Blair-Waldorf
VIP Member
The pizzas are nice for what you pay, I had a bbq chicken one for like 7.95 the other week. If you go in expecting gourmet then you’re a nob head
- Notice
whisperchat
VIP Member
The spoons in Liverpool street in London is like a bloody opera house lol. Its beautiful inside, if you haven't seen it, google it! I've been there once but it was so busy, we stayed for one drink and left but yeah it was amazing.
I went back to the 'London and Southwestern' in Clapham Junction last weekend, to see if the service was any better - it wasn't.
As soon as I walked in the door, I could see two queues of around six people at the bar and only one person serving. Another three were farting around behind the bar but not serving. I eventually got a drink after about ten minutes of waiting.
I then decided to order food on the app. The pizza arrived after about 15 minutes but no beer arrived. I had to chase this up with a passing member of staff and had nearly finished my pizza by the time it did finally arrive.
Some Spoons are more switched on than others with regards to app orders. The 'London and Southwestern' isn't one of those.
If I'm in that area again, I'll be going to 'The Asparagus' five minutes down the road. Far better service in there.
I've heard all sorts of BS spouted about Wetherspoons over the years:
Short dated beer - with 800+ pubs would all those suppliers really have that much short dated stock to supply that many pubs? I don't think so!
Also to add, Wetherspoons ate the largest purchaser of local real ales in the country. Would all those local breweries hold masses of short dated beer? Again, I think not!
Pays shit wages - No more shit than any other pub company that others seem to like going to. The Wetherspoons bonus and share scheme is the best in the industry. Brewdog treat their staff like crap, but I don't see the same people criticising them. I wonder why?
Treated staff badly during pandemic - I've spoken to a number of staff at my local branch about this. As usual BS was spread on social media and the 'triggered' in society picked it up, added their own BS and spun it. It was explained to staff that they were free to find alternative employer elsewhere during the lockdowns. The company would not pay more than furlough for staff who were still on the books. This was no different to many other companies. When pubs reopened all previous staff were contacted to see if they wanted to return.
Close down other pubs - If some pubs weren't so damn greedy then maybe they wouldn't have closed. You may be happy to pay £6+ a pint and £14 for a burger elsewhere, however not every one else is. Wetherspoons have successfully man-made to make the pub going experience cheaper for many.
Tim Martin supported Brexit - So what? He was entitled to so so, as much as you and others were entitled to support remain. If Tim happened to be a remainer, I doubt he would be getting half as much BS lobbed in his direction. Just goes to show how utterly stupid and pathetic some people are nowadays.
It is also worth noting that many Spoons are still busy with younger people and students - many of whom would have likely voted remain. They have either gotten over and accepted the result, or are utter hypocrites if they haven't.
Spoons are still among the busiest pubs in most towns and cities across the UK.
As soon as I walked in the door, I could see two queues of around six people at the bar and only one person serving. Another three were farting around behind the bar but not serving. I eventually got a drink after about ten minutes of waiting.
I then decided to order food on the app. The pizza arrived after about 15 minutes but no beer arrived. I had to chase this up with a passing member of staff and had nearly finished my pizza by the time it did finally arrive.
Some Spoons are more switched on than others with regards to app orders. The 'London and Southwestern' isn't one of those.
If I'm in that area again, I'll be going to 'The Asparagus' five minutes down the road. Far better service in there.
Some people's hate of Wetherspoons is based upon their own personal politics, that is at odds with what Tim Martin is rightfully allowed to hold.
I've heard all sorts of BS spouted about Wetherspoons over the years:
Short dated beer - with 800+ pubs would all those suppliers really have that much short dated stock to supply that many pubs? I don't think so!
Also to add, Wetherspoons ate the largest purchaser of local real ales in the country. Would all those local breweries hold masses of short dated beer? Again, I think not!
Pays shit wages - No more shit than any other pub company that others seem to like going to. The Wetherspoons bonus and share scheme is the best in the industry. Brewdog treat their staff like crap, but I don't see the same people criticising them. I wonder why?
Treated staff badly during pandemic - I've spoken to a number of staff at my local branch about this. As usual BS was spread on social media and the 'triggered' in society picked it up, added their own BS and spun it. It was explained to staff that they were free to find alternative employer elsewhere during the lockdowns. The company would not pay more than furlough for staff who were still on the books. This was no different to many other companies. When pubs reopened all previous staff were contacted to see if they wanted to return.
Close down other pubs - If some pubs weren't so damn greedy then maybe they wouldn't have closed. You may be happy to pay £6+ a pint and £14 for a burger elsewhere, however not every one else is. Wetherspoons have successfully man-made to make the pub going experience cheaper for many.
Tim Martin supported Brexit - So what? He was entitled to so so, as much as you and others were entitled to support remain. If Tim happened to be a remainer, I doubt he would be getting half as much BS lobbed in his direction. Just goes to show how utterly stupid and pathetic some people are nowadays.
It is also worth noting that many Spoons are still busy with younger people and students - many of whom would have likely voted remain. They have either gotten over and accepted the result, or are utter hypocrites if they haven't.
Spoons are still among the busiest pubs in most towns and cities across the UK.
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Dislike for Tim Martin aside, I do actually like going in Wetherspoons in many places. The two closest to me, the Lantokay and the Quarter Jack are both very good while the one in my nearest big town (Yeovil) has been abysmal the few times I’ve been in there. So they can be a bit variable.
My 18 year old son likes them too as he’s autistic and he’s familiar with the menu so can order independently with minimal help from his PA when he goes on respite.
I always feel like there’s a lot of snobbery involved when people slag them off because the food is fairly cheap. Truthfully that’s all some of us can afford and it is at least relatively good value for money.
My 18 year old son likes them too as he’s autistic and he’s familiar with the menu so can order independently with minimal help from his PA when he goes on respite.
I always feel like there’s a lot of snobbery involved when people slag them off because the food is fairly cheap. Truthfully that’s all some of us can afford and it is at least relatively good value for money.
Notorious PIG
Chatty Member
Wetherspoons is a safe bet. Like McDonalds (and yes I love McDonalds and I don’t care what anyone says! 
), one knows what to expect. Some slightly better than others, but sometimes I just want a bit of familiarity.
I frequented the one in my local town in South East London for nearly 20 years. I remember being a student and going with friends after college for their 2 meals for £5.50!
Every time I flew from Heathrow t5 I used to go to the Spoons for an eggs Benedict.
I find Spoons comfortable and welcoming, always clean, good for a laugh with all the local weirdos and characters, good menu, nice dinnerware, decent staff, also loved the table service via app they introduced in recent years. Oh, the coffee is great too, with free refills. And I liked their cocktail jugs.
), one knows what to expect. Some slightly better than others, but sometimes I just want a bit of familiarity.I frequented the one in my local town in South East London for nearly 20 years. I remember being a student and going with friends after college for their 2 meals for £5.50!
Every time I flew from Heathrow t5 I used to go to the Spoons for an eggs Benedict.
I find Spoons comfortable and welcoming, always clean, good for a laugh with all the local weirdos and characters, good menu, nice dinnerware, decent staff, also loved the table service via app they introduced in recent years. Oh, the coffee is great too, with free refills. And I liked their cocktail jugs.
watermelon sugar
VIP Member
Tbh I only really like Wetherspoons for the cocktails. A jug of cheeky vimto or Long Island iced tea starts the night off well 
whisperchat
VIP Member
spoons in my town is rough ha! But so entertaining, you just know that there will be a fight at some point during the night, someone getting kicked out, someone passed out in the loos.. something dramatic always happens.
We have door staff on Friday and Saturdays because it got really bad, the police used to park up outside for an hour or so on Fridays and Saturdays too.. just to be on standby in case something kicked off.
We have door staff on Friday and Saturdays because it got really bad, the police used to park up outside for an hour or so on Fridays and Saturdays too.. just to be on standby in case something kicked off.
whisperchat
VIP Member
I love the breakfast muffins in there... only had it twice, once at the airport and once before getting the train at my local crack den spoons...
Its annoying that they only sell bucks fizz and kir royals in the airport ones though.. But I did make my own by just ordering a little bottle of prosecco and a glass of orange juice in my local. I got some looks but you can't beat a bucks fizz for breakfast
#pissheadvibes
Its annoying that they only sell bucks fizz and kir royals in the airport ones though.. But I did make my own by just ordering a little bottle of prosecco and a glass of orange juice in my local. I got some looks but you can't beat a bucks fizz for breakfast
#pissheadvibes
whisperchat
VIP Member
That's because thats exactly what it is!
Apple In My Pie
VIP Member
I think it depends on where you go and what you order as well.
My local two are populated by students, TBF I think that’s their demographic - people who want quick cheap meals. I’ve enjoyed the meals I’ve had when I’ve been there but not been ‘wowed’ like some others claim to be. The fresher stuff I’ve had (salads, sub rolls) taste nicer than the bigger meals but I assume that’s because they’re not microwaved, you can tell a majority of Wetherspoons meals are microwaved. I mean, it’s probably the same for every pub but it seemed obvious when I’ve been in a spoons
My local two are populated by students, TBF I think that’s their demographic - people who want quick cheap meals. I’ve enjoyed the meals I’ve had when I’ve been there but not been ‘wowed’ like some others claim to be. The fresher stuff I’ve had (salads, sub rolls) taste nicer than the bigger meals but I assume that’s because they’re not microwaved, you can tell a majority of Wetherspoons meals are microwaved. I mean, it’s probably the same for every pub but it seemed obvious when I’ve been in a spoons
Peaches_xox
VIP Member
Omg totally forgot it’s not a holiday unless you go to the weatherspoons at the airport 
Warpaint
VIP Member
What's your view on them? Seems one of those chains that's pretty marmite with people. A lot actually outright refuse to go in one.
About 7 years ago I used to quite like them. Cheap, but the quality of food was fairly decent. Last few years though they've just been getting crapper and crapper. All the food has a grey colour to it and the plates make it look even more depression. Not to mention you get about 5 chips. This isn't one particular one either, noticed it in every one I've been in.
They don't seem to be on any sort of decline though and as busy as ever :/
About 7 years ago I used to quite like them. Cheap, but the quality of food was fairly decent. Last few years though they've just been getting crapper and crapper. All the food has a grey colour to it and the plates make it look even more depression. Not to mention you get about 5 chips. This isn't one particular one either, noticed it in every one I've been in.
They don't seem to be on any sort of decline though and as busy as ever :/
rivermonster
VIP Member
The one in Llandudno is in an old picture house and they have done it up beautifully. Only been in a couple of times in the afternoon when on holiday but nice atmosphere. My hubby always makes a note of where they are as he does not drink and likes the idea of buying 1 coffee and then having as many as he wants for free and also likes their brunch so we have been in quite a few of them and have to say not been in a tacky one yet. The one in Harrogate was the nicest one we have been in, I think.
That C5 programme last night about Wetherspoons last night explained the way they work and if you didn't see it it is on catchup.
Gym&Tonic
VIP Member
I agree that it depends which one you go to. We have two in my town, and one of them is very rough. Shortly before covid happened I witnessed two blokes openly snorting cocaine off the table at about 7pm on a Saturday night when the place was packed. Didn’t even attempt to hide it. There are always fights in there as well. But the other one is much nicer and quieter. I’ve been in some really nice ones. There’s one in Colwyn Bay, North Wales that is an old cinema and that’s really nice. There was also a nice very modern one in Edinburgh. My Dad is obsessed with them and will always look for the local ‘spoons wherever he goes and chooses them over other, often nicer places. He has a real complex about places he feels are ‘too posh’ though.
AlanBanan
VIP Member
I live in dublin and I always find it full of tracksuit yobs, it’s cheaper to drink there than to get 2 bottles of vodka and drink in a field. The one on abbey st is alright but anywhere else there’s been nothing but problems.
I also don’t like the food it tastes frozen and microwaved
I also don’t like the food it tastes frozen and microwaved
Secretadmirer
VIP Member
Some are ok, especially to just start off a night out with for some cheap drinks. I’ve avoided them a lot during covid as they never keep on top of the tables and cleaning them if busy. Having said that though theres actually a new one that’s opened up near to me and it’s really posh, the other one close to me is a bit of a bog standard one but not the worst I’ve been in. Some are not nice though!