Wetherspoons

I visited the Wetherspoons pub at Haven’s biggest holiday park

WETHERSPOONS boozers and holiday parks are both staples of a British staycation – and what is better than the two combined?

Haven holiday parks are launching four new Wetherspoons at their parks this year and have even spoken about opening one at all 39 of its parks.

The Humber Stone is a new Wetherspoons pub at Haven Cleethorpes Beach Credit: Google
The new Spoons has a huge veranda looking over the playground and splash pad Credit: Catherine Lofthouse

To test out the collaboration between the two brands, I headed to the Humber Stone at Haven Cleethorpes Beach.

I was sceptical about whether the bargain booze we all know and love at our local Spoons would be replicated at Haven, as it is often the case that you are paying a couple of quid extra per drink once you are in holiday mode.

But I thought £4 for a pint was good value for a caravan site bar, compared to about £5.50 at another holiday park just around the corner.

The huge veranda at the Humber Stone looks out over the playground and splash pad.

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And there are also loads of paid-for activities like crazy golf and the aerial adventure course in eyesight, for the kids to enjoy while the adults chill in the beer garden.

My top tip would be to get yourself a hot drink for £1.85 as there are free refills all day, which is a massive win for tired parents who need their caffeine hit to keep up with their kids full of holiday vibes.

The pub is also next door to the pool Credit: Catherine Lofthouse

The pub is next-door to the pool, which has a great outdoor section including a lazy river and a Space Bowl flume, so you do not have far to go if everyone is starving after their swim.

Haven Cleethorpes Beach used to be known as Thorpe Park, which caused some confusion with the theme park near London and could be considered the biggest Haven park in the country, if you go by the number of accommodation units available.

The sprawling site has its own golf course and fishing lakes – it’s so big that it spans a public road, with the main entertainment centre, activity village and pool on one side and a minimarket and craft studio on the other.

As well as caravans and lodges galore, there’s a campsite with toilet and shower block.

I love the location of this Haven site – it’s got access to Fitties Beach, which is a lovely spot with a more relaxed atmosphere than the beach in the town centre.

The open-top Seasider bus runs along the front into the town from the caravan park every half an hour at weekends and over the summer holidays, so you can easily pop along to check out the UK’s biggest chip shop on the pier.

Elsewhere in Cleethorpes you can head to the smallest pub in the world Credit: Catherine Lofthouse

There is the planet’s smallest pub too at Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway called The Signal Box Inn.

Or there’s even another Wetherspoons in the former Coliseum Picture House in the town centre with chandeliers, a Roman fresco and a rooftop terrace, making it quite a different feel from the modern venue at the Haven park.

A jacket potato with a soft drink there costs just £5, compared to £11.35 for the same at the Haven Spoons, so you might want to be a bit picky about what you order while you are at the caravan site.

For my family of five, we love the Premier Inn unlimited breakfast deal – with two kids eating free per paying adult, it costs us just £22 to get everyone fed and watered there of a morning.

At the Humber Stone, we’d be looking at paying that just for a cooked breakfast and hot drinks for the adults, before we’ve even factored in feeding our three growing boys.

Cleethorpes Premier Inn is just half an hour walk from the Haven and the kids eat free deal is open to all, whether you are staying at the hotel or not, so it might be worth taking a stroll to save yourself some cash if a big brekkie is a must on your staycay.

The holiday park is one of the biggest Haven sites in the country Credit: Alamy

With Haven hoping to roll out more Wetherspoons at its sites around the country, no doubt this will not be the last Spoons I visit on our family breaks.

Our favourite park at Hopton in Norfolk has just launched its own branch called the White Clover, so we will give that a go next time we are there.

And we are off to Haven Kent Coast later this month, where the London Stone Spoons has just opened.

If you are heading to a Haven with a Spoons this summer, you can use the Wetherspoons website to check out the menu – it is good to know before you go what is a bargain and what might break the bank.

For me, pints are a yes, potatoes are a no.

Even at a Spoons, you need to be a bit savvy with your staycay spends, it seems!



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Major UK airport reveals its first ever Wetherspoons pub spanning over 3,000 sq ft

A MAJOR UK airport has released a first look at its highly anticipated new Wetherspoons.

Opening in September, the pub will be a budget option for travellers looking for a pre-flight drink.

Manchester Airport Terminal 2 is set to get its first ever Wetherspoons Credit: Alamy
The new pub is named the Belle Vue, inspired by a historic entertainment venue Credit: Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport is getting its first ever Wetherspoons this September with a design inspired by sporting culture in the North West.

The 3,000 sq ft pub will have more than 300 covers, becoming the final major food and drink venue to open as part of the refurbishment of Terminal 2.

John Hutson, JD Wetherspoon chief executive, said: “We are looking forward to opening at Manchester Airport.

“We believe our new pub will prove popular with travellers of all ages and be an asset to the new terminal.”

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Terminal 2 has doubled in size since the refurbishment began a decade ago, costing the airport over £1.3billion.

Manchester Airport’s newest pre-flight pub is called the Belle Vue, commemorating the city’s historic entertainment venue that had a pub, greyhound racing and a speedway track.

Shutting in 2020, the Belle Vue offered a step back in time to explore the Manchester’s culture in the Victorian era.

Now, the sporting elements of the Belle Vue will be transformed into the pub’s new decor, with artistic impressions hinting at a clubhouse-style design.

The pub’s interior has a clubhouse-style design with sports memorabilia decorations Credit: Manchester Airport
Spanning 3,000 sq ft, the pub has plenty of room for holidaymakers to enjoy pre-flight pints Credit: Manchester Airport

Inside, the walls are adorned with sporting memorabilia from the North West, and checkered flag floors.

The Belle Vue joins a host in new hospitality venues arriving at Manchester Airport, including a Fever Tree cocktail and champagne bar, and the Great Northern Market street food hall.

Wetherspoons currently operates 10 pubs across airports, including three in Gatwick and two in Heathrow.

Manchester’s Belle Vue joins the over 800 Wetherspoons pubs across the UK, and the over 30 locations in Greater Manchester.

Stephen Turner, chief commercial officer at Manchester Airport, said: “We’re very excited to be able to reveal more detail about Terminal 2’s new JD Wetherspoon pub The Belle Vue, which will encapsulate the spirit and traditions of sporting entertainment in Manchester.

“This will be the first JD Wetherspoon pub at Manchester Airport and it is fantastic to have yet another household name taking its place among those opening units in the terminal, as part of its £1.3bn transformation.”

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The award-winning Haven holiday parks with direct beach access, waterparks and Wetherspoons

WITH summer well and truly on its way, you don’t need to empty your wallet to book an unforgettable family holiday.

Some of Haven’s most popular, award-winning UK holiday parks are cheaper to book than you’d think – and offer much more than a standard caravan stay.

Haven Craig Tara holiday park sits on Scotland’s Ayrshire coastline Credit: Haven
Haven’s Devon Cliffs holiday park has caravans and lodges looking out to sea Credit: http://www.haven.com

From Scotland’s largest indoor waterpark to coastal Yorkshire parks with private lakes, these parks are set in some seriously stunning locations.

They’re also packed with activities like climbing walls, high-ropes courses and tube slides for kids to burn off energy and make lasting memories.

All of these Haven holiday parks offer 3 or 4 night stays in a saver caravan from £49 – working out to just £12.25 a night for four nights away. Plus, if you’re feeling fancy, there’s also room to upgrade accommodation.

Here’s our pick of affordable, award-winning Haven holiday parks.

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Hopton Holiday Village, Norfolk

Hopton Holiday Village is just steps away from a stretch of Norfolk beach Credit: Haven

This Haven holiday park was recently named the AA Holiday Park of the Year, and for good reason – there’s loads to see and do, and it’s right on the beach.

The holiday park sits in Norfolk‘s Hopton-on-Sea, just down the road from mega seaside resort Great Yarmouth, and just steps away from its own golden beach.

On-site, there’s a heated indoor pool with slides, flumes and a splash zone, a bar and lounge with Seaside Squad entertainment, and activities like crazy golf and segways.

In recent years the holiday park has seen new additions and renovations that have kept it a firm favourite among holidaymakers.

In spring 2026 the park gained its own Wetherspoons pub, The White Clover, as well as renovations to its swimming pool complex, doubling its capacity.

Book a 3 night stay at Hopton Holiday Village from £49

Craig Tara, Scotland

Splashaway Bay at Craig Tara holiday park is Scotland’s largest indoor waterpark Credit: Haven

Craig Tara holiday park in Ayrshire is Haven’s flagship Scottish park, home to the largest indoor waterpark in Scotland, Splashaway Bay.

Perched on the dramatic Ayrshire coast, this is one of the largest Haven resorts in the UK.

This seaside resort is a paradise for families who want non-stop, high-energy action where there is plenty to do no matter the weather.

Splashaway Bay is a giant indoor pool paradise with flumes, multi-lane water slides, a lazy rivers and an interactive splash zone for toddlers.

Beyond the waterpark, you’ll find activity zones like the Airspace sports hall, where you’ll find a climbing wall, soft play, a golf simulator and electronic target walls for sports.

Over in the Lighthouse Harbour Adventure Village, you can take on the six-metre high The Jump, or tackle an aerial ropes course.

Book a 3 night stay at Craig Tara from £49

Devon Cliffs

Grab a drink from the beach bar and enjoy the views at Devon Cliffs holiday park Credit: Haven

Not only is this one of the largest Haven holiday parks, Devon Cliffs is also home to a private, award-winning beach: Sandy Bay.

The park slopes towards the sea, where you’ll find a Blue Flag beach backed by dramatic red cliffs.

Other than its scenic coastal setting, this holiday park has plenty more to offer for families.

Activities include bungee trampolines, rubber ring tube slides, a high ropes course and mini 4×4 off-roading.

Entertainment here is varied and exciting, with two venues hosting everything from bingo to the nostalgic 90’s Tiger Club Show.

Plus this year a Wetherspoons pub opened up on-site – The Red Rocks – feeding families on a budget.

Book a 4 night stay at Devon Cliffs from £49

Cleethorpes Beach, Lincolnshire

Stay at Haven Cleethorpes Beach to enjoy an outdoor waterslide and splash bowl Credit: TripAdvisor

With 1,827 caravans and lodges, Haven’s Cleethorpes Beach holiday park is a mega resort built for the ideal family seaside holiday.

This AA 5 star-rated holiday park has everything from a peaceful fishing lake and lazy river, to an exciting NERF training camp and huge climbing wall.

Plus there’s lots to do that the family can enjoy all together, such as mini golf and go karts.

When the sun comes out, head to the outdoor splash park to cool off with interactive water features and fountains, or simply walk down to the beach to swim in the sea.

This park has plenty of food and drink options that will please even fussy eaters, like a Slim Chickens fried chicken shack, Papa Johns, Burger King and – you guessed it – its very own Wetherspoons pub.

Book a 4 night stay at Cleethorpes Beach from £49

Thornwick Bay, East Yorkshire

Stay at Haven’s Thornwick Bay for dramatic coastal landscapes a short walk away Credit: Emma and Gordon Taylor

Haven’s AA 5 Gold Star-awarded Thornwick Bay holiday park is a nature-lover’s paradise, with direct access to a golden beach with a stunning backdrop.

This cliffside resort sits on the dramatic Flamborough Headland, just a short walk from a rugged sand-and-pebble cove that is perfect for rock pooling, fossil hunting, and exploring hidden sea caves.

But you don’t just have to stick to the sea – this park boasts its very own private activity lake where families can hire pedalos and try out paddleboarding.

Indoors, the Activity Barn has plenty to keep kids of all ages occupied. There’s an indoor climbing wall, archery coaching, and creative slime and pottery workshops.

To burn off some energy, head to the heated indoor pool complex with three separate pools and a giant, multi-lane water slide.

Food and drink options include the park’s main Lighthouse Bar & Restaurant – complete with a kids sand pit on the terrace -as well as a Chopstix noodle bar and Papa Johns pizza takeaway.

Book a 4 night stay at Thornwick Bay from £49

*Prices correct at time of publication.

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The new Wetherspoons pub that has ‘amazing views’ and a beer garden right on the beach

A BRAND new Wetherspoons has opened up right by the beach – and it is part of an affordable UK holiday park.

The Bluff Inn opened in April at Haven’s Riviere Sands holiday park in Hayle, Cornwall.

A recently opened Wetherspoons is being raved about for its views Credit: Wetherspoons

The new pub – which is a part of a £9million investment to open a number of Wetherspoons pubs across the country at Haven parks – is named after its cliff location.

The best thing about the new venue? It has amazing views of the beach and sea.

The pub is able to host up to 380 people and is open until midnight in the summer months and closes an hour earlier in the spring and winter months.

Decor includes a typical Spoons patterned carpet, which is be inspired by Hayle Estuary, the town’s industrial history and the Cornish coastline.

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And outside, there is even a pub garden with picnic benches in case you want to enjoy your drink while soaking up the sunshine.

Punters will be able to get their usual spoons order such as cheap pints or cocktail pitchers.

The beer garden is right by the beach Credit: Wetherspoons
The pub is part of the Haven holiday park nearby Credit: Wetherspoons

As for food, options range from breakfast in the mornings to staple Spoons’ comfort dishes such as fish and chips.

After having a tipple and some food, you can head down to Bluff Beach – known as one of Cornwall’s best kitesurfing spots.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “Absolutely amazing views of St Ives Bay and will be amazing in the summer with their large beer garden overlooking the sea.

“As a local will definitely returning many times.”

Darren Hiscock, General Manager, Haven Riviere Sands said: “This is a fantastic addition to Riviere Sands Holiday Park and something we know our guests and owners have been eagerly anticipating.

“We’re thrilled to kick off the season by opening the doors to our brand new pub.”



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Abandoned venue that was beloved by 90s kids is about to become a mega Wetherspoons

In the 1990s this iconic building was the ultimate destination for kids and teenagers before it was abruptly abandoned, and it’s now set to get one of the city’s largest

If you were a child in the 90s, or just a kid at heart, then there was one place you would have no doubt wanted to visit on a trip to the capital. London Trocadero, an iconic building set at 30 Shaftesbury Avenue has had many different uses over the years, but among millennials it’s perhaps best known for its time as the ultimate indoor amusement park.

From 1996 to 2011, the Trocadero was home to SegaWorld, later renamed to Funland, a sprawling seven-floor, neon-lit complex that was accessed by a long enclosed ‘Rocket Escalator’. It’s perhaps best remembered for the huge indoor drop ride in the centre, and the floor after floor of coin operated arcade machines from the golden era of gaming.

However, after closing, the venue’s future remained uncertain, and the building lie abandoned for many years. The space had a variety of uses over the years, until 2025 when the Zedwell Piccadilly took over a large part of it, creating a pod hotel with 728 windowless rooms and a large rooftop bar.

Now, there are plans to turn part of the building into a giant branch of JD Wetherspoon, creating one of the largest branches in the capital, and the pub chain’s first-ever venue in London’s Theatreland.

The new pub will be called Piccadilly Hall, taking its name from a historic hall which gave Piccadilly Circus its name back in the 17th-century. It’ll span over 3,600 square feet, offering a massive 280 covers, and will open from 7am until midnight seven days a week.

The venue will serve Wetherspoon’s breakfasts and all-day food and drink menus, and is expected to attract theatre audiences, tourists, and locals thanks to its central location. At the moment, there’s no confirmed opening date for this new London branch.

Earlier this year, Wetherspoon opened its first branch outside of the UK, offering British pub food and Spanish favourites to travellers passing through Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport near Benidorm. The chain also expanded its portfolio with four new branches opening within Haven holiday parks.

Other upcoming openings for the brand include The Sir Ronald Wates in Guildford, which will have the distinction of being the first university-owned Spoons set on a University of Surrey campus. A large branch will also open in Edinburgh in September named The William Chambers, in a building that was once a multi-storey bar and club.

Founder and chairman of JD Wetherspoon, Tim Martin, said: “We are delighted to be opening our first venue in Theatreland in partnership with Criterion Capital. The West End is one of the world’s great hospitality destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year, and we believe this site is exceptionally well suited to the Wetherspoon model of offering good-quality food and drink at reasonable prices in well-managed and historically interesting buildings.”

He added: “We look forward to becoming part of this vibrant area of the West End.”

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Brit tries Spain’s first Wetherspoons but price of ‘dreadful’ Guinness floors him

YouTuber Just Deano was travelling home from Benidorm when he tried the new Wetherspoons in Alicante Airport — but he was ‘not convinced’ by his pint of Guinness

The first ever Wetherspoons outside of the UK and Ireland opened back in February — but one travel influencer was recently floored by the cost of his Guinness.

The Spanish spoons is located down the coast from Benidorm at the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport — and it has proved popular with Brits travelling home after their holidays.

However, keen to test it out after a trip to Benidorm, content creator Just Deano shared his thoughts after getting a seat by the bar.

And speaking to his 41,100 subscribers, he observed: “This is the smallest Wetherspoons I have ever been in. And I don’t normally get this in Spain — but I got myself a Guinness that was €7.50… €7.50!”

Visibly shocked by the price, he went on: “I thought this was Wetherspoons? And it’s absolutely dreadful. This is not a good start.”

Despite wincing at his first sip, he ordered an all-day brunch, bringing the total cost of his meal and pint to €20.45 (approx £17.73).

After his food arrived at the spoons which is named Castell de Santa Bàrbera, he said the eggs looked “terrible”, but things dramatically improved after trying the Lincolnshire sausages.

He said: “That might be the best sausage I’ve had in Spain. It is basically a spoons sausage. Now, at home, this wouldn’t be the best sausage ever, but compared to the standard of catering of sausages of usual places, this is decent.”

Deano, who hails from Huddersfield, said the chips were just like home but noted that the eggs were “one of the worst” he has had. However, he said the bacon and beans were solid.

He again repeated that it was “the tiniest premises ever” and questioned why it was so small.

And reflecting on his order, he said: “The best part about it? The sausages. The worst part about it is probably the Guinness. Normally the Wetherspoons Guinness is a solid eight out of 10. It’s not the best Guinness in the world but it’s 100% consistent. Unfortunately in Spain, they lost that consistency.”

He said his meal was acceptable but his problem was the price, and he claimed it was double the cost of what he paid for breakfast on his initial journey to Spain.

“So, although they are calling themselves spoons, they are definitely airport prices because that’s an extortionate amount of money,” he said. “€20.45 for a pint, a bad pint, and an all-day breakfast? Yeah, I’m not convinced about that.”

Deano said he was a “huge” fan of Wetherspoons but said his experience overall was five out of 10 — and he said he would have been better off paying to eat and drink at the airport lounge.

After posting the video, which you can watch in full here, one person defended the prices, saying: “Yeah & spoons are more expensive at the airports in the UK, like double so… No difference really.”

Another said: “Wetherspoons always up the prices in airports. I paid £16.50 at Gatwick spoons for brunch and a pint so not far off what you paid.”

After the successful launch of the famous pub chain in Alicante Airport, Wetherspoons has since announced two more will open in mainland Europe.

Both will be in Barcelona-El Prat Airport — with the first opening in Terminal 1 by September 2026 with the other to be welcomed in Terminal 2 by January 2027.

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I explored the UK seaside resort rivalling Margate with Eurovision singer-owned museum & world’s biggest Wetherspoons

I WAS born in Southend-on-Sea with candy floss and chip grease running through my veins, so I have a real soft spot for an English seaside resort.

And with its blonde sandy beaches, vintage ice-cream parlours and shellfish stalls, the Kent coastal town of Ramsgate does not disappoint.

There’s easy beach access in Ramsgate Credit: Getty
Beneath the town is a network of tunnels that stretch for two and a half miles Credit: Supplied

Cockles aside, my partner and I have come for the weekend to check out one of its quirkiest attractions, This Museum Is (Not) Obsolete, which is part studio, part science lab and part techno time capsule.

It’s owned and run by Sam Battle, AKA Look Mum No Computer, who represented Britain in the Eurovision Song Contest this month.

Now back in Ramsgate proudly brandishing his ONE point, Sam’s museum houses his vast collection of eccentric inventions, retro computers, analogue synthesisers and other audio oddities that hum, squeak and beep.

It’s brilliant and bonkers in equal measure.

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Staring up at the flashing 1,000 Oscillator Megadrone, I’m assured the museum is very hands-on and you can touch and play with almost everything.

Fans travel from across the country to see Sam’s creations, including a Raleigh Chopper/synthesiser, a flame-throwing Henry Hoover and my favourite, the Furby organ — a fully functioning instrument ­power­ed by rows of the singing fluffy toys.

After an hour happily geeking out, we wander down to the harbour — the only one in the UK still officially granted royal status.

There, primary-coloured fishing boats bob alongside shiny yachts, while cafe-bars and vintage bike shops hide under the arches nearby.

Ramsgate can be a little gritty in parts — there’s no shortage of vape and betting shops — but that’s part of its charm.

And like its coastal neighbours, Broadstairs, Deal and Margate, it’s attracting more and more artists, musicians and independent businesses each year.

A short stroll from the harbour is Addington Street, the town’s indie quarter. It has a hip artsy vibe with renovated Victorian villas, vintage blue street signs and shops such as Vinyl Head Records and No.36 by SP, which sells fancy homewares.

We stop for a pint at the Queen Charlotte, a cute little pub filled with retro curios; think fringed lamps, a ship-shaped cocktail bar and a ­vintage record player from where music by The Carpenters flows.

But Ramsgate isn’t just about kitsch pubs and fantastical Furby organs.

Beneath the town is a network of tunnels that stretch for two and a half miles.

Originally a tunnel railway that connected the town to neighbouring Broadstairs, it was expanded in 1939 to serve as an air-raid shelter for Ramsgate residents.

On the 90-minute guided tour through the dimly lit tunnels, I learn of Ramsgate’s remarkable resilience and community during the war.

The Sun’s Tracey Davies takes shelter Credit: Supplied
Sam Battle, AKA Look Mum No Computer pictured at the Eurovision Credit: AFP

We’re staying at The House at Ramsgate, a chichi boutique hotel (formerly Albion House) on the seafront.

From our sea-view room, we can see the world’s largest Wetherspoons, The Royal Victoria Pavilion, which spans 11,000 sq ft in a prime spot on the beach.

Instead we relax with a cocktail in the quieter lounge at the hotel followed by a dinner of locally caught crab cakes and ribeye steak.

After breakfast, Sunday is spent blowing out the cobwebs walking the coastal path to Broadstairs.

Tracey tickles the ivories Credit: Supplied
Ramsgate is well worth a visit this summer Credit: Getty

The scenic two-mile route links the sandy beaches along the coast.

A few years ahead of Ramsgate in its gentrification, Broadstairs feels like its more polished sister.

We find a farmers’ market in the gardens of Bleak House, where Charles Dickens wrote David Copperfield, and stop for a drink at the Royal Albion, his old watering hole, before wandering back to Ramsgate.

One thing’s for sure, whether you are into funky retro tech or sunny seaside strolls — or even a bit of both — Ramsgate is well worth a visit this summer.

GO: RAMSGATE

GETTING THERE: Trains take around an hour and 15 minutes from London.

Open returns from London St Pancras to Ramsgate start at £48.60.

See southeasternrailway.co.uk.

STAYING THERE: The House At Ramsgate has B&B doubles from £180 per night.

See thehouseatramsgate.co.uk.

OUT AND ABOUT: This Museum Is (Not) Obsolete, adult £7 and child £5, this-museum-is-not-obsolete.com; Ramsgate Tunnels, adult £10 and child £6, ramsgatetunnels.org.

MORE INFO: See visitramsgate.co.uk.

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HUGE abandoned West End attraction to become one of Wetherspoon’s biggest pubs

A NEW Wetherspoons – set to be one of the biggest in the capital – will open in a historic West End building.

The first-ever Wetherspoons in the capital’s Theatreland will open in the London Trocadero, at 30 Shaftesbury Avenue.

The new Wetherspoons in London is set to be one of the biggest in the city Credit: JD Wetherspoon
It will be inside the Trocadero building, which gave Piccadilly Circus its name Credit: JD Wetherspoon

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Named Piccadilly Hall, the boozer will take its name from the historic 17th century Piccadilly Hall mansion, which once occupied part of the Trocadero site and gave Piccadilly Circus its name.

Inside, the pub will be inspired by the history of the Trocadero and surrounding theatre district, but an opening date is yet to be announced.

One feature will include a glass hanger, with a detailing that references the piccadill collar, which was created in the area and led to the name ‘Piccadilly’.

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It is also set to be one of the largest Wetherspoons in central London, spanning 334.5-square-metres.

It will be open seven days a week, from 7am to midnight and of course serve all you’d expect from a Spoons, including full English breakfasts and cheap pints.

Details inside relate to the history of the area Credit: JD Wetherspoon

The Trocadero originally opened in 1896 as a restaurant and then in the 1990s, it became the home of SegaWorld – an indoor theme park, thought to be the world’s largest, spread across seven floors.

Already in the Trocadero building is Zedwell Hotel Piccadilly Circus and the new Wetherspoons will be located directly underneath the hotel, with direct access between the two.

Those staying at the hotel will be able to join the Zedwell & More guest membership programme, which allows guests to get exclusive discounts and offers across shops, restaurants and tourist experiences across London.

Tim Martin, Founder and Chairman at JD Wetherspoon, said: “The West End is one of the world’s great hospitality destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year, and we believe this site is exceptionally well suited to the Wetherspoon model of offering good-quality food and drink at reasonable prices in well-managed and historically interesting buildings.

“The scale of Piccadilly Hall, together with its connection to the wider Zedwell hotel network, makes this one of the most significant openings for Wetherspoon in London for many years.”



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The 250-mile Wetherspoons pub crawl where you travel the country by coach

PUB crawls are a favourite pastime of Brits – and there is a unique one in the UK called the ‘Spoons Safari’.

Lloyds Coaches has launched a new tour travelling 250-miles across Wales stopping in at seven Wetherspoons along the way and it’s so popular that it’s quickly selling out.

LLoyds Coaches has launched a Wetherspoons pub tour around Wales Credit: Google maps
It stops in at pubs like The Palladium in Llandudno Credit: Alamy

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Those who are keen to hop onboard the Wetherspoons will be pleased to know that tickets are just £20 – sadly, drinks are not included.

Teasing more about its Spoons special, Lloyds Coaches said: “Ready for a legendary day out without the ‘who’s driving?’ debate. Grab your mates and hop aboard for the Lloyds Coaches Wetherspoons Tour.

“We’re hitting some of the most iconic pubs across North Wales and the border. Whether you’re in it for the affordable ales, the legendary breakfasts, or just to check the carpet patterns, this is the trip for you!”

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The tour is so popular that the first coach has already sold-out, and spaces are filling up on the second.

Here’s how it plays out for those keen to book a seat.

The third stop on the Wetherspoons tour is The Picture House Credit: Facebook

On June 27 at 10:15am, the coach sets off from Dolgellau in Wales and with multiple pick-ups along the way, stops at the first Wetherspoons under four hours later at the Wilfred Owen in Oswestry.

The second Spoons stop on the list is The Castle Hotel in Ruthin.

Then onto The Picture House in Colwyn Bay which has been considered one of the most beautiful pubs by its punters.

The pub can be found inside the former Princess Cinema, which was built in 1914 and originally called the Princess Picture House.

The Llandudno pub is considered one of the most beautiful in the country Credit: JD WETHERSPOONS

It still has original Art Deco design features from stained glass windows and lighting fixtures, as well as artwork on the walls.

The next stop is The Palladium in Llandudno which is arguably the most impressive on the tour.

Formerly a cinema, the building first opened to the public in the 1920s, it has eye-catching decor with a ceiling with gold detailing and red carpet.

There’s seating on three floors, including stalls, dress circle and balcony, before being used as a theatre and music hall.

The tour is a treat for any fans of the cheap boozer, Wetherspoons Credit: Getty

It opened as a Wetherspoons in 2001.

After sinking another pint or two, the tour heads to the penultimate pub; Tafarn y Porth in Caernarfon.

The pub is in the middle of the city that’s well-known for its royal 13th century castle.

Finally, the tour comes to a close at Pen Cob in Pwllheli which is just minutes from the seafront and at 9:15 PM, the tour comes to a close.

The tour comes to a close at Pen Cob in Pwllheli Credit: Google maps

It’s not the first time there has been Wetherspoons special tours around the country.

Last year, one tour operator offered a £699 six-day outing around some of the chain’s top pubs – and it included £50 to spend on booze.

The trip took keen punters to boozers like the Standing Order in Derby, The Chief Justice and the Common Pleas in Keswick and Penrith’s The Dog Beck.

It also includes The North Western in Liverpool and The Winter Gardens in Harrogate, plus Blackpool‘s Velvet Coaster.



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Second coach added as world’s first 250-mile Wetherspoons pub crawl sells out

Beer lovers prayers have been answered as this Coach firm has just launched a 250-mile-long pub crawl starting early at 9:15am from Dolgellau and taking in many famous Spoons along the way

Nobody loves an organised pub crawl more than the Brits – but this one may have just topped them all.

While some make pilgrimages to a significant place or worship or set out on a journey to deepen their spirituality, this particular tour will have travellers doing less thinking and more drinking.

Lloyd’s Coaches has launched the ultimate ‘Spoons Pilgrimage’, a 250-mile round journey visiting a whole load of JD Wetherspoon pubs throughout North Wales, and venturing slightly beyond the border as well. The route begins and ends in Dolgellau.

It’s such a brilliant idea that other travel companies are likely kicking themselves, wondering why they didn’t come up with the scheme first. Yet the concept is pretty simple.

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For the very reasonable price of just £20, not including any drinks bought along the way, passengers can embark on a day trip like no other.

Departing nice and early from Dolgellau, Wales at 9.15am, the coach will head towards the inaugural Spoons in Oswestry, known as the Wilfred Owen. It’s expected that the coach arrives at noon, with attendees given a 45-minute stop to knock back a pint or two.

Then it’s time to get back on board and head on towards The Castle Hotel in Ruthin, under an hour’s drive away. Here they’ll have another 45-minute stop, before carrying on to The Picture House in Colwyn Bay, a further 45-minute drive.

It’s shaping up to be a long day on the road already, but fortunately, it’s a shorter drive this time around to the Palladium in Llandudno: the most impressive of all the establishments on the route. At this point, six county boundaries have been crossed, but there’s still plenty more to go.

Perhaps feeling a little bit giddy from all of the drinking thus far, punters will head to Tafarn y Porth in Caernarfon, then Pen Cob in Pwllheli for 7.30pm, for the final drinking stop.

Lloyds Coaches announced in a statement: “Ready for a legendary day out without the ‘who’s driving?’ debate. Grab your mates and hop aboard for the Lloyds Coaches Wetherspoons Tour. We’re hitting some of the most iconic pubs across North Wales and the border. Whether you’re in it for the affordable ales, the legendary breakfasts, or just to check the carpet patterns, this is the trip for you!”

The never-before-seen Wetherspoons Tour is set to be held on Saturday, June 27, and with the initial Facebook post gaining so much traction, who knows, it could go on to be a regular event.

Full of excitement, the travel firm later added: “We’re filling up faster than a pint of Ruddles on a Tuesday. At this rate, we’re seriously asking ourselves: ‘Do we need to add another coach’.”

On Wednesday afternoon, Lloyds Coaches added a second coach on the same day, after the first sold out.

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All of the best Wetherspoons pubs right by the beach

THE sun is shining and it’s nearly the weekend, so why not make the most of it up by heading to the beach and topping it off with a trip to Spoons?

Here are some of our favourite seaside Wetherspoons spots around the UK with rooftop terraces and beer gardens, so you can make the most of the spring weather.

The Wetherspoons Royal Victoria Pavilion is the world’s biggest – and on the beach Credit: Alamy
The Admiral Collingwood in North Devon has sea views from its roof terrace Credit: Alamy

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Royal Victoria Pavilion, Kent

The rooftop terrace looks right over Ramsgate Beach

Going big, we have to start with the world’s biggest Wetherspoons; the Royal Victoria Pavilion.

Found in Ramsgate, the pub has an enormous outdoor rooftop terrace that wraps around the entire building, with enough tables and chairs to fit hundreds.

The best views are found at the very back, where the pub backs onto Ramsgate’s sandy beach.

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Admiral Collingwood, Devon

The Admiral Collingwood has a beer garden and rooftop terrace Credit: Alamy

This boozer in Ilfracombe is a firm favourite when the sun shines thanks to its beer garden AND rooftop area.

From the rooftop of the pub, which is open between March and October, visitors can see amazing views across the coast.

One recent visitor said: “The view of the sea is amazing; the roof terrace is lovely and the drinks are true spoons quality.”

The Jolie Brise, Teignmouth

The Jolie Brise in Teignmouth is a two-minute walk from the beach Credit: J D Wetherspoon

In the Devonshire seaside town of Teignmouth, and two-minutes away from the beach is The Jolie Brise.

The Wetherspoons has a pretty rooftop garden where you still get a beachy-feel thanks to its wooden slatted exterior, palm trees and chirp of seagulls overhead.

Velvet Coaster, Blackpool

You can see Blackpool Pleasure Beach from The Velvet Coaster Credit: Alamy

Consistently called one of the most beautiful Wetherspoons, the Velvet Coaster sits next to Blackpool’s South Pier and is within walking distance from its Pleasure Beach.

Punters can enjoy the impressive views across the promenade from the comfort of a bucket chair on its rooftop garden and sip on a cool beer.

The Packet Station, Falmouth

The Packet Station’s rooftop opened four years ago Credit: J D Wetherspoons

This Wetherspoons in Falmouth stretches over three floors including its roof terrace which opened in September 2022.

The pretty rooftop sadly isn’t quite close enough to the coast for a sea view, but it still is a great suntrap and sheltered from the strong sea breeze.

The Bluff Inn, Cornwall

The Bluff Inn looks over Hayle Beach Credit: Unknown

This Wetherspoons is unlike the others as it’s now run by Haven.

The pub sits above Bluff Beach, next to the mouth of the Hayle Estuary, where the river flows into St Ives Bay.

The garden area has lots of picnic tables and beautiful views across the water.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “Absolutely amazing views of St Ives Bay and will be amazing in the summer with their large beer garden overlooking the sea. As a local will definitely returning many times.”



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Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin hits back at Ryanair after Michael O’Leary’s alcohol attack

Tim Martin has spoken out after Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary claimed drinking booze at UK airports, such as London Heathrow, should be banned before a certain time

The boss of JD Wetherspoons has hit back at the Ryanair CEO’s claims alcohol shouldn’t be served at UK airports in the early hours of the morning.

Tim Martin, who founded his pub chain in 1979, said Michael O’Leary’s suggestion would require passengers being breathalysed at airports. He described the plan as “an overreaction”.

But Mr O’Leary, boss of the budget airline, had claimed an average of nearly one flight every day is diverted due to disruptive passengers fuelled by booze. The 65-year-old businessman said these tourists often drink in bars at airports for hours before they board their planes, and called on a ban on serving booze at airport bars in the early hours of the morning and a two-drink limit thereafter.

Mr Martin, though, has said: “A two-drink limit would be extraordinarily difficult to implement, short of breathalysing passengers, and would, in our opinion, be an overreaction — especially since many of the problems stem from incoming flights. It is in everyone’s interests to have good behaviour at airports and on flights.”

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Mr Martin, 71, also told The Times it had “never been suggested” its customers cause disruption on flights. JD Wetherspoon told the newspaper that pubs in airports were “highly supervised” with strict policies preventing excessive alcohol consumption.

Airside bars in the UK are not required to follow restrictions on opening hours which apply to other venues selling alcohol. Being drunk on a plane is a criminal offence in the UK and can be punished by a fine of up to £5,000 and two years’ imprisonment.

But alcohol can be served on flights, including those of Ryanair, and there have been no calls on this practice. This, coupled with alcohol consumption at airports, has led to a number of incidents of disruption recently.

A man was, for instance, jailed for becoming abusive, causing widespread alarm throughout the Ryanair aircraft on which he was travelling from Poland to Bristol.

And, on Thursday, Ryanair welcomed the decision by a court in France which it said found two passengers guilty of causing disruption onboard a flight from Stansted to Ibiza that was diverted to Toulouse in May last year. The pair received a combined penalty of more than 10,000 euros (£8,640) and received suspended prison sentences of up to 10 months, according to the airline.

Speaking earlier this week, Mr O’Leary shared his plans. The father of four had said: “I fail to understand why anybody in airport bars is serving people at five or six o’clock in the morning. Who needs to be drinking beer at that time? There should be no alcohol served at airports outside [those] licensing hours.”

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‘I went to airport Wetherspoons at 4am and couldn’t believe what I saw’

One Australian traveller was left stunned when she turned up to Gatwick airport at 4am and look over at the Wetherspoons pub there. Her video has now gone viral online

Most of us have bagged ourselves an early flight to try and save on fees before. However, that does involve getting up at the crack of dawn to make it to the airport on time. Luckily, most major airports usually have somewhere open to get a coffee, grab and snack or have the ‘airport beer‘ many Brits enjoy before heading on your flight – no matter what the time.

One of the most popular places for many Brits to head to before they catch their flight is Wetherspoons if there’s one there. Most of us know that airports can be expensive, so the budget pub brand is the perfect place to have a breakfast, meal or drink that isn’t going to break the bank.

However, one Australian traveller was left stunned when she turned up to Gatwick Airport and saw that the Wetherspoons there was completely packed – despite it being 4am.

The travel influencer, Kiaya, who boasts 14,900 followers online on her @kiaya.travels account, shared a video the showed people queuing to get into the pub. Another take from inside then showed the inside which was rammed with people, with some already enjoying an alcoholic beverage.

Overlay text read, ‘Every table full at 4am in the airport, oh to be British.’

The caption for the post, which was shared on the official Wetherspoon Instagram account, wrote: “Nothing like a ‘Spoons breakfast before my flight!”

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People were loving the post, as it went viral and racked up more than 122,000 likes.

One person exclaimed: “Nothing slaps harder than a pre-flight ‘Spoons breakfast and a pint to be honest,” while another added: “What more could you want a 4am! I’m here for it.”

A third chimed in: “We love Wetherspoons,” while another branded it their “favourite spot”.

Wetherspoon pubs at Gatwick Airport are typically open between 3AM and 5AM and close between 9PM and 11PM daily. There is one branch in the North Terminal (after security) and two in the South Terminal (one before and one after security).

Despite a pre-flight pint being a tradition amongst many Brits, travel insiders previously shared why it might not be the best idea. Chatting with experts at global travel booking giant Omio, flight attendant Dashiell Horowitz of Air Transat gave his advice to anyone planning to board a plane.

He recommended eating a big meal to ‘make sure you’re tired and get some rest on the flight’, however, he wasn’t as keen on airport beers.

Dashiell said: “There isn’t much I would avoid if flying as a passenger except for anything that you know will upset your stomach!

“The one thing I would truly avoid is any alcohol before a flight. Most people don’t know it affects you twice as much whilst in the air, so you’re more likely to feel the effects than on the ground.”



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