12 things you never knew about Wetherspoons – each pub has a unique feature and you can get MARRIED there…
Here's something to mull over next time you've got a pint in hand
IT’S no secret that Brits love popping out for a cheeky bevvy, but just how good is your boozy knowledge?
When you’re enjoying a pint down your local Wetherspoons, it can be easy not to notice these hidden details and features.
The popular pub chain has around 1,000 locations in the UK, but here are 12 facts you probably didn’t know about JD Wetherspoon…
1) J.D. Wetherspoon doesn’t exist
You’ll never be able to guess why the prolific pub chain is named after a fictional person.
The pub chain founder, Tim Martin, invented the name by combining two influences in his life.
He plumped for J.D. after taking inspiration from The Dukes of Hazzard sheriff J.D. ‘Boss’ Hogg.
After his geography teacher told Tim he’d never be successful, the founder incorporated the tutor’s surname, Wetherspoon, into the brand.
2) Undercover boss
Tim Martin, who is now worth over £750 million, reportedly spends two days of his week carrying out random inspections of Wetherspooons branches around the country.
3) Every Spoons is unique
You might try and avoid looking too closely at the sick-stained carpets floors at your local… but here’s why you should.
Each garish carpet in Wetherspoons is completely bespoke to the different locations.
The special touch was noticed by London blogger Kit Caless, who travels around the country documenting the different patterns.
4) Wetherspoons has a DRESS CODE
Thought you could nip out for a quick bev in any get-up from your wardrobe? Think again.
Although the popular pub chain doesn’t enforce a strict clothing policy, there is actually a dress code.
Their website states: “Customers are requested to remain fully clothed throughout their visit, including wearing shoes.”
5) Silent Spoons
Astute pub goers may have noticed that there is no music playing behind the hubbub of chatty punters.
Founder Tim Martin decided against playing tunes after reading an article by George Orwell, which claimed that a perfect pub would be free from any background music.
6) The Large Mixed Grill is the most calorific menu item
You might want to swerve this dish if you’re planning on losing some weight.
The most gut-busting menu item is the Large Mixed Grill, which comes in at a stomach-stretching 1,968 calories.
Worryingly, the meaty plate is also 213% of your daily recommended allowance for saturated fat.
7) You can get MARRIED there
Loved-up booze fans can tie the knot in The Knights Templar Wetherspoons in London.
For just £3,000 the popular pub chain offers up an all-inclusive package, providing a three-course meal, DJ and table wine for 100 guests.
8) Wetherspoons hotels are a thing
Need somewhere to rest your weary head after a heavy drinking session? Wetherspoons have 46 hotel locations in the UK.
Spoons' website reveals: “Our stunning rooms provide unlimited free Wi-Fi as standard, and we have a dedicated staff member ready to assist you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“All of our hotels have adjoining pubs, serving our delicious breakfast menu every morning.”
9) The toilets are award-winning
Punters can use the bathroom in style in a number of different Spoons locations… as they’ve actually scooped up numerous prizes in the Loo of the Year Awards.
10) The first ever UK service station pub was a Wetherspoons
In 2014, road trips were made even more exciting when a roadside Spoons made its debut (but not for designated drivers).
The outlet, which is open from 4am to 1am, has a license to serve alcohol from 9am.
11) Many of the pubs are re-purposed buildings
From former cinemas, to renovated swimming pools, to old churches… many of the locations used to look a lot different.
The Cambuslang Wetherspoons, on the outskirts of Glasgow, still maintains the quirky characterstics of an old Savoy cinema and bingo hall.
12) You can indulge in some OPERA at Spoons
Each year, the Opera House, in Tunbridge Wells, celebrates the building’s former use.
Annually, for three days only, the venue is restored to a venue where punters can go and watch some opera.
