Using a simple technique at Wetherspoon could reportedly reduce your meal cost by up to 50% – yet most customers seem unaware. Diners are encouraged to verify one straightforward detail before ordering, following a viral money-saving tip that revealed people could be paying nearly twice as much for identical meals.
The Lesser-Known Technique
The method involves checking prices across different Wetherspoon locations using the chain's mobile app before deciding where to dine. While many patrons believe prices are consistent nationwide, food and beverage costs can differ significantly between individual pubs – including those in the same town.
In one social media example, an all-day brunch was priced at £10.26 at a Wetherspoon in Milton Keynes, but at Captain Ridley's Shooting Party in nearby Bletchley, the same meal cost just £5.75.
Another comparison showed ham, egg, and chips with a soft drink totalling £8.33 at The Roebuck Inn in Nottingham, while the same items cost £5.51 at The Gooseberry Bush, less than a mile away.
Coupon Kid's Advice
Money-saving specialist Jordon Cox, known as Coupon Kid UK, publicised the technique. In a video, he said: "Did you know Wetherspoon pubs offer different pricing at each restaurant? This can even happen in the exact same town if there are more than one Spoons."
He recommended using the Wetherspoon app to check prices at nearby branches before going out. Diners with several Wetherspoons in their area could reduce spending by travelling slightly further for their meal.
Public Reaction
The suggestion surprised many social media users, with some admitting they never knew the chain used varying prices. One diner said: "I live in MK and never noticed this. Bletchley is usually our go-to one. Wow thanks."
Another remarked: "I guess it's time to start cherrypicking the Spoons I go to." Someone else added: "Coupon Kid telling us what not to spend money on, I like this."
Others praised Jordon, with one user simply stating: "Thank you."
Wetherspoon's Pricing Policy
Wetherspoon has historically used location-based pricing, with factors like rent, business rates, and operational costs determining menu prices at specific pubs. This means customers willing to travel further could pay considerably less for the same items.
In a statement last year, Wetherspoon said: "Wetherspoon takes pride in offering its drinks and food at value for money prices at its pubs across the UK and Republic of Ireland. All prices for both drink and food are listed in the individual pubs. Wetherspoon is transparent about the fact that prices will vary in some areas - for example, prices in central London will be higher than those in north Wales. This is, among other reasons, due to higher property prices and the running of the pubs. However, even in the locations where prices might be higher than in other Wetherspoon pubs, the prices are still good value and in many cases, lower than competing pubs."
