Wetherspoons

[Aictos]

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.

Not been to Ireland or Northern Ireland for a few years so wasn't sure but did notice that in the magazine that they produce that it did mention these pubs.

 

[IanD]

...the prices being 50-100% cheaper than other pubs.

Free beer will always be a winner with me.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

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.

He ought to open up in Prague, seeing as the Czechs drink the most alcohol per capita in the world... (their President is also a staunch Eurosceptic).

 

[fowler9]

Just in the North Western in Liverpool. Why aren't staff allowed to accept tips?

 

[Bletchleyite]

Just in the North Western in Liverpool. Why aren't staff allowed to accept tips?

Isn’t the convention in a pub “and one for yourself” rather than money?

 

[SteveP29]

Isn’t the convention in a pub “and one for yourself” rather than money?

It usually is, but when I was a student I worked in my local pub, I used to take 50p instead of a drink whenever anyone offered. If I took a drink, it had to be drank that night and my manager was never keen on staying back after hours except on a Saturday, so they'd be wasted. Some nights, if working in the function room, I could come out at the end of my shift with a fiver

 

[Aictos]

Just in the North Western in Liverpool. Why aren't staff allowed to accept tips?

Actually staff ARE allowed to accept tips as JDW has a policy on it as does every other outlet however as far as I am aware it is their policy that staff must first sign a disclaimer which forms part of this policy before they can accept tips.

It may be the case that the staff at that location haven't done this and as a result cannot accept any form of tips or gratuities.

 

[fowler9]

Actually staff ARE allowed to accept tips as JDW has a policy on it as does every other outlet however as far as I am aware it is their policy that staff must first sign a disclaimer which forms part of this policy before they can accept tips.

It may be the case that the staff at that location haven't done this and as a result cannot accept any form of tips or gratuities.

Cheers mate, what is the disclaimer they have to sign. Anywhere I go in England I say "And your own" or "Take your own" and generally about 20p is taken.

 

[Meerkat]

Is the disclaimer about staff declaring them to the tax man?

 

[Aictos]

Cheers mate, what is the disclaimer they have to sign. Anywhere I go in England I say "And your own" or "Take your own" and generally about 20p is taken.

I'm not 100% sure but a policy does exists and that's all I know on the subject so as regards to the Taxman that's something I don't know so can't comment on that.

 

[Mag_seven]

I'd far rather they offered "create your own" at a price per item like Morrisons do

It is good that (tried it this morning) but is expensive compared to the "fixed price" breakfast for a similar number of items.

 

[Tom B]

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

I realise this post is from a few months ago, but as the thread is still active... I recall about a year ago there was a major issue with their meat supplier who subsequently lost the contract and went bankrupt. A new supplier was in place in a week or so I believe.

 

[Mutant Lemming]

Dropped in the one in 'downtown' Stevenage as it was marginally preferable to standing in the rain at the bus station (quite marginal as it turned out). The most bovine looking species in the place were the clientele waddling around it . Martin should be contributing an awful lot more to the NHS - even if he isn't deemed responsible for the obese and the drunks that pervade his establishments he should at least be aiding the system that keeps his customer base alive longer to boost his profits.

 

[Bletchleyite]

It is good that (tried it this morning) but is expensive compared to the "fixed price" breakfast for a similar number of items.

It is, but I'm more than willing to cough up to have exactly what I want. Others please note - a customer is saying they'll pay extra for a personalised service. Funny, that.

 

[theblackwatch]

It is, but I'm more than willing to cough up to have exactly what I want. Others please note - a customer is saying they'll pay extra for a personalised service. Funny, that.

In my experience Wetherspoons will happily allow you to swap items on a breakfast if you want. I always ditch the egg in favour of something I like, and have yet to be refused.

 

[matt]

In my experience Wetherspoons will happily allow you to swap items on a breakfast if you want. I always ditch the egg in favour of something I like, and have yet to be refused.

Same for me. I always swap the tomato and mushrooms for something else and I don't recall ever being refused

 

[185143]

Same for me. I always swap the tomato and mushrooms for something else and I don't recall ever being refused

Neither have I. Some will actively offer you something else eg: "Would you like to add anything else?" Or even "would you like extra hash browns/bacon/(insert food here) instead" other 'Spoons I've had to ask "Can I get something else instead" but never been refused. Unless I want Black Pudding!

 

[Cowley]

Same for me. I always swap the tomato and mushrooms for something else and I don't recall ever being refused

And me. Mrs C (being a Vogon) has the small veggie breakfast but swaps the egg for extra tomatoes.
It’s a good deal for us having breakfast in the Spoons - cheaper than buying the ingredients and cooking at home really...

 

[fowler9]

I went to the newish Wetherspoons in Keswick at the weekend. Just to reassure you the beer, food and service is standard and it is miles from wherever you are sat to the toilets. Ha ha.

 

[Cowley]

Just to reassure you the beer, food and service is standard and it is miles from wherever you are sat to the toilets. Ha ha.

It always is isn’t it?
A couple of times I only just made it...

 

[IanD]

I went to the new Wetherspoons opposite James Street station in Liverpool on Wednesday (opening day). Toilets are on the ground floor, same as the bar but the smoking area is outside upstairs. If people stick to it it will mean none of the smoke coming in from the front door area. Can't see the smokers schlepping up two flights of steps though when they can just nip out the front.

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

I went to the newish Wetherspoons in Keswick at the weekend. Just to reassure you the beer, food and service is standard and it is miles from wherever you are sat to the toilets. Ha ha.

Is that the one that use to be a police station or Jail or something similar? They are good about doing old buildings, theatres, cinemas, banks etc.

 

[dgl]

Neither have I. Some will actively offer you something else eg: "Would you like to add anything else?" Or even "would you like extra hash browns/bacon/(insert food here) instead" other 'Spoons I've had to ask "Can I get something else instead" but never been refused. Unless I want Black Pudding!

Yep, mushrooms (yuck!) replaced with an extra sausage which my sister usually gets as she only has a sausage sandwich and if I am at a morrisons and having a big breakfast then I have the fried bred replaced with toast, try doing that at an ASDA café and you've got no hope (plus the food is terrible).

 

[telstarbox]

It all depends on the location and the time. I have to say the 'spoons in Blackpool was 'interesting' but McDonald's was even worse.

Which one? I was in the Velvet Coaster on Sunday which is relatively new and it's very impressive - nice decor and a sun terrace overlooking the sea.

 

[Bletchleyite]

In my experience Wetherspoons will happily allow you to swap items on a breakfast if you want. I always ditch the egg in favour of something I like, and have yet to be refused.

I've had Spoons refuse on the basis that they were supplied the correct amount of ingredients for each plate. Was a while ago though. You also get into the "what is fair to swap for what" argument, on which my take is that it's fair to swap meat for meat, veg for veg or meat for veg (with egg being considered veg) but not veg for meat.

I just prefer the Morrison's approach even if it costs more. What would you like? Well, 3 bacon, 3 hash browns, scrambled egg, mushrooms, beans and chopped tomatoes and spam (maybe not the spam ). That's £whatever-it-is. Sorted, no arguments, no awkwardness.

If of course you like one of the default plates but want to add to it, you can use the "create your own" to do that too.

 

[Bletchleyite]

It always is isn’t it?
A couple of times I only just made it...

Presumably this is because they want to use the maximum space they can for the "drinking floor" and putting toilets (other than the accessible one) on that level wastes that space?

There are exceptions. "Old Spoons" in MK (the one nearest the station) is all on one level and there are, if you really want, tables you can sit at where it would be fewer than 10 steps chair to urinal. I half recall them being on the ground floor in Fort William too (largely because upstairs is a Travelodge).

 

[theblackwatch]

I've had Spoons refuse on the basis that they were supplied the correct amount of ingredients for each plate. Was a while ago though. You also get into the "what is fair to swap for what" argument, on which my take is that it's fair to swap meat for meat, veg for veg or meat for veg (with egg being considered veg) but not veg for meat.

I just prefer the Morrison's approach even if it costs more. What would you like? Well, 3 bacon, 3 hash browns, scrambled egg, mushrooms, beans and chopped tomatoes and spam (maybe not the spam ). That's £whatever-it-is. Sorted, no arguments, no awkwardness.

The only place I have had a 'what can you swap for' discussion is in an O'Neills. I must've had over 30 Wetherspoons breakfasts over the years and not once have I had a refusal - so you were clearly unlucky. The one thing I wouldn't try is to swap something for black pudding, which is only available as an extra for a surcharge.

 

[Darandio]

Yep, mushrooms (yuck!) replaced with an extra sausage which my sister usually gets as she only has a sausage sandwich and if I am at a morrisons and having a big breakfast then I have the fried bred replaced with toast, try doing that at an ASDA café and you've got no hope (plus the food is terrible).

Each to their own. If a breakfast doesn't have a pile of mushrooms, black pudding and a slice of fried bread alongside everything else then it isn't a breakfast!

 

[Bletchleyite]

Each to their own. If a breakfast doesn't have a pile of mushrooms, black pudding and a slice of fried bread alongside everything else then it isn't a breakfast!

Mushrooms are the king of vegetables - an honorary meat in many ways. They should be in everything.

Do be aware though that you may be the cause of a trip to Morrisons for lunch.

 

[IanD]

There are exceptions. "Old Spoons" in MK (the one nearest the station) is all on one level and there are, if you really want, tables you can sit at where it would be fewer than 10 steps chair to urinal.

Both 'Spoons in central Milton Keynes are on one level, with tables handy for the loos. Both do have raised seating areas inviolving 2 or 3 steps to reach them. Not sure why.

I think the Knights Templar Wetherspoons near Chancery Lane has downstairs toilets but in the area just outside them there is a single table which is numbered so you can order food to it if you wish.