'Spoons will however have to up the staffing, queues are standard at service stations, but with say only 30 minutes is any one going to wait?

Old Blue
05-06-2013, 19:33
The Daily Mash has it spot on as usual http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/wetherspoons-to-open-uks-first-human-zoo-2013060470772

Aqualung
05-06-2013, 22:25
The Daily Mash has it spot on as usual http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/wetherspoons-to-open-uks-first-human-zoo-2013060470772

I hope Tim Martin doesn't look at this forum as he may well take up the idea and I'll end up as an exhibit!!

Aqualung
31-07-2013, 14:27
I don't know how widespread this is and as far as I can see it's not been publicised by them but the lower ABV guest ales in two local Spoons have been reduced from £2.15 to £1.99. My spy tells me that the next price review is in October, so presumably it will last until then. In the King's Ford today the Wickwar Bob, Brentwood Gold and Leeds Yorkshire Gold (4%) were all £1.99. The Orkney Dark Island and Portobello Market Porter (4.6% and 4.5%) were the usual £2.15.

Farway
04-08-2013, 17:07
Two of Britain’s biggest pub chains have become the latest to admit that the vast majority of workers are on controversial zero-hour contracts

Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/news/article-2384065/D-Wetherspoon-Spirit-Group-admit-staff-zero-hours.html#ixzz2b17GMBsa

No such thing as cheap pint? Perhaps this explains how they do it?

hondo
14-08-2013, 10:13
"investigation after pub staff were allegedly “too busy” "
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wetherspoons-investigate-after-staff-too-5712249

gillhalfpint
14-08-2013, 11:00
"investigation after pub staff were allegedly “too busy” "
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wetherspoons-investigate-after-staff-too-5712249

What I find weird here is that the family member didn't make the call in the first place. If I was with someone who collapsed and I had a phone I would be making the call rather than ask a pub to do it.

NickDavies
14-08-2013, 11:51
What I find weird here is that the family member didn't make the call in the first place. If I was with someone who collapsed and I had a phone I would be making the call rather than ask a pub to do it.

Indeed it's usually difficult to stop passers-by calling an ambulance when someone you know well is felling a bit wobbly...and in any case they would rather have multiple calls to the same job rather than no call at all.