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Almost every British high street still has a Wetherspoons.
The affordable and lively chain offers low-priced drinks, simple cuisine, and unique decorations – however, it may not appeal to everyone.
According to a recent article by Katie Rosseinsky in The Independent, if you are a legal drinking age British citizen, it’s likely that you have strong opinions about Wetherspoons.
That statement is probably one thing pub-goers on either side of the Spoons debate can agree upon. While some praise the chain for its low prices, others accuse it of squeezing out local pubs that simply can’t compete on price.
The debate surrounding the company is primarily driven by Tim Martin, the founder of Spoons. For some individuals, the inexpensive prices are not enough to offset the negative impact of his involvement in political discussions.
In 2016, Martin, a strong supporter of Britain leaving the EU, contributed £200,000 to the Vote Leave campaign. He later compared the outcome of the referendum to a “new Magna Carta”. His pubs have distributed hundreds of thousands of beer mats in support of Brexit, promoting the potential advantages of leaving the EU and pressuring politicians to reach an agreement. A couple of years after the vote, Martin stopped serving European beers and replaced champagne and prosecco with English sparkling wines.
The recent knighthood bestowed upon Martin has sparked a renewed discussion about the position of Spoons on the main street.
Can you share your opinion on Wetherspoons? Is it a valuable and affordable place for social gatherings in the midst of rising living costs, or has it caused more harm than good?
If you would like to express your thoughts, please leave them in the comments. We will feature the most insightful ones as they are received.
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Source: independent.co.uk
