From cheap drinks to value for money grub, Bethany experienced the lot
A reporter spent 16 HOURS in a Wetherspoons - and learned a whole lot. Bethany Gavaghan took on the challenge down in Cardiff, Wales, recently.
I sit in the centre of the room so I can get a good view of what people are up to and what the vibes are for the first couple of hours. Sitting with a mocha . I felt a bit like I was in a hotel as I selected which drink to go for on the machine. It's so chilled in here, with a few people already enjoying some food.
A mum has just come in with her toddler and ordered eggs benedict. I overhear her conversation and wonder if I've heard her right. Glancing down at the menu, I'm pleased to hear I've not gone mad and that they do, indeed, sell this the brunch dish. Two men across from me also seem to be having an informal meeting. They are discussing business over cups of coffee, using their phones to make notes.
Fast forward to now, and many Wetherspoon pubs are adaptations of existing historic buildings that have become redundant, including banks, churches, post offices, theatres, and a former public swimming pool. Many of these properties are listed buildings, however some are new construction or late 20th-century assets.
Across from me is a man who I spotted earlier who looks like he's had the same idea, and has been refilling his cup for a couple of hours. Tomas Atkins, 48, is on his phone and looks up at me as I ask him how many hot drinks he reckons are socially acceptable to help myself to without buying a new cup.
The idea that pubs adopts a no-nonsense approach to its atmosphere, allowing people to come in and spend time without being hassled was an interesting perspective, particularly post-pandemic. The novelty of getting out of the house has definitely worn off for me now, but it was enlightening to hear that this could play a part in spoons' undeniable popularity.
Her friend Wayne added: "It's nice to come in before a trip and have a pint with breakfast sometimes, as it's just by the train station." Around lunch time, a few more people started to arrive with laptops, as the mood shifted from early morning meetings to conversations over food. But Wayne simply answered: "I've got my work laptop with me in my bag. But when I'm in here, or wherever, it stays in my bag."
"It's really clean as well. The tables are always really clear which is important." I can concur with this point. There was barely a moment that went by where I couldn't see staff members cleaning tables. . 2pm: It's not a work day for everyone. Upstairs, Kate and Lucy tell me they come for the drinks, but stay for the atmosphere. "The atmosphere is what we're about" Kate explained.
3pm: What I've learned about spoons by this point is that pretty much anything goes. It's like being in an airport. People socially acceptable to drink at any time of day. And then it's also perfectly fine to just sit on your own, reading a book, scrolling on your phone or sitting on a laptop or magazine.
Two friends arrive to take in the spoons atmosphere, and probably to see how delirious I had become after spending my day there. They picture me after I have demolished my chips, order a curry and a pizza, stay for a chat and then leave me to my own devices after being shocked by the liveliness of spoons.
One of the girls said: "We're just having the de-brief. It's a good place for a catch up and the location is very pretty - obviously it's the old theatre. But other than that it's just the prices- very student friendly." In the back of the pub, I meet Katie, Dan, Matt, Bill and Liam. Katie says: "We don't know where yet, but we're definitely going out. We're definitely going clubbing!"
"The prices are appropriate. We live in Penarth but as our Wetherspoon is closing down there we'll be coming here. When we come to Cardiff this is where we go, but there are some really nice ones in Cardiff like the Cardiff Bay one as well." 11pm: My friend has now arrived after her late shift at work. Steph quickly orders a gin and tonic and was also impressed by how busy it was. She said the next day: "I was surprised to see how busy it was for a Wednesday night! There were many groups of students gathered around tables and the atmosphere was lively and upbeat. Everyone seemed to be having a good time."
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