Don't forget, chaps. You don't want to miss this one.
Thursday September 18th - this coming Thursday - is 7.5% off all prices at Wetherspoons!
www.jdwetherspoon.com/
Remarkably good value food and drink is even better value!! It's as though Christmas has come three months early!!!
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I'm due there tomorrow and tried to change it to Thursday but apparently the diarised even cannot be changed!! It'll probably be busier anyway
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You will be pleased to know that Christmas at 'spoons starts on Wednesday 12th November.
www.jdwetherspoon.com/news/christmas-at-wetherspoon-2025/
Don't say I never bring you good news.
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Thanks for reminding me why I boycott 'spoons after the owner's advocacy of Brexit.
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>> Thanks for reminding me why I boycott 'spoons after the owner's advocacy of Brexit.
Oh come on it was quite funny, he had to close lots of pubs because the staff of EU origin left.
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I remain mystified why people like Tim Martin (owner of wetherspoons), JK Rowling, and various other fairly prominent public figures get publicly involved in political matters.
Surely, it's a no-win situation?
Any road, I think that Zero is confused (who said nothing new there?) between Brexit and the Covid closures.
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>> Any road, I think that Zero is confused (who said nothing new there?) between Brexit
>> and the Covid closures.
Hes not, two different scenarios, albeit with similar affect on mr spoons bottom line.
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>> I remain mystified why people like Tim Martin (owner of wetherspoons), JK Rowling, and various
>> other fairly prominent public figures get publicly involved in political matters.
Not improved by the fact that Martin is an obnoxious man on par with Nigel Fartage.
He was on the World at One, a while ago now while Mrs May was still PM, as part of a panel debate in which the other two participants were women.
Totally without grace, spoke out of turn talked over the other two and got tetchy when challenged.
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>> Tim Martin ...
>> He was on the World at One, a while ago now while Mrs May was
>> still PM, as part of a panel debate in which the other two participants were
>> women.
>>
>> Totally without grace, spoke out of turn talked over the other two and got tetchy
>> when challenged.
All of which could well be true, but I am not going to marry the bloke, I just want to go in one of his pubs from time to time.
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If you think Wetherspoons are a bit too upmarket the good news is that Greggs are entering the pub market.
www.independent.co.uk/news/business/greggs-pub-golden-flake-tavern-opening-where-b2832561.html
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Truly no limit to sophisticated dining options
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>>Truly no limit to sophisticated dining options
Given that the British now economy consists largely of serving each other various comestibles, the choice is uninspiring.
We stopped last night for a meal at the Toby Carvery on the A303 near Stonehenge, on the way home from the Plymouth ferry. They weren't producing any actual meals because there was a staff meeting. Apparently they do this every 12 WEEKS! in published opening hours. They suggested we go to the nearby Harvester, also owned by Mitchells and Butlers. McDonalds got the business.
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I am currently in the Whitby area. Yesterday I had lunch with my cuz, in the Wheatsheaf at Egton. Truly scrumptious food ( I had home cooked steak and ale pie with marrowbone gravy), 4 alcoholic drinks, various soft drinks, 4 meals, 3 puds, 4 coffees, 130 quid Inc tip
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>> 130 quid Inc tip
>>
....'Ow Much!? ;-)
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"I am currently in the Whitby area."
Bit of train spotting Z?
Always like to get at the very least a brew at Sandsend and visualise the long gone viaducts that carried the Whitby to Middlesborough railway.
I can highly recommend the Esk Valley railway. if you have not done so. Ok its a schedueled diesel
but travels through stunning scenery along the Esk Valley. Stops at Battersby where the driver gets out and gets back in at the other end and takes it to Newcastle. You cal get off at Middlesborough and saver its delights for 30mins before completing the return trip. I preferred it to the Settle Carlisle trip.
Last edited by: Fullchat on Sun 28 Sep 25 at 13:53
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I'm>> "I am currently in the Whitby area."
>>
>> Bit of train spotting Z?
No, just like Whitby, and this area of the coast, Robin Hoods Bay, Staithes, and Sandsend with it's missing viaduct, like that railway walk south from Whitby, Ravens car, with it's strange history. Found a new place for me, - Filey, fine beach, really unspoilt prom
Asit happens my cuz owns some upmarket rental cottages, nr Goathland, and there happened to be 5 steam locos in and out there in 30 minutes
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I like Filey though not been there, or Bridlington, for many years.
Their bigger sibling Scarborough, like other similar resorts, would normally be off my radar.
However it has massive memories.
My Mother, b 31-05-1926, loved the place. She had multigenerational holidays there before WW2. She, my sis and I had the same treat with our Gran Mum's brother and Great Uncle Tom who kept the Bingo hall afloat.
Mum, my kids and my sis/her kids repeated the trick between 1999 and 2008.
Next up daughter, this time as a mum, me, my grandson George Tomos and, when it's on the stocks and launched, my son's kid.
Last edited by: Bromptonaut on Sun 28 Sep 25 at 17:01
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>> Found a new place for me, - Filey, fine beach, really unspoilt prom
Sshh, don't tell everybody about Filey...
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Filey is nice. Proper traditional seaside resort. Filey Brigg is good for a walk and a camping and caravan site. Visited this summer when staying in Pickering. Also very much worth visiting is Bempton Cliffs just south of Filey. Huge colonies of seabirds including puffins razorbills and gannets. Great place to sit and watch gannets wheeling and diving into the sea.
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>> Filey is nice. Proper traditional seaside resort.
Still firmly rooted somewhat in the past, and none the worse for it.
>>Filey Brigg is good for a walk..
Rather better than it used to be. The sewer outfall right at the end is now used for treated water from the newish treatment plant. It used to be a raw-sewage outlet, something that was very noticeable, and very unpleasant in high seas with the wind in the wrong direction. (The concrete "path" at beach level is in fact the buried sewer).
The fisherman's tea shack/café on the end is no more, as well.
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Whitby eh?
You are so lucky. Not only is there a 'spoons in Whitby, it is also one of the Wetherspoons hotels. Very nice it is too. Ask me how I know.
I have been trying to persuade - without success, so far - Lady Duncan to take some money from the tin under the bed and have a few days in Whitby.
hotels.jdwetherspoon.com/hotels/the-angel-hotel/
The Flying Scotsman is performing on the North York Moors Railway for the last 10 days in October and the first 10 days in November. Whitby would be v. convenient.
www.nymr.co.uk/Event/flying-scotsman
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>>
>> The Flying Scotsman is performing on the North York Moors Railway for the last 10
>> days in October and the first 10 days in November. Whitby would be v. convenient.
>>
I'd check how much of that falls into School Half-Term. You won't be able to move in Whitby in that period.
(And Whitby Goth Weekend is 30/10 to 2/11, so double jeopardy).
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>> (And Whitby Goth Weekend is 30/10 to 2/11, so double jeopardy).
Which includes illuminating the abbey with a light display, so triple jeopardy
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Yes, that was my lucky day!
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For JKR it’s a point of moral principle and she has enough money to not need to worry about being cancelled.
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>> For JKR it’s a point of moral principle and she has enough money to not
>> need to worry about being cancelled.
Eh?
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>> In reply to Duncan
Gotcha now.
Viewing flat as opposed to threaded the link wasn't clear.
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True enough, but what about all the nutters out there?
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Don't miss the Wetherspoons Beer Festival from 1 to 12 Oct! (Unfortunately I will as there aren't any yet here in the Algarve...)
www.jdwetherspoon.com/news/autumn-beer-festival/
The international beers are Newtowner (Young Henrys Brewery, Australia), Effingut (Effingut Brewery, India), Blue Coast (Ambree Brewery, France), Automatic Pale Ale (Creature Comforts Brewery, USA). Alesmith IPA (Alesmith Brewery, USA) .
Among others, the festival line-up also includes Wave Breaker (Orkney Brewery), Velvet Curtain (Titanic Brewery), Double Dog (Elgood’s Brewery), Key Lime (Hogs Back Brewery), As One Door Closes (Salopian Brewery), Storm Runner (Evan Evans Brewery).
Last edited by: smokie on Sun 28 Sep 25 at 23:22
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I bumped into an old mate of mine today. I asked him "What you up to these days?"
He said "I prepare meals for the homeless, druggies, p heads and down 'n' outs"
I said "so you work in a charity drop in centre?"
He said "No, I'm a chef in a Wetherspoons."
Last edited by: Robin O'Reliant on Sat 4 Oct 25 at 15:00
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>.. "I prepare meals for the homeless, druggies, p heads and down 'n' outs"
Duncan..?
Duncan..!!!?
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Indeed - the 's' should be a 'z'.
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I used to enjoy going into spoons for a pint.. Not any more.. I am an alcohol free ORB now following a nasty bacterial infection.
Brekkies still ok though.
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If you only knew how much that hurts me...
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I had my first Chrimbo dinner at Wetherspoons yesterday.
V. nice it was too. The Jack Something in Godalming. With a couple of chums, I had the non booze option, £13.99. There was a wake in the back room, something for everyone. Lunchtime and the place was packed.
Every day except 25th December, for some reason, until New Years Eve.
Get in, you've earned it.
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>> I had my first Chrimbo dinner at Wetherspoons yesterday.
According to Garry Eats, its the first year its been edible. He gave it a whopping 6/10
And its NOT Christmas Dinner. Its FESTIVE dinner. (according to Tim)
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Interesting review by the Hotel Inspector in today’s Daily mail, for all the Wetherspoon sceptics!
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Called into a nearby 'Spoons with Mrs CS while out shopping yesterday. Just a couple of coffees, but noticed the astonishingly cheap prices of some of their beers. No wonder the place was packed!
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>> Called into a nearby 'Spoons with Mrs CS while out shopping yesterday.
Wow you certainly know how to treat Mrs CS, you old romantic you.
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>> Wow you certainly know how to treat Mrs CS, you old romantic you.
How very dare you. Cost me over £3.50, I'll have you know!
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Cost me somewhat less than that for two pints in Henley earlier in the week! (No free refills, though).
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On the way back from each day's shop at Lidl here in Portugal, SWMBO has a galeo (very like a latte but she says nicer) and I have a pint of Sagres all for €5 at the seafront bar. Sometimes two! Would be cheaper sightly inland but she likes the view.
She use to be quite the Costa fan at home but now won't go near the.
Last edited by: smokie on Sat 25 Oct 25 at 22:34
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"She use to be quite the Costa fan at home but now won't go near the."
i was quite a Costa addict in the early days but a lot of shops seem tired, characterless and the coffee somewhat 'sameold'. One out of a machine on a journey is about as far as I go now.
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The real Costa shops do the strongest espresso shots of the big chain shops so if you need your caffeine then they beat the others - can't stand the waiting and the coffee is pretty plain - would much prefer a small niche shop if there were any near me.
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I have always rated Costa as below Caffe Nero and well above Starbucks, but I agree Costa venues have become tired and boring and their coffee is merely OK. Their food is of little interest.
As a matter of principle I seek out independent coffee places if they're nearby, but if either Costa or CN is handy I will use them. The last coffee I had outside home was at Platform 12, St Pancras; it's a rush to go downstairs if your train's arrival is imminent.
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The Last coffee out I had was in wee outside bar next the beach in Ragusa di Marina, due caffè macchiato was 4€
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>> Interesting review by the Hotel Inspector in today’s Daily mail, for all the Wetherspoon sceptics!
>>
A link, a link, I must have a link.
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“In today’s Daily mail,”
Tells me all I need to know.
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Sorry I’m not savvy enough to do a link.
It was in Saturday’s Daily Mail.
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The headline was “The Wetherspoons hotel that’s a real triumph “it was extremely positive about
The Hatchet Inn in Newbury Berkshire,he awarded 4stars
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Can't speak for the Hotel bit, but it's a perfectly acceptable 'Spoons for a drink (if you're allowed in by the bouncers).
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I think door keepers (bouncers) are normally only on duty on the first day, or if the pub is subject to footie(Wendyball)/rugby crowds on big match days - like The William Webb Ellis on international days.
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...been on duty on the several times I've been to The Hatchet.
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>> ...been on duty on the several times I've been to The Hatchet.
>>
That's because you look dodgy and live in a dodgy area.
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>>
>> That's because you look dodgy and live in a dodgy area.
>>
Correct on both counts, but I don't live anywhere near Newbury. ;-)
Last edited by: tyrednemotional on Mon 27 Oct 25 at 09:08
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Last time I was in Penderel's Oak on High Holborn there was a door keeper checking bags. This was pre-pandemic when Friday pub nights after work were a big thing.
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>> I think door keepers (bouncers) are normally only on duty on the first day, or
They are just checking your ID to make sure that you are not underage. If there is any doubt just show them your pension card.
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In parts of the US it isn't unusual for everyone to be ID'd. My clearly 60+ mate was refused entry to a very ordinary bar in Nashville because he had no ID.
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"They are just checking your ID to make sure that you are not underage. If there is any doubt just show them your pension card."
Will a bus pass suffice? :)
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William was not hugely impressed, though (somewhat begrudgingly, I thought) he did admit the food wasn't that bad.
www.facebook.com/reel/1362739885551205
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I think he said the food was delicious. (Are we supposed to know who he is?)
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>> I think he said the food was delicious. (Are we supposed to know who he
>> is?)
My first 3 seconds of William in his pink cardie, was enough for me to press the x button.
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"Are we supposed to know who he is?"
Not necessarily. He is an etiquette adviser and seems to run a business on it, giving foreigners and other interested parties courses on how to behave in social situations.
He also forms one half of a podcast team in which his upper class persona contrasts with his "best friend" lower-class co-star. It does get very vulgar at times.
Of course he intends to be provocative as well as entertaining, though I can't help feeling people's reactions say as much about them as him. (E.g. "3 seconds of William in his pink cardie was enough for me to press the x button".)
I think he's pretty harmless and often quite amusing.
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>> "Are we supposed to know who he is?"
Not seen him for a while but he used to pop up on Facebook 'reels' with monotonous regularity.
Had the impression part of his persona was that he he was gay but I may have misunderstood.
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First continental ‘spoons to open late January 2026 airside at ALC.
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>> First continental ‘spoons to open late January 2026 airside at ALC.
>>
www.jdwetherspoon.com/new-openings/
I want to get to the Walham Green before Christmas. That is a quite new opening. It's in an old Tube station.
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Don't go on a Chels*a matchday, but you'll be perfectly safe if Fulham are at home. The civilized side of the Borough has long called the tatty blue shed/alleged stadium "Walham Green Dog Track".
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>> I want to get to the Walham Green before Christmas. That is a quite new
>> opening. It's in an old repurposed ticket hall of an existing Tube Underground station.
Last edited by: Zero on Tue 25 Nov 25 at 12:44
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>> >> I want to get to the Walham Green before Christmas. That is a quite
>> new
>> >> opening. It's in an old repurposed ticket hall of an existing Tube Underground
>> station.
And I thought I was supposed to be the pedantic one?
The ticket hall is part of the station.
Tube is an accepted alternative term for the London Underground.
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"Had the impression part of his persona was that he he was gay..."
I'm sure it is not only part of his persona, but part of his real life. Google says he is married to Michael ("Mikey") Worrall.
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>> Of course he intends to be provocative as well as entertaining, though I can't help
>> feeling people's reactions say as much about them as him. (E.g. "3 seconds of William
>> in his pink cardie was enough for me to press the x button".)
And you would be wrong in your assumption,
(only if my assumption of your assumption is accurate of course)
Last edited by: Zero on Tue 25 Nov 25 at 08:20
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I am not sure if I have mentioned the good value food and drinks which can be purchased at Wetherspoons.
Should you be out somewhere, hungry and there isn't a Wetherspoons within easy reach, do not despair.
Greggs, in addition to their 1000 plus branches, have now opened Greggs Drive-Thru.
www.greggs.com/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-greggs-drive-thru
Thank me when you see me.
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Correction.
I made a slight mistake with the number of branches. Delete 1,000 plus branches. Insert 2,653.
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>> I am not sure if I have mentioned the good value food and drinks which
>> can be purchased at Wetherspoons.
I think you may have, but you are right. We popped into a nearby 'Spoons yesterday morning for coffee, and I spotted Abbot Ale at £3.25 and Ruddles best at an astonishing £1.85!
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If your main criterion in choosing a pub is the price of drinks then Wetherspoons do indeed provide good value. I guess for a lot of people that is what they want. They don’t really conform to what I want from a pub. They are too large and impersonal. I like something a lot smaller, preferably old and with friendly staff and regulars. If the beer costs a bit more that’s , to my mind a price worth paying
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I hugely admire the way Wetherspoons repurpose buildings of character and note, in a generally sympathetic and appropriate style.
They have a good choice of beers which is well kept (large volumes sold help there) and cheap.
Alas, the food, while cheap, is poor.
I dont use them however because mostly the clientelle (cheap beer anyone?) is generally best avoided. (I admit that is location specific to an extent)
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You have a point but I'm finding many pubs round here are extending into massive restaurants and there are very few small friendly "boozers". I visit quite a few pubs as I play in a crib league and I can't think of more than one with a dart board...
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Just back from a weekend away in Oban. We have pretty much got there every winter over last 5 or 6 years.
After covid and Brexit I refused to got to Spoons and we discovered another couple of local pubs, Markie Dans and Aulays which had a great local atmosphere . However this year we were there with two other couples and Spoons (Corryvreckan) is very central and was actually 5 mins walk from our house. And they are regular Spoons-goers .
Guinness in Markie Dans was £6.10, in Spoons it was £4.29. Cocktails for the missus were £5 odds in spoons, nearly double that elsewhere. Of course, can order from the app whilst sitting at the table as well. Never had any food though their kitchen is open to the pub and it was certainly doing a roaring trade in food.
And being a touristy place it was filled with all sorts of nationalities and clientele. So not the "stereotypical" spoons customer.
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>> And being a touristy place it was filled with all sorts of nationalities and clientele.
>> So not the "stereotypical" spoons customer.
>>
Who or what is the "stereotypical" spoons customer?
Is it me?
Is it one of the many office workers/city types who frequent The Crosse Keys in Gracechurch Street in The City?
Is it one of the grizzled types I see sitting outside The Edmund Tyrell In Leatherhead puffing on a roll-up with tobacco stains in his beard?
Is it one of the middle class run-of-the-mill individuals in the Coronation Hall in Surbiton?
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Someone whose chief criterion for choosing a pub is how much alcohol can I get for my money. A perfectly valid reason I suppose ,just not mine.
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Or in our case a reasonably priced tea or coffee.
I'd rather take a Thermos then pay Starbuck prices.
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I would prefer a local independent coffee shop to either. Good luck with sitting on a park bench with a Thermos flask in December.
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Wetherspoons - smokie
