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I guess what they mean is it lacks a vibe or an atmosphere. The 'spoons I've visited really had no attraction for me to stay. One pint and I was gone. They don't feel welcoming nor are they comfortable. I like to sit at the bar but 'spoons don't do bar stools. They are cheap but I don't equate "cheap" with "good value". And because they sell the "£10 for 2 pitchers of cocktails" and "Hooch (remember that?) Now in 500ml bottles" they attract a large binge drinking crowd and because of this the places get very loud and slightly hostile the longer you stay.

If all you want from a pub is cheap alcohol (and low quality food), then they'll fit the bill very well

"andrew":nzuua87c wrote: I guess what they mean is it lacks a vibe or an atmosphere. The 'spoons I've visited really had no attraction for me to stay. One pint and I was gone. They don't feel welcoming nor are they comfortable. I like to sit at the bar but 'spoons don't do bar stools. They are cheap but I don't equate "cheap" with "good value". And because they sell the "£10 for 2 pitchers of cocktails" and "Hooch (remember that?) Now in 500ml bottles" they attract a large binge drinking crowd and because of this the places get very loud and slightly hostile the longer you stay.

If all you want from a pub is cheap alcohol (and low quality food), then they'll fit the bill very well[/quote:nzuua87c]
i think thats a bit of a generalisation, food quality may be lower than in independent pubs but is generally better than chain pub and certainly plastic takeaway food.

Lots of pubs offer cheap booze that you and I wouldn't drink...the main reason large groups drink in wetherspoon is that they have the space, staff aren't precious about people moving tables/ chairs, they're often centrally located and good value for money.

As with all chains, you can't write off the whole chain (almost 900 pubs now) for a bad experience in a few outlets. As someone else mentioned they certainly have the highest proportion of cask marque accredited pubs of any major pub company in the UK (roughly 94%) and almost 1/3 of their pubs are listed in the good beer guide.

Location Location Location
The Leeds Train Station one is perfect for the quick pint before getting the train home or wherever, it is however not a place you'd go on a session in

They are obviously doing something right - I do think that they maybe slow to roll out cask to the same extent here - but who knows - all we are doing is guessing based on the UK set up. While it gives us an idea - they could tweak it to the Local Market.

I for one am looking forward to seeing how it plays out.

"Jimmy72":1djxbzvq wrote: Was in Manchester on Saturday and popped into a Wetherspoons. Souless has been generally used to describe their pubs and I'd agree with that. Big, open plan type pub with very little in terms of atmosphere etc. Service was terrible, staff unfriendly. I'd rather pay a lot extra for my pint to drink it in a comforable pub served by friendly knowledgeable bar staff.[/quote:1djxbzvq]


I had a different experience last Wednesday. Yes spoons can be large and services can be crap. But they also had the most progressive range of cask ale I had seen out side of the like of port street and marble.

"Rory":1wj74iut wrote: However, I'd be surprised if they have multiple casks on for Dublin branches- I really would. I could see some craft in the fridge, but several casks... Not yet I think. They'll probably focus a lot on a cheap menu with lots of deals / bargains.[/quote:1wj74iut]

From a cask/craft point of view. What I've seen in 'spoons, even thouugh I'm not too keen on them. They have a decent selection of cask ales on offer, here in the Uk.

From another Beoir online disscussion that I started, I have learned that a lot of beers here in Ireland are craft aka kegged beer. I don't know how that would work in Ireland whith 'spoons

A friend's dad has brought a pub in Blackrock within the last month or so and has found out now a Wetherspoons is to open within 2 mins walk of the pub. Could be a right pain in the arse.