Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin reveals major change he’s made at all UK pubs – but admits it was ‘a waste of money’
WETHERSPOONS are known for their affordable prices and consistent menu.
However, the boss of the beloved chain admitted that one feature across all the chain’s pubs proved to be “a waste of money”.
Tim Martin, founder of the popular pub chain, spoke to the Daily Express about a major change he implemented across all Wetherspoons locations following on-site visits.
The businessman broke down the key ingredient to creating a successful pub.
“If you do a survey and ask people why they go to pubs, the number one issue is atmosphere,” he explained.
“People will say it’s a wooly concept, but we all know what it is when we see it.
“[Pubs] have got to have a good atmosphere, more than price, more than variety of beers. It’s an elusive thing to try and improve.”
When paying his pubs secret visits, the Wetherspoons boss soon noticed a recurring issue across all locations.
“I’m constantly trying to monitor things that I think could be improved,” he said.
And the most prevalent problem that stuck out to him was the lighting of each pub.
Since Wetherspoons are known for having no music or televisions, lighting is likely to be even more noticeable to customers.
And since the chain is famous for its extensive menu, often printed in a small font, good lighting seemed to be a non-negotiable.
Describing himself as a “caveman” when it comes to pub atmospheres, Martin introduced a number of spotlights to each location.
These ensured menus could be easily read without compromising on a more atmospheric ambience.
“I myself engineered a massive increase in the number of spotlights in our pubs over 25 years [because] customers were complaining they couldn’t read the menu because the [lighting was] too dim,” he said.
However, with the prevalence of mobile phones, the boss said his efforts eventually proved fruitless.
“I think it’s been a false move [because] people now normally look at the menu on their phone, [which] is backlit,” he explained.
How can I save money at Wetherspoons?
FREE refills - Buy a £1.50 tea, coffee or hot chocolate and you can get free refills. The deal is available all day, every day.
Check a map – Prices can vary from one location the next, even those close to each other.
So if you’re planning a pint at a Spoons, it’s worth popping in nearby pubs to see if you’re settling in at the cheapest.
Choose your day – Each night the pub chain runs certain food theme nights.
For instance, every Thursday night is curry club, where diners can get a main meal and a drink for a set price cheaper than usual.
Pick-up vouchers – Students can often pick up voucher books in their local near universities, which offer discounts on food and drink, so keep your eyes peeled.
Get appy – The Wetherspoons app allows you to order and pay for your drink and food from your table – but you don’t need to be in the pub to use it.
Taking full advantage of this, cheeky customers have used social media to ask their friends and family to order them drinks. The app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play.
Check the date – Every year, Spoons holds its Tax Equality Day to highlight the benefits of a permanently reduced tax bill for the pub industry.
It usually takes place in September, and last year it fell on Thursday, September 14.
As well as its 12-day Real Ale Festival every Autumn, Wetherspoons also holds a Spring Festival.
“So one of the biggest problems we’ve had is trying to control the spotlights, which I myself put in at massive expense.”
And if you’re a Wetherspoons fan, why not visit a new location opening at a historic tourist attraction.
Britain’s cheapest Wetherspoons location has also been revealed, with pints for just £1.50.