Secrets of Britain's biggest Wetherspoons - carpet rule and visitor warning
Love 'em or hate 'em, 'Spoons pubs have a special place in British culture and some of them like the Royal Victoria Pavilion in Ramsgate, Kent don't just offer affordable food and drink but are also in stunning locations.
This one right on the beach is the largest of all the 795 pubs operated by JD Wetherspoon, the company set up by Sir Tim Martin, and has two floors offering up to 1,400 customers 100 separate beer and wine options.
Not only is it right on the beach, the Royal Victoria is a grade II-listed Edwardian seaside pavilion and over half its 353 tables overlook the sea.
But while it might be in a beautiful spot, the venue's manager, Chris Whitbourn, 41, who has run the pub since it opened in the summer of 2017, says its location can cause problems.
Because it's situated right on the beach, the sandy feet of customers means they need to replace the carpet every five years, rather than once a decade.
And Mirror writer Amber O'Connor who lives in Ramsgate says although she is a regular, it should come with a warning. 'The world's largest Wetherspoons just so happens to be my local pub,' she says.
'It's the place I go to enjoy a cheap drink with my hometown friends, and the spot to grab a quick bite after a busy day out.
'But I always warn visitors to manage their expectations if they plan to trek halfway across the country, keen to visit the one-of-a-kind boozer.
'Let's start with the good stuff. When you approach the 11,000sq ft pub from the royal harbour, it's hard not to be impressed. The sheer size of the eatery is attention grabbing, as is the wraparound balcony.
'Thanks to a £4.5million renovation, it is equally jaw-dropping inside the former concert hall. While the venue can hold up to 1,400 people, it feels light and airy even during busier nights. I remember I felt like I'd walked inside a cruise ship on my first visit, perhaps inspired by the Titanic-esque staircase.
'I had a nice evening, don't get me wrong. But it was nothing to write home about. The service was fast, the drinks were cheap, and the atmosphere was fine, but the food left us wanting more.'
That said, most 'Spoons fans love it because of the cheap food and drinks and don't expect a Michelin star experience when eating at a chain pub.
'Nobody has any serious complaints,' Amber adds. 'But it's nothing radically new, even though the view always goes down a treat. Come and enjoy the 'Super Spoons' for what it is - and be charmed by our little corner of Kent.
'The giant boozer certainly isn't our only attraction - we've got a wealth of independent businesses to champion and plenty of seaside charm.
But it is one of the fixtures of our lovely town, a familiar sight among the seagulls, chippies, and little boats in the harbour.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
4 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Sprawling city is 'the most beautiful in Asia' but it's not in China or India
The most beautiful city in Asia has been named by travel enthusiasts in a new poll - and it's not in China or India. Japan welcomed over 36 million international tourists in 2024 Kyoto, Japan, famed for its breathtaking temples, tranquil gardens and rich cultural heritage, has been crowned the most beautiful city in Asia. The accolade was bestowed by Ranker, following a global vote where thousands of participants championed the city for its timeless allure and enduring appeal as a top travel hotspot. Kyoto emerged as the undisputed favourite, outshining other renowned cities such as Singapore, Bangkok, and Seoul, due to its unique fusion of traditional and contemporary aesthetics. Often lauded for its preservation of ancient Japanese culture, Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, is a treasure trove of historical gems. After over a thousand years in the reign, Tokyo officially became the capital of Japan in 1868 following the Meiji Restoration. In other travel news, British passport holders are urged to do one important thing before October 12. Quaint seaside town with no arcades or rides but named 'best in the UK' As per the latest reports, Japan welcomed over 36 million international tourists in 2024, breaking its previous record pre-pandemic of 31 million in 2019. Boasting over 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, and 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Taisha, known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Its quaint, cobblestone streets, traditional wooden machiya houses, and meticulously manicured gardens transport visitors back in time, offering a glimpse into Japan's illustrious past. But Kyoto's charm extends beyond its historical landmarks. The city also serves as a hub for modern Japanese culture, with vibrant districts like Gion and Pontocho offering a lively blend of eateries, teahouses, and shops, reports the Express. Kyoto's food scene, particularly its kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal) dining, enjoys international acclaim, further enhancing the city's appeal. The accolade from Ranker underscores Kyoto's capacity to enchant both newcomers and experienced globetrotters. One voter commented: "Kyoto is a city that embodies the essence of Japan. Its beauty is not just in its temples or gardens, but in the way the old and new coexist in perfect harmony." Tourism to Kyoto has experienced a revival in recent years, with travellers from across the globe descending upon the destination to witness its seasonal spectacles, including the cherry blossom displays in spring and the stunning autumn colours. The city's appeal is further enhanced by its convenient location, situated merely a brief train journey from other prominent Japanese metropolises such as Osaka and Tokyo. So, if you're thinking of visiting Japan - don't think twice!
Wales Online
4 hours ago
- Wales Online
Canary Islands issue rare 'black alert' for British tourists at popular holiday beach
Canary Islands issue rare 'black alert' for British tourists at popular holiday beach The European Union holiday hotspot has issued the rare warning for British holidaymakers at one of the most popular beaches on the popular La Graciosa which is just off Lanzarote The Island of La Graciosa is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits heading to Canary Islands (Image: Iñigo Fdz de Pinedo via Getty Images) A Canary Islands destination has issued a rare "black alert" for UK tourists and holidaymakers. The European Union holiday hotspot has issued the uncommon warning for British visitors at one of the most sought-after beaches on the popular La Graciosa. The latest warning comes after Brits were recently warned with a man facing up to a €200,000 fine for breaking a little-known rule about drone use in Spain. However this is not the only warning issued to UK tourists this season. UK tourists have also previously been warned to check their travel insurance policy before travelling as 12 Spanish airports are facing strikes. Graciosa Island, or more commonly La Graciosa, is a volcanic island in the Canary Islands of Spain, situated two kilometres north of Lanzarote across the Strait of El Río. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . The environmental organisation has released its yearly Black Flag list for Spain. Featured on this year's list is the Playa de Caleta de Sebo, the "town beach" of La Graciosa's capital, alongside the Playa de la Francesa, positioned a little further along the coastline. Article continues below Ecologistas en Acción's yearly report, which has been spotlighting environmental mismanagement in Spain since 2005, catalogues the beaches awarded a black flag this year. According to Ecologists in Action, the beach in Caleta de Sebo is in a "poor state of conservation" with rubbish from vessels, beachgoers, and eateries adding to contamination, reports BirminghamLive. At Playa de la Francesa they caution of the issue of catamaran excursions that arrive at the location "holding parties, meals, games, and contests with loud music and leaving waste behind on the sand and in the water". They allege that catamaran passengers toss chicken scraps to birds, primarily seagulls, which can strike the hulls of the boats while attempting to catch them, and discard leftover rice into the sea to feed the fish. Lanzarote, along with other Canary Islands such as Tenerife and Gran Canaria, is a popular destination for British tourists. However last year Playa Blanca town beach was given a black flag by Ecologists in Action due to incidents of sewage leaks. Article continues below Despite this Playa Blanca remains one of only two Lanzarote beaches to retain its Blue Flag status this year.
Rhyl Journal
5 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
Bioethanol plant deems lack of Government support an ‘act of economic self-harm'
Vivergo Fuels, near Hull, warned earlier this year that it was in imminent danger of closure as crisis talks continued with the Government. This followed the end of the 19% tariff on American bioethanol imports as part of the recent UK-US trade deal. On Friday, the Government said: 'This Government will always take decisions in the national interest. 'That's why we negotiated a landmark deal with the US which protected hundreds of thousands of jobs in sectors like auto and aerospace. 'We have worked closely with the companies since June to understand the financial challenges they have faced over the past decade, and have taken the difficult decision not to offer direct funding as it would not provide value for the taxpayer or solve the long-term problems the industry faces. 'We recognise this is a difficult time for the workers and their families and we will work with trade unions, local partners and the companies to support them through this process. 'We also continue to work up proposals that ensure the resilience of our CO2 supply in the long-term in consultation with the sector.' Ben Hackett, managing director of Vivergo Fuels, said: 'The Government's failure to back Vivergo has forced us to cease operations and move to closure immediately. 'This is a flagrant act of economic self-harm that will have far-reaching consequences. 'This is a massive blow to Hull and the Humber. 'We have fought from day one to support our workers and we are truly sorry that this is not the outcome any of us wanted. 'This decision by ministers will have a huge impact on our region and the thousands of livelihoods in the supply chain that rely on Vivergo, from farmers to hauliers and engineers.' Mr Hackett said the industry has faced 'unfair regulations' for years that favoured overseas producers, and the recent US-UK trade deal pushed the sector 'to the point of collapse'. He said: 'We did everything we possibly could to avoid closure, but in the end it was the Government that decided the British bioethanol sector was something that could be traded away with little regard for the impact it would have on ordinary hard-working people. 'We did not go down without a fight and I hope that the noise we generated over the past three months will make the Government think twice before it decides to sign away whole industries as part of future trade negotiations.' A spokesman for Associated British Foods, which owns Vivergo, said: 'It is deeply regrettable that the Government has chosen not to support a key national asset. 'We have been left with no choice but to announce the closure of Vivergo and we have informed our people. 'We have been fighting for months to keep this plant open. 'We initiated and led talks with Government in good faith. We presented a clear plan to restore Vivergo to profitability within two years under policy levers already aligned with the Government's own green industrial strategy.' The spokesman said the Government had 'thrown away billions in potential growth in the Humber and a sovereign capability in clean fuels that had the chance to lead the world'. The bioethanol industry, which also includes the Ensus plant on Teesside, has argued the trade deal, coupled with regulatory constraints, has made it impossible to compete with heavily subsidised American products. Vivergo said the Hull plant, which employs about 160 people, can produce up to 420 million litres of bioethanol from wheat sourced from thousands of UK farms. It has described bioethanol production as 'a key national strategic asset' which helps reduce emissions from petrol and is expected to be a key component in sustainable aircraft fuel in the future. The firm recently signed a £1.25 billion memorandum of understanding with Meld Energy to anchor a 'world-class' sustainable aviation fuel facility at the site. But Meld Energy said earlier this month uncertainly over the bioethanol industry was putting this plan in jeopardy. The Vivergo plant is also the UK's largest single production site for animal feed, and the company says it indirectly supports about 4,000 jobs in the Humber and Lincolnshire region. Vivergo has said it buys more than a million tonnes of British wheat each year from more than 4,000 farms, and has purchased from 12,000 individual farms over the past decade. But it took its last wheat shipment earlier this month. The farmers' union described the imminent closure of the Vivergo plant as a 'huge blow'. NFU combinable crops board chairman Jamie Burrows said: 'Not only is it terrible news for those hundreds of workers who will lose their jobs but also for the thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on this supply chain – that includes local farmers who have lost a vital market for their product.' The Ensus plant in Teesside differs from the Vivergo operation because it also produces CO2 as part of the process. Ensus, which is owned by CropEnergies, part of the German firm Sudzucker, is the UK's only large scale manufacturer of CO2, which is used in a wide range of sectors, including in drinks and the nuclear industry. Grant Pearson, chairman of Ensus UK, said on Friday: 'I met with Sarah Jones, the minister for business, today, to receive the Government's response to our request for financial support and the policy changes required to ensure that the Ensus facilities can continue to operate. 'The minister confirmed that they value both our contribution to the UK economy, the jobs we provide and support in the north east of England and in particular our production of biogenic CO2 which is a product of critical national importance. 'They are therefore looking at options to secure an ongoing supply of CO2 from the Ensus facility. 'This is positive news, however it is likely to take time to agree upon and finalise and therefore urgent discussions will be taking place to provide a level of assurance to the Sudzucker and CropEnergies' boards that there is a very high level of confidence that an acceptable long-term arrangement can be reached.'
