Wetherspoon

ONE of Scotland’s Wetherspoon pubs could soon house guests as it has been proposed that it turns into a hotel.

If approved the pub that’s in one of busiest areas in Aberdeen could have 29 hotel rooms an a beer garden.

The boozer called The Archibald Simpson sits on one of the busiest streets in Aberdeen and could well become a place for city explorers to have a good night’s sleep as well as a beer.

It has a grand entrance with huge columns, and was designed by local architect Archibald Simpson – who also designed St Andrews Cathedral.

Built in the 1800s it was originally home to the Head Office for the North of Scotland Bank.

It later became the headquarters of Clydesdale Bank, before opening as a Wetherspoon pub in 2003, and could soon be a hotel too.

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Earlier this year, the pub submitted proposals for development which would see its unused first and second floors being converted into 29 hotel rooms.

Inside would be comprising 21 double rooms, three family suites, two twin rooms and two singles.

It wouldn’t just be built upon though, as part of the project would require some demolition.

At the back, the pub’s rear extension would be knocked down to make way for a 51-seat beer garden to encourage al fresco dining and drinking during the summer.

On Tripadvisor, most of the reviews go on to compliment the pretty building. One visitor wrote: “Huge building high vaulted ceilings marbled pillars and tiled floors. Lovely bar.”

If the plans go ahead, it will join the other 55 Wetherspoon hotels across the UK.

One Wetherspoon pub that has been converted is The Cabot Court Hotel in the coastal town of Weston-super-Mare

It’s also been listed in CAMRA’s The Good Beer Guide naming the UK’s best pubs.

Along with having a bar, the Cabot Court Hotel also has 21 rooms for visitors to stay in, and lots have views across the beachfront.

All of the rooms are en suite with Freeview TV, tea and coffee making stations, and unlimited free Wi-Fi.

In the morning, visitors can head down to the bar to enjoy a Wetherspoons breakfast and classic pub meals at dinner.

The pub sits right on the waterfront, on Knightstone Road, so it’s in a great spot for anyone heading onto the beach or taking a walk along The Grand Pier.

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Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding visited the smallest Wetherspoons in the world…

Here’s what Cyann had to say when she headed to the tiny pub…

WHO can say no to a Wetherspoons? And what if I told you the smallest one in the world is just as good as the rest, if not better.

Not only is it the smallest Spoons, but it is also in a rather bizarre location – a train station.

Of course, some UK airports have Wetherspoons, but I have never come across one in a train station before.

Sat at one end of Cannon Street Station in London, you will find the Sir John Hawkshaw, complete with just 42 tables.

Whilst that might sound a lot, compared to the usual London Spoons, this is considerably less.

And the obscurities about this spot just continue – if you need to use the toilet, well then you’ll need to head to the other end of the station and down a set of stairs.

For those who love to train spot, sit outside on the terrace, which is essentially like sitting on one of the platforms.

Despite its small size, the pub still features Spoons’ extensive menu and the service isn’t impacted either.

For more Wetherspoons, here are the best ones from one man who has spend £30K visiting every one in the UK.

And for Wetherspoons fans, there’s more good news as a new location has opened inside an abandoned UK attraction.

IT’S time to get cozy, with autumn bringing colder weather across the UK.

And one of the best places to escape it is heading straight to the pub for a roast dinner and roaring fire.

We’ve rounded up some of the best across Kent, one of the most popular counties in the UK for a staycation.

From quant historic inns to seafront pubs – here are 17 of the favourites, according to locals.

Rose in June, Margate

Living in Margate for nearly two years, this was where you would find me most Saturday nights.

I rarely left the pub without making new friends, and it was always more locals than tourists, being nearer the quieter end of Margate and the popular Cliftonville area.

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They usually have a rolling change of food being served by a pop up, currently having the delicious Hays Burgers.

Visit in winter and they usually have a delicious mulled cider too.

Old Neptune, Whitstable

Whitstable’s Old Neptune attracts most of the crowds, due to it’s beer garden being on the beach.

But when the weather turns, it still makes for one of the most dramatic views.

Just be ready to squeeze in, as it isn’t the biggest.

Or you can brave the cold and perch on the bench with your pint.

Tiger Inn, Stowting

The Tiger Inn isn’t one you would easily stumble upon, being down some very windy country roads.

And make sure to book ahead – the crammed in tables are cosy but often full and you might not want to brave the pub garden when its cold.

The pub has some of the friendliest staff, as well as a cracking roast dinner.

The Ship Inn, Sandgate

Sandgate is a much quieter option than Folkestone, and one of the best pubs is The Ship Inn.

It looks out over the beach if you manage to grab a table at the back, as well as having an extended area at the top.

Make sure to get the crab roll at lunch although it has a full menu and some delicious local wines on tap.

Or visit on a Thursday for their very fun pub quiz!

The Harbour Inn, Folkestone

If you’re looking for some fresh fish, you can’t get much fresher than The Harbour Inn at Folkestone.

Lots of the dishes are made from anything pulled in by the local trawlers.

It is also connected to the boutique London & Paris hotel, if you need somewhere to stay after one too many.

George & Heart, Margate

The Margate pub has some great history – it’s in a Grade II listed former coaching inn in the Old Town dating back to the 1700s.

The menu is always changing, as they use local produce so it is whatever they have that is fresh.

Along with great pints, it now has a boutique hotel on the top floor.

There is even the ‘Zen Den’ treatment room for some extra wellness.

The Old Buoy, Folkestone

You’ll have to battle for a seat at The Old Buoy, with a just a few tables inside.

But its where you will spot all the locals in the evening, along with extremely friendly bar staff (make sure to try the pizza while there too).

King’s Head, Deal

The Sunday Roast is one of the most unique with a Caribbean twist, complete with jerk-roasted chicken and spicy mash.

You might find you are joined by the local rugby or football club after their match but that just adds to the atmosphere.

You can also stay at the pub as well – there are 14 en-suite rooms just above.

Tickled Trout, Wye

While the Tickled Trout is best visited in the summer due to its riverfront location, it also makes a great spot in Autumn.

The food menu has enough to keep everyone from your dad to the kids happy as well.

New Flying Horse, Wye

Bundle the kids up if they are getting rowdy and send them to the outdoor garden, with food gardens and play house to explore.

It might look retro inside, but the very friendly staff make up for it.

Woolpack Inn, Warehourne

I stumbled upon this pub during a wine tour of Kent, with Warehorne known for its red and white wines.

Not only is the pub cosy and dog-friendly but you can take the kids to see all the grazing sheep outside.

It even has rooms above the pub in case you need somewhere to crash afterwards.

Victoria Pavilion, Ramsgate

You’ be remiss to head to Ramsgate and not visit the Victoria Pavilion, called the world’s largest Wetherspoons.

It has some of the best views in the house, overlooking the beach, and you know you’ll always find a table.

And with Wetherspoons offering some of cheapest pints in the country, it won’t break the bank either.

Fordwich Arms, Canterbury

The Fordwich Arms is one of the fanciest pubs on the list, being Michelin-starred.

But its worth it as a special occasion pub, with five-course tasting menu some of the best food I’ve ever eaten (even down to the fresh bread and whipped butter).

Captain Digby, Broadstairs

You’d be forgiven for not knowing about the Captain Digby, as it’s slightly off the beaten track.

The pub overlooks Kingsgate Bay – a quiet beach loved by locals and away from the crowds, thanks to having no nearby train station.

But when the weather gets too much, walk up the very steep steps for a nice glass of wine at the pub.

Tudor Rose, Sittingbourne

Forget Toby’s – the Tudor Rose pub in Sittingbourne is home to my absolute favourite carveries.

Less than £20 for two courses is a steal – and the roast potatoes are mighty good too.

Three Daws, Gravesend

Old, rickety and quaint are how I’d describe the Three Daws, a cosy spot for a quiet pint in Gravesend which dates back to the 1400s.

It’s right along the River Thames where I’ve spent many an afternoon watching the world pass by along the river.

All while while tucking into one of the best value pub roasts I’ve found in the region.

The Greedy Banker, Rainham

If you’re looking for a decent beer, burger and screens of sport look no further than The Greedy Banker which runs special events throughout the year.

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There’s over a hundred choices of beer and cider to choose from, as well as spirits and wines.

Here are our 35 top pubs in London as well.

WHO can say no to a Wetherspoons? And what if I told you the smallest one in the world is just as good as the rest, if not better.

Not only is it the smallest Spoons, but it is also in a rather bizarre location – a train station.

Of course, some UK airports have Wetherspoons, but I have never come across one in a train station before.

Sat at one end of Cannon Street Station in London, you will find the Sir John Hawkshaw, complete with just 42 tables.

Whilst that might sound a lot, compared to the usual London Spoons, this is considerably less.

And the obscurities about this spot just continue – if you need to use the toilet, well then you’ll need to head to the other end of the station and down a set of stairs.

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I tested out the journey myself, and it took me around one minute (no good if you’re desperate!).

For those who love to train spot, sit outside on the terrace, which is essentially like sitting on one of the platforms.

The boozer opened back in 2014 and is named after one of the co-designers of the original station building, which first opened in 1866.

Inside, it does have a more cosy feel than most Wetherspoons pubs I have visited.

With Halloween fast approaching, the interior was decked out with cobwebs and pumpkins.

But keen to experience the pub-slash-train-station experience, I opted for a table on the terrace to enjoy my nachos.

Despite its small size, the pub still features Spoons’ extensive menu and the service isn’t impacted either.

To learn more about the pub, look for a blue plaque on the veranda.

It states: “The station had eight platforms under a single span arch roof.

“Far below the station are the remains of a Roman palace, built in the first century.”

At another point, the ‘Steelyard’ was used by German and Flemish merchants.

However, in 1666, it was then destroyed during the Great Fire of London.

A quarter of a century later, and the Company of Plumbers built their Livery Hall on the site, which remained there until the 1860s.

I sat peacefully enjoying my chips, nachos, chicken strips and raspberry lemonade, coming to a grand total of £18.

Whilst eating I noticed how the pub also has a unique soundtrack – clinking glasses mixed with the clack-clack of trains running over metal rails.

In all, I found myself feeling like I was in a quiet bubble in the middle of the hustle and bustle of commuters and tourists.

It felt as if I was in an airport, enjoying a drink whilst people watching – but with no pressure that I was going to miss my flight.

For the tired and sore commuter, this spot is ideal for a post meeting drink, before hopping on a Southeastern train home.

And of course, in typical Spoons style, your pocket won’t be stretched either.

Whilst to most, this may feel like another typical Wetherspoons spot, it somehow manages to fit all the character you get with Spoons into a small venue.

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For Wetherspoons fans, there is also good news as a new location has opened inside an abandoned UK attraction.

Plus, take a look inside the best-loved Wetherspoons in the UK from converted theatres to underground bank vaults.