A Canadian expat living in Britain has revealed her surprising affection for a particular feature of the popular pub chain Wetherspoons, and it has nothing to do with their famously low prices.
The Unconventional Charm of Sticky Carpets
Alanna Naps, a Canadian content creator residing in Kent who runs the YouTube channel Adventures and Naps, recently explored the unique world of Wetherspoons. While many patrons praise the chain for its affordable drinks, Alanna developed a fondness for something much less celebrated: the sticky carpets.
She acknowledged the pub chain's status as a British icon, stating they are either loved or hated. Alanna remarked that while you can always count on Wetherspoons to be cheap and predictable, you cannot always say they look nice. She specifically pointed out that no matter what the pub does, if there is carpet—which there almost always is—it's going to be sticky. "And for that, I love it," she said.
More Than Meets the Eye: The Cost of Character
This distinctive feature is actually a significant investment for the company. Contrary to what one might assume, these carpets are not cheap. Each unique carpet, designed to reflect the building's history or local area, costs the firm between £20,000 and £30,000. They are partly handmade by the renowned company Axminster Carpets, adding a layer of bespoke craftsmanship to the pubs' often-maligned flooring.
With approximately 800 branches still operating across the country, Wetherspoons maintains its position as one of the UK's largest and most popular pub chains, largely due to its cheap beer and down-to-earth atmosphere.
Where the Love Stops: A Critique of the Food
However, Alanna's appreciation for the chain has its clear limits, particularly when it comes to dining. She admitted that visiting a Wetherspoons is typically a "last resort" for her and that she would deliberately avoid eating there.
Explaining her stance, she said, "I want to support something independent, something local, something small, some micro brewery or some sort of local pub." She is keen to put her money into these types of establishments, especially if she is planning to eat.
Her verdict on the food was blunt. "I will not eat at a Wetherspoons, no offence. I've done it before. Microwave, say no more," she stated. While she understands the appeal for those seeking something "cheap and cheerful" where you know exactly what you will get, it is not for her. Her visits are reserved for situations where larger groups cannot find space in a smaller, independent pub or microbrewery.
Ultimately, Alanna's perspective highlights the complex relationship people have with this British institution—a place of both cherished quirks and acknowledged compromises.
