Wetherspoons

[IanD]

You gotta wonder the quality of the food at Spoons , had a few burgers and tasted ok but nothing to tempt me back .

There was a story about 10 years ago on consumer programmes and in the press that the steaks were from cattle that was crossed with the Indian zebu. I think other chain pubs used the same sort of meat. At least it was from the bovine family rather than equine

 

[DarloRich]

FWIW I would liken Wetherspoons to Tesco and Aldi to a pub belonging to one of the smaller breweries. I tend to avoid Tesco but find Aldi interesting.
This thread had made me want to try a Wetherspoons but the last few posts about unpleasantness has made me think again

really? Judge for yourself dont rely on others. They are decent pubs if a bot bottom end. Judge for yourself.

 

[DarloRich]

You gotta wonder the quality of the food at Spoons , had a few burgers and tasted ok but nothing to tempt me back .

it aint cordon bleu but it is perfectly acceptable cheap food. If you want restaurant quality pay restaurant prices!

 

[nat67]

Talking of Weatherpersons. have any of you watched on Youtube @antman09ful1 he goes to lots of them on train trips just to say oh I have been there.

 

[Aictos]

One thing to remember when you order food from Wetherspoons and that's if there's any issues with it then the whole meal should be replaced for example if you ordered a breakfast but it arrived cold or ordered a steak and it wasn't done as you requested then it is their own policy to replace the whole meal and not just the affected part of the breakfast or steak.

The complaint is raised to the manager who then authorises the replacement, staff can't just do this on their own back.

Just a heads up in case people weren't aware of this

As to the various pubs themselves I prefer them as you know what you're getting as for these avoiding Wetherspoons because of one bad experience, I went to a local pub in Norwich a few years ago which I won't name but it was a absolute dive and not one I would recommend however that one experience doesn't mean I avoided the other local pubs in the area or escaped to Wetherspoons, indeed I still went drinking at the other ones I just know to avoid that one pub.

 

[BTU]

What is it about Wetherspoons that people actually like?

Ok it's 'cheap', but that's the only thing going for it.
The Pub interiors are dull and depressing, and the food is just microwaved crap!

Actually, I've found that other pubs aren't that much more expensive, and they have a much better atmosphere!

If you lived in London you would know that actually, they are much cheaper than most places and the interior isnt that bad. Food is total rubbish granted.

 

[IanD]

If you lived in London you would know that actually, they are much cheaper than most places and the interior isnt that bad.

You don't have to live in London to know that. It's in loads of places. Here in Milton Keynes, average price of real ale is £3.45, with 'Spoons currently charging £1.99 for their guest ales.

 

[YorkshireBear]

You don't have to live in London to know that. It's in loads of places. Here in Milton Keynes, average price of real ale is £3.45, with 'Spoons currently charging £1.99 for their guest ales.

I am on a training course in Milton Keynes all week and tried spoons last night. Was quite impressed, especially with the selection of local ales for £1.99. Tried some really nice ones and will most certainly go back again! The only disappointment is I am used to a trek up at least 1,000,000 flights of stairs to get to the toilet, at this one they were right there! No mountaineering required!

The food is perfectly reasonable, infact id say excellent value for what you pay. Said it before I said it again. Spoons you know exactly what you get, you pay for it, you eat and drink it and you leave. Very rarely do I leave unhappy! Could be worse, could be somewhere like frankie and bennys which used to charge a fortune for food not that much better.******

* I should caveat that with, i have recently returned to visiting frankie and bennys due to vouchers. They have certainly upped their game significantly and actually now provide some good quality food at the same prices they used to serve cack.

 

[Bletchleyite]

If you want a classic Spoons where mountaineering equipment is required to access the bog, take a short train or bus ride down to Bletchley and pop to the (relatively new and quite nice) "Captain Ridley's Shooting Party" for a change of scenery. The name is good as well - do some Googling as to its background.

Actually, barring the odd one that's just called Wetherspoons, I think their naming approach is one of the best features - I do like a bit of local interest in that kind of thing.

If you want a quick ride on the Marston Vale into the bargain, I think it's actually a bit closer to Fenny station than Bletchley, though there isn't much in it.

 

[IanD]

If you want a classic Spoons where mountaineering equipment is required to access the bog, take a short train or bus ride down to Bletchley and pop to the (relatively new and quite nice) "Captain Ridley's Shooting Party" for a change of scenery. The name is good as well - do some Googling as to its background.

And if you do venture that way, pay a visit to The Chequers in Fenny Stratford and The Red Lion if you have time. I wouldn't bother with any of the other pubs down that end of Milton Keynes except for the "experience".

Both Central MK Spoons have same level toilets which is indeed a rare treat.

Actually, barring the odd one that's just called Wetherspoons, I think their naming approach is one of the best features - I do like a bit of local interest in that kind of thing.

There are lots of Spoons called JJ Moons or featuring Moon in the name which are all derived from George Orwell's vision of the ideal pub, The Moon Under Water (the name of the other MK outlet) although I suspect most have now diverged from that ideal somewhat (probably already mentioned somewhere upthread).

 

[Bletchleyite]

And if you do venture that way, pay a visit to The Chequers in Fenny Stratford and The Red Lion if you have time. I wouldn't bother with any of the other pubs down that end of Milton Keynes except for the "experience".

Not far the other side of Bletchley station the Eight Belles is Bletchley Park themed and quite nice. Does seem to have difficulties financially though (it's up for lease again) and so I can't see it lasting, sadly. Probably not 'Spoons that's killing it, but rather the lack of much local lunchtime custom since the large Cable and Wireless site closed opposite. The only big concentration of people nearby in the daytime is the college and they're mostly under age - it'd probably do better financially as one of those dessert or milkshake bars!

Further up the Buckingham Road you've got the Swan (a classic drinker's pub) and the Three Trees (more of a gastropub/carvery, a surprising transformation from what used to be a very rough pub with lots of trouble that was on its last chance), both are decent but not worth the trek per-se, they're more for locals.

 

[IanD]

Not far the other side of Bletchley station the Eight Belles is Bletchley Park themed and quite nice. Does seem to have difficulties financially though (it's up for lease again) and so I can't see it lasting, sadly. Probably not 'Spoons that's killing it, but rather the lack of much local lunchtime custom since the large Cable and Wireless site closed opposite. The only big concentration of people nearby in the daytime is the college and they're mostly under age - it'd probably do better financially as one of those dessert or milkshake bars!

Further up the Buckingham Road you've got the Swan (a classic drinker's pub) and the Three Trees (more of a gastropub/carvery, a surprising transformation from what used to be a very rough pub with lots of trouble that was on its last chance), both are decent but not worth the trek per-se, they're more for locals.

Yes, all three of those are OK. I was meaning more the Fenny end, I'd certainly give the Maltsters and The Swan a swerve due to their variable beer quality, the Bull and Butcher tends to be OK (if it's open again).

Interestingly, the Wetherspoons in Bletchley was a real rough pub before it was taken over, renamed Captain Ridley's and revamped. Prior to that, I can't recall a time I went in and there wasn't a fight on a Friday night. Usually a few broken windows when you drove past. Mr Martin's team have put a stop to that despite their perceived reputation for running rough pubs.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Yes, all three of those are OK. I was meaning more the Fenny end, I'd certainly give the Maltsters and The Swan a swerve due to their variable beer quality, the Bull and Butcher tends to be OK (if it's open again).

Interestingly, the Wetherspoons in Bletchley was a real rough pub before it was taken over, renamed Captain Ridley's and revamped. Prior to that, I can't recall a time I went in and there wasn't a fight on a Friday night. Usually a few broken windows when you drove past. Mr Martin's team have put a stop to that despite their perceived reputation for running rough pubs.

Indeed. It mostly has bouncers there, and they seem to be quite good at working out what is genuine trouble and what needs leaving alone. There's also the factor that people who used to drink in the Enigma Tavern which closed a while ago will also have gone to drink there, that was a classic "estate pub" despite not actually being in an estate and while a bit run down wasn't particularly rough, so you've got a much more mixed crowd than the old Bletchley Arms regulars.

 

[DarloRich]

Interestingly, the Wetherspoons in Bletchley was a real rough pub before it was taken over, renamed Captain Ridley's and revamped. Prior to that, I can't recall a time I went in and there wasn't a fight on a Friday night. Usually a few broken windows when you drove past. Mr Martin's team have put a stop to that despite their perceived reputation for running rough pubs.

Indeed. It mostly has bouncers there, and they seem to be quite good at working out what is genuine trouble and what needs leaving alone. There's also the factor that people who used to drink in the Enigma Tavern which closed a while ago will also have gone to drink there, that was a classic "estate pub" despite not actually being in an estate and while a bit run down wasn't particularly rough, so you've got a much more mixed crowd than the old Bletchley Arms regulars.

They have done a good job on the one in Beltchley. I haven't been in for a while so don't know how sticky the carpet is but the last time i did go in it was still clean and tidy. I tend to drink in the Chequers in Fenny now.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

A friend of mine lives in Dewsbury but rarely frequents the West Riding due to the high prices. He's not a great fan of the local 'Spoons either.

Then with all due respect, I'm not sure where there is in Dewsbury for your friend to drink at a price he deems acceptable. The West Riding is dearer than a Spoons or any surviving Working Mens' Clubs, but it's hardly "expensive" even by Yorkshire standards.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

You don't have to live in London to know that. It's in loads of places. Here in Milton Keynes, average price of real ale is £3.45, with 'Spoons currently charging £1.99 for their guest ales.

The other day I had one of the guest ales in the Huddersfield Wetherspoon's (Cherry Tree- the seedier one on John William Street)... 5.2% and it was only £1.49, pretty good it was too! Unfortunately I don't remember itsh name... **cartoon burp***

 

[YorkshireBear]

I've already committed myself to MK spoons tonight. But next time I'm down here (actually got a job on in Fenny Stratford soon) I'll try them out! Thanks!

 

[Mutant Lemming]

On a misty cold day I wandered into the Crown Hotel's public bar in Langholm and although the beer selection was not great I warmed up in front of a roaring real fire in the cosy public bar - that is something you will never experience in a Wetherspoon. They do have their place but that is as a canteen style drinking and feeding station I've not been in one I'd call a proper pub.

 

[BTU]

You don't have to live in London to know that. It's in loads of places. Here in Milton Keynes, average price of real ale is £3.45, with 'Spoons currently charging £1.99 for their guest ales.

Average price in London is about £5 a pint bloody rip off.Lucky Mr Spoons is around to sort that out.

 

[Mutant Lemming]

Average price in London is about £5 a pint bloody rip off.Lucky Mr Spoons is around to sort that out.

Why not suggest he opens one in Paris - then you could travel there to experience all the delights of a wetherspoon without having to pay £7 for a pint in a local bar.

 

[IanD]

Why not suggest he opens one in Paris - then you could travel there to experience all the delights of a wetherspoon without having to pay £7 for a pint in a local bar.

He don't like Europe.

 

[Aictos]

He don't like Europe.

However he does have pubs in Ireland.... Which the last time I looked was part of yes you got it right the EU!

I don't think he doesn't like Europe, he's pro Brexit that I can't deny but as he has pubs in Ireland I don't think he would say no to opening new pubs elsewhere as long as it made good business sense.

 

[IanD]

However he does have pubs in Ireland.... Which the last time I looked was part of yes you got it right the EU!

I don't think he doesn't like Europe, he's pro Brexit that I can't deny but as he has pubs in Ireland I don't think he would say no to opening new pubs elsewhere as long as it made good business sense.

He don't like Europe but he does like money and who doesn't?

 

[Bletchleyite]

However he does have pubs in Ireland.... Which the last time I looked was part of yes you got it right the EU!

I don't think he doesn't like Europe, he's pro Brexit that I can't deny but as he has pubs in Ireland I don't think he would say no to opening new pubs elsewhere as long as it made good business sense.

I think "doesn't like the EU as a political entity" and "doesn't like Europe" are two quite different things. I reckon that if you ask even the hardest Brexiteer they probably still like going on holiday to the south of France for two weeks in the summer, but to go on holiday to France for two weeks in the summer you don't need a political union, just like we don't have one with Thailand and you can go on holiday there for two weeks in the summer if you so wish.

 

[Aictos]

I think "doesn't like the EU as a political entity" and "doesn't like Europe" are two quite different things. I reckon that if you ask even the hardest Brexiteer they probably still like going on holiday to the south of France for two weeks in the summer, but to go on holiday to France for two weeks in the summer you don't need a political union, just like we don't have one with Thailand and you can go on holiday there for two weeks in the summer if you so wish.

Indeed which is why I said although he's pro Brexit and is encouraging non EU products in his pubs, he isn't going to say no to opening new pubs in Europe which is what he's done with Dublin to name just one.

I can't say I can see further expansion in mainline Europe such as France, Italy, Germany etc however I can see more pubs being opened in Ireland both the Republic and also Northern Ireland.

 

[DelW]

Before this gets further into Br*x*t territory, returning to cask ales and the app, 'spoons in London recently ran a local London beer festival and AIUI the festival beers were on the app (according to my drinking mates, I don't use it myself). They were also £2.49 (probably less in other venues) which is pretty unbeatable value in London. It's noticeable that in 'spoons, a round needs a tenner and maybe a bit of loose change, whereas if we go elsewhere, the round needs a twenty and you may get a bit of loose change back if you're lucky.

 

[jon0844]

Talking of Weatherpersons. have any of you watched on Youtube @antman09ful1 he goes to lots of them on train trips just to say oh I have been there.

#AllTheSpoons

 

[nat67]

#AllTheSpoons

Yes that's the one.

 

[IanD]

This guy has visited all but 5 of the 1105 Wetherspoons that have ever existed. Actually set foot in them, not just passed by on the pavement.

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/~ccaajpa/pubs-spoons.html


Looks like the only 2 current ones he hasn't visited are in Liskeard (recently opened) and the Wetherspoons Express at Stansted airside (seasonally open).

 

[Flying Snail]

Indeed which is why I said although he's pro Brexit and is encouraging non EU products in his pubs, he isn't going to say no to opening new pubs in Europe which is what he's done with Dublin to name just one.

I can't say I can see further expansion in mainline Europe such as France, Italy, Germany etc however I can see more pubs being opened in Ireland both the Republic and also Northern Ireland.

They sold 5 pubs in the last few years in NI, only 4 left at present. There are 4 new sites opening in ROI though including 2 in Dublin city centre this year. Their current ones are doing well, largely due to the prices being 50-100% cheaper than other pubs.