Famed etiquette expert William Hanson recently ventured into his first ever Wetherspoons establishment, offering a candid review of the experience alongside a brutally honest three-word verdict on whether he would return. The lifestyle commentator documented his visit on social media, detailing the quirks of the budget pub chain that many Britons frequent for its affordable food and drinks.
Exploring the Wetherspoons Phenomenon
Unless you have been living under a rock, you have likely visited a Wetherspoons at least once. Known for being cheap and cheerful, it provides decent meals and the allure of inexpensive prosecco bottles under twenty pounds. Hanson decided to see what the fuss was about, approaching the visit with an open mind to assess the chain on its own terms.
Initial Impressions and Ordering Process
On Facebook, Hanson posed the question, "Do you enjoy a trip to your local Wetherspoons?" as he cleaned his table with a wet wipe before his order arrived. He humorously noted an "entire forest of menus" on the table and remarked that every meal includes a free drink, adding, "I think I might need it." Explaining the ordering options, he mentioned that while you can order at the bar or via the app, he chose the app because the bar was "further away than the lavatories."
Strange Encounters and Dining Experience
The expert shared some odd moments during his visit, including a waiter insinuating he was "butch" for ordering a beer despite wearing pink. Additionally, a woman at a neighbouring table inexplicably "plonked" a radar key for disabled toilets in front of him. When his food arrived, Hanson opted for a small plate, joking it was a "mistranslation for a sea of beige," yet he polished it off completely, indicating he enjoyed it.
The Verdict and Public Reaction
Despite finishing his meal and calling it "delicious actually, freshly microwaved," Hanson delivered a sarcastic three-word remark on returning: "Fat f****** chance." In the comments, followers praised his "hilarious but still polite" review. One regular customer noted his acknowledgment of the food's decent quality for the price, saying it showed he wouldn't compromise manners for a laugh at others' expense.
Community Perspectives on Wetherspoons
Others defended the chain, highlighting its value and appeal. A commenter mentioned enjoying avocado muffins and coffee for breakfast or vegan lunch options, calling it competitively priced and cheerful. Another pointed out that Wetherspoons is great for breakfast and full of pensioners on a budget at lunchtime, emphasising it doesn't pretend to be gourmet but offers good value for those without expense accounts.
This review underscores the polarising nature of Wetherspoons, blending humour with honest critique from an etiquette perspective, while sparking broader conversations about dining culture and affordability in the UK.
