Passengers at Manchester Airport's new Wetherspoon's pub have criticised queues to get in at peak times, with some describing the atmosphere inside as "sardine city" and a "cattle market". The pub, named The Belle Vue, opened last week in Terminal 2.
The venue is the first Wetherspoon's pub at Manchester Airport and takes inspiration from the iconic Belle Vue sports ground, with walls decorated with old posters from the Circus, speedway and greyhound tracks. At the far end of the pub, there is also a wall of locker tributes to sporting icons including darts champion Luke Littler, boxing legend Ricky Hatton and Manchester United's Marcus Rashford.
Passengers report queues and shortages
One passenger, who had an early flight on Monday morning, said she was shocked to see a queue outside at 5am when she arrived inside the terminal. The pub is located at the far end of Terminal 2, close to the D gates for flights.
She said: "There were queues to get in, and then just long waits for everything inside, it was like sardine city. Then when our drinks did arrive it was flat beer, we felt so cramped, it was just awful. I'd rather pay an extra pound and sit somewhere nice in the airport - which is exactly what we did. We left most our drinks and went to another quieter bar instead."
Another passenger, who flew out at the weekend, was shocked to discover the pub had run out of Guinness after queuing to get in. He fumed: "It's just so bad, how can they run out of Guinness?"
Social media complaints
Queues have also been pictured on social media, with other passengers posting complaints about their wait. One, who arrived at lunchtime on Wednesday, said: "Couldn’t get in here last week it was rammed over an hour wait they told us." Another wrote on Facebook: "In there last Thursday it was like a cattle market, they’ve crammed all the tables that close together it’s uncomfortable just my opinion."
Wetherspoon's response
The pub spans 338 square metres and has space for 300 covers inside. It is open from the first to final flight every day, roughly from 3am to 10pm daily.
Wetherspoon's spokesman Eddie Gershon said: "The problems are due to exceptional demand. We will redouble our efforts. Food times are already remarkably quick - just over seven minutes from ordering - and we have an experienced and talented team in charge. Unfortunately, there are legal capacity limits for all pubs for safety reasons. We apologise for the inconvenience and anticipate an improvement after the opening rush."
Mr Gershon also responded to the specific complaints about Guinness running out and the claim of "flat beer" from one visitor. He said: "The beer shouldn’t have been flat. We’ll look into this and see if there are any technical problems - Wetherspoon has far more pubs in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide than any other company, so we’re keen to get this right and maintain our reputation." On the Guinness, he added: "Unfortunately, we did run out of Guinness, very rare in a Wetherspoon pub, but we’re on the case, have upped the orders and apologise for the shortage."
Manchester Airport has pointed out that while the pub has been "very popular" since opening, dwell times are short once inside due to the nature of passengers leaving for flights, so people shouldn't need to wait too long. Airport bosses have also noted that the new Belle Vue pub is close to other bars and restaurants that passengers can use if they don't want to queue.
A spokesperson for Manchester Airport said: "We're really pleased that Wetherspoons is proving popular with passengers, as we knew it would. If the pub is full, though, we have plenty of other bars, restaurants and cafes available nearby where passengers can enjoy a pint and a bite to eat before their flight, including the Great Northern Market food hall, which is right next door."
