12 of the most beautiful Wetherspoons in the UK from former banks to huge converted cinemas
CHEAP drinks and great grub – Wetherspoons pubs are a British institution and in some cases, they’re in the most beautiful buildings.
From old bank vaults to beautiful bath conservatories, here are some of the prettiest in the country.
The Winter Gardens, Harrogate
The Winter Gardens began its life as part of the Royal Baths in Harrogate where people went to unwind.
The baths had first opened in 1897 and even though it later turned into a Wetherspoons, it still has lots of its original features.
There’s two grand staircases leading up to the bar and it has a huge glass ceiling which lets the light in.
The Corn Exchange, Bury St Edmunds
One of the most stunning Wetherspoons in the UK can be found in West Suffolk inside a building that was originally a place for Victorian merchants and farmers to trade in the 1800s.
It has a grand interior features an arching glass roof and elegant wooden panelling.
Unlike lots of other pubs, this one is found on the first floor as there are shops underneath.
The Royal Victoria Pavilion, Ramsgate
Not only is the Royal Victoria Pavilion one of the prettiest pubs, it’s also the biggest ever Wetherspoons.
As its name suggests, the pub is inside a former Grade II listed pavilion that dates back to the Victorian period.
To make it ever better, it’s just a short walk from the beach.
For those who want to make the most of being at the seaside, step out onto the balcony where you can see the sweeping beach in all its glory.
Samuel Peto, Folkestone
Right by the beach, Samuel Peto is inside an old church that has painted cloud ceilings and the organ still sits at the back of the pub.
It has pretty chandeliers with huge stained glass windows letting in most of the light.
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey called it “certainly one of my favourites I’ve ever been to.”
The Caley Picture House, Edinburgh
The former art-deco cinema is now a unique Wetherspoons that looks like it could be in the backdrop if a 1920s movie.
It still has original features including a large screen area and balcony – and you can enjoy a pint up on the mezzanine level which has views over the bar.
The building used to be part of a hotel before it was transformed into a cinema.
Hamilton Hall, London Liverpool Street
Outside of Liverpool Street Station is a Hamilton Hall – the Wetherspoons is inside what was once the Great Eastern Hotel.
It might not look like much from the outside, but the pub is actually inside an old ballroom.
It has a huge circular bar, enormous windows and a hanging chandelier.
Opera House, Royal Tunbridge Wells
Possibly one of the most well-known Wetherspoons for being unique is the one in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
As its name suggests, the Opera House, is inside a former opera house that welcomed the public through its doors for performances back in 1902.
Later on, it was used as a cinema and a bingo hall.
It has original features from its hey-day as a theatre like its colourful booths and stalls – and of course it has Wetherspoons touches too, like the bar and classic patterned carpet.
The North Western, Liverpool
Inside the 330-room North Western Hotel that once was a stopping point for Liverpool Lime Street Station passengers is this pretty Wetherspoons.
The hotel first opened in 1871 but later fell vacant until 1996 when it became university student accommodation.
Eventually it opened as a Wetherspoons pub in 2015 and is very popular with commuters thanks to it being right next to Liverpool Lime Street.
The Palladium, Llandudno
Another Wetherspoons pub that used to be a cinema is in north Wales – and it’s a showstopper.
It first opened to the public in the 1920s, has eye-catching decor with a ceiling with gold detailing and red carpet.
The pub stretches across three floors thanks to its remaining stalls, dress circle and balcony.
The Counting House, Glasgow
Another Scottish Wetherspoons is The Counting House which is inside a former bank.
It’s an Italian Renaissance style building and inside has high ceilings with pretty detailing including a glass dome over the bar.
You can even have a drink in the old underground banking vaults.
Waterend Barn, St Albans
St Albans is known as having lots of places to enjoy a drink, and it’s home to a pretty Wetherspoons too next to the River Lea.
It’s formed of two listed barn buildings and inside has high ceilings lined with beams and an outside area with picnic tables.
The Velvet Coaster, Blackpool
One pub that has incredible beach is The Velvet Coaster which is right next to Blackpool’s South Pier and metres from Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
It’s been described by punters as a Wetherspoons with “beautiful views”.
The pub opened in 2015, it’s set across three floors including a bar on each level and there’s a beer garden on the ground floor.
There’s also a balcony on the first floor, and a roof garden on the top level.
The interior is inspired by elements from Blackpool’s surroundings like the sea and nearby rollercoasters.
For more on pubs, here are ten of the UK’s cosiest pubs with bed and breakfast from £99.
And here are Britain’s most beautiful pubs from historic beer houses to cosy village bars.