Unless you live under a rock, or are new to the UK, you will undoubtedly have been in, if not heard of Wheterspoons. Whetherspoons is the UK’s most successful pub chain, often noted for its reasonable prices for food and drinks, as well as its quirky venues, from old factories to playhouses with cardboard cut outs of Shrek and Wayne Rooney in the original theatre seats (shout out to Colchester).  Many people say that life starts at 40, but Whetherspoons gives you the support to at least look 40 before you turn 19.

If you are new to the UK, there will come a time when you are invited to a Whetherspoons, accept this invitation. Forget about castles, or cathedrals or… you have not seen true British culture until you seen the nationally replicated carpets and toilets of a Whetherspoons and felt like you’re finally home. Whetherspoons truly does cater to all, be it the start of a night out, a low budget, kinda respectable date, or even a 9 am pint. Honestly, there are few places where you can feel out place for not getting on it before noon, Whetherspoons is one of those places.

The Drinks ***

Overall, the alcohol is wonderful, although I had a dodgy pint once that made me projectile vomit, but I won’t hold it against them. Whetherspoons often hold an ale event where they celebrate ales from around the world, mainly Germany and England. The variety doesn’t change, but the prices do get cheaper, we’re talking under £3 a pint, which unless it’s 1993 is pretty cheap.

The drinks are generally good, the tea and coffee are done on a scheme where you buy one and get refills- I know people who have ridden this out for several hours. The alcohol is often fine too, with cheap spirits and pints- although some may be close to their sell-by dates. However, you can get a cheap and cheerful drink no problem, allowing you to get p***ed on the cheap; great for students or committed drinkers.

The food ***

I live in Winchester, the cheapest meal you can get is… who wants…? What even is…? All I know is that Whetherspoons can feed a family of two adults for under £15, make you feel slightly class and the food is always exceptional. I’m actually baffled by how good their food is. Honestly, find me a spoons where the chips are crap, because I would love to eat there, just to feel something.

The burgers are excellent, the mixed grills can look a bit funny but taste nice, and the curry club is just fantastic. Honestly, I can’t complain about Whetherspoon’s food, in fact I look forward to it. It may be a bit rough around the edges, or questionable, but their food is trial and error and that’s what’s so nice about it. I think it’s fair to say, you get what you pay for. I mean, try one of their breakfasts and I’m sure you’ll love it for the most part, but will probably dodge the cold beans.

I would give spoon’s food a better star, but it’s simply the case that where their food is often microwaved, it can sometimes be cold or feel like there is no love in the meal. Don’t get me wrong, the food still tastes and its generally served very quickly, but I just can’t give five stars to a pub that serves spirits from 10am on a Sunday.

Atmosphere ****

You’re always guaranteed to be surrounded by people drinking, so long as it’s within opening hours (and if not, there’s normally middle aged men scratching at the doors). Generally, the pubs are busy yet quiet during the day, with a friendly vibe. Most people keep to their-selves in Spoons, but it is a positive atmosphere none the less. Come the evenings, it does get busier and the drinks get more alcoholic. This is also true of the mornings, where it’s full of men over the age of 50, drinking beer and whiskey.

I think for the comedic effect, it’s always great to be in spoons. It’s a nice social pub, but there are always weird people in there who are generally harmless, but do stare from a distance if you insist on watching them. And certainly don’t pet them.