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The Irish Sun
19 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
World's smallest Wetherspoons can be found inside a train station and has NO toilets
Plus, the 10 most beautiful Wetherspoons pubs in the UK – including former cinemas and old bingo halls DRINK UP World's smallest Wetherspoons can be found inside a train station and has NO toilets WITH over 800 Wetherspoons pubs across the UK, you're never far from a 'Spoons' - but if you wanted to head to the smallest, you'll find it inside a train station. Located in London's Cannon Street Station, Sir John Hawkshaw is the the world's smallest Wetherspoons. 4 The world's smallest Wetherspoons pub is located inside a train station Credit: JD Wetherspoon 4 And it doesn't even have any toilets Credit: JD Wetherspoon Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here In total, the pub features just 42 tables, which is considerably less than other drinking spots in the capital. In fact, the watering hole is so small there aren't even any toilets - for that, you'll need to head across the concourse to the public toilets. According to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the pub opened back in December 2014 and is named after one of the co-designers of the original station building, which opened in 1866 and features a connecting bridge that heads over the River Thames. Read more on travel inspo SHOW BOAT I tried new Omaze-style draw for superyacht holidays & lived like a billionaire The spot even has a veranda for drinking outside the pub itself - though you'll still be inside the station. Inside the pub itself, there is a mixture of classic Spoons' high tables and normal-height tables. And there is even a screen in one corner that shows the arrivals and departures, so you can keep an eye on what time your train leaves whilst sipping a cold pint. Usually, the pub serves three regular beers, which are Greene King Abbot, Greene King IPA and Sharp's Doom Bar. Then there are three changing beers as well. Due to the pub's small size, there is a single bar for punters to head to, which features a copper top. I went to the UK's biggest Wetherspoons with rooftop bar overlooking the beach For visitors wanting to know a little more about the historic station surrounding the pub, the veranda has a blue plaque with information on. It shares how "the station had eight platforms under a single span arch roof" and that "far below the station are the remains of a Roman palace, built in the first century". Later, the 'Steelyard' was used by German and Flemish merchants, until it was destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666. Nearly 25 years later, the Company of Plumbers then built their Livery Hall meeting place on the site, which stood there until the 1860s. 4 Punters can watch as trains come into the platforms just metres away Credit: JD Wetherspoon From the veranda and tables inside near the window, visitors can watch the trains come into the platforms just metres from the pub. One visitor noted: "It's handy for a quick pint on the way home." Another added: "It was surreal having a vino with all the trains going by - had a Harry Potter moment there!" A third joked: "[I]f only it could have been built twice the size..." The 10 most beautiful Wetherspoons in the UK SOME of the prettiest Wetherspoons pubs can be found in old cinemas and even bingo halls - here are the top spots... Opera House, Royal Tunbridge Wells: The former opera house in Royal Tunbridge Wells first opened its doors to the public back in 1902. The Winter Gardens, Harrogate: The Winter Gardens used to be part of the Royal Baths in Harrogate and provided a place where people could relax. The Corn Exchange, Bury St Edmunds: The Grade I listed building started life as a location for merchants and Victorian farmers to trade back in 1862. The Royal Victoria Pavilion, Ramsgate: Ramsgate's Royal Victoria Pavilion holds the title of the world's biggest Wetherspoons. The Velvet Coaster, Blackpool: The pub is named after one of Blackpool's most famous historical fairground rides, in which thrill-seekers of the past sat in velvet-lined carriages that rolled along a wooden track. The Caley Picture House, Edinburgh: The art-deco insides of the Caley Picture House in Edinburgh make it look like like it could feature in the Great Gatsby. The Palladium, Llandudno: The Palladium in Llandudno, in North Wales, is another Wetherspoons that used to be a cinema. The Counting House, Glasgow: The ex-Bank of Scotland building was designed in the Italian Renaissance style and visitors can even have a drink in its underground vault. Hamilton Hall, London: Outside of London's Liverpool Street Station is Hamilton Hall, which at one stage was a ballroom in the Great Eastern Hotel. The Knights Templar, London: Elsewhere in London, The Knights Templar can be found inside a former Union Bank building. For Wetherspoons fans, there is also good news as a new location is opening inside an abandoned UK attraction next month. Plus, The Sun's Kara Godfrey visited one of the prettiest Wetherspoons in the UK – it's right by the beach and has huge stained glass windows.
NDTV
23-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
This Unexpected Spot Just Won Britain's Most Beautiful Pub Title
Tucked away on a charming street corner in West Ealing, London, The Forester has officially been crowned one of the nation's finest pubs, winning the coveted 'Community Local' category at the 2025 Pub Design Awards, hosted by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). Judged by a panel of design and conservation experts in partnership with Historic England, the award celebrates pubs that showcase exceptional visual appeal, historical significance, and thoughtful restoration. And The Forester ticked all the boxes. Lovingly restored by owner Fuller's, the pub impressed judges with its architectural charm, deep community roots, and respectful refurbishment. It was toasted as one of "the most visually stunning, historically significant and lovingly restored pubs across the UK." Built in 1909 by architect T.H. Nowell Parr, The Forester is a classic example of Edwardian design, featuring columned porticoes, green-glazed brickwork, and gabled roofs. Inside, it retains original bar counters, Tudor-arched bar-backs, tiled fireplaces, and even remnants of gas lighting. One saloon room boasts London's only surviving bell-pushes once used for waiter service, still marked with the word 'BELL'. The Art Nouveau stained glass adds a layer of elegance, while the former publican's office remains at the heart of the servery. After a brief closure, The Forester reopened in March 2024 following a sensitive restoration. Its rear lounge now serves popular Thai cuisine, blending heritage with modern hospitality. Andrew Davison, chairman of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, praised the winners for their dedication to preserving Britain's pub culture. Speaking to The Mirror, he said, "The Pub Design Awards recognise the highest standards of pub architecture, rewarding artistic flair and painstaking historical conservation." He added, "From inviting street-corner locals to striking medieval coaching inns, there are some stunning pubs in the UK. The craftsmanship involved in making these venues a gorgeous place to enjoy cask beer and real cider or perry should rightfully be applauded. I encourage heritage enthusiasts and pub lovers alike to visit these inspirational buildings." Other winners at the 2025 Pub Design Awards included: Bod Lichfield in Stratford, which won Best New Build for its "industrial chic" aesthetic, featuring recycled wood, distressed paintwork, and exposed ceiling pipes. Swan in Suffolk, recipient of the Historic England Conservation Award, recognised for preserving original features. B orough Beer House in Surrey and the now-closed Python's Arms in Lyonshall, Herefordshire, were joint winners in the Conversion to Pub Use category.
Leader Live
18-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Bridge End Inn crowned CAMRA Pub of the Year in North Wales
Congratulations is in order at the Bridge End, Ruabon, this week after securing the regional Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) title. The local inn qualified for the crown after firstly securing the Dee Valley branch title which was awarded to them earlier this year. (Image: CAMRA) Owner Matthew McGivern is delighted, and claims it's a huge honour to his family and parents, Gill and Peter, who have run the establishment since 2008. The traditional real ale pub is known for its cosy and rustic charm, friendly atmosphere and commitment to real ale. They offer seven hand pumps, three lagers, and a selection of wines, spirits, and bar snacks. Previous successes for The Bridge End include multiple branch Pub of the Year (POTY), Welsh POTY and a deservedly awarded ultimate accolade of CAMRA National POTY for 2011. Matt said: "It's great to be recognised for selling great beer. Of course, the more you achieve the more criticism you're open to, especially with this being across the whole of North Wales. "But overall customers have been wonderful and so supportive. "Everyone struggled a little with Covid so it's great to be in the position we're in now. It means so much to us as a family and we'll continue doing what we do best moving forward." MOST READ CAMRA's prestigious awards are given to recognise the very best in pubs, clubs, beer and cider. A CAMRA spokesperson said: "This is voted for by the North Wales CAMRA regions. It's an amazing achievement for an independent pub to get this far and shows an outstanding understanding of real ale and how to run a successful and popular pub. Great for Wrexham too!" Last year, it was the Magic Dragon Brewery, also in Wrexham, that was crowned Dee Valley's Pub of the Year. Taking the regional title for 2024 was the Bailey Head in Oswestry.
Scotsman
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
20 ‘must-visit pubs' in the Lothians chosen by drinker's bible The Good Beer Guide
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide features 20 pubs across the Lothians – and all of them are worth a visit. The annual publication, which surveys 4,500 of the best boozers across the UK, is renowned as the definitive beer drinker's guide. Browse our photo gallery to see the 20 pubs in the Lothians championed in the guide. 1 . 20 'must-visit pubs' in the Lothians - in pictures Take a look through our gallery to see 20 'must-visit pubs' in the Lothians, as chosen by drinker's bible The Good Beer Guide . Photo: Pixabay Photo Sales 2 . The Brig & Barrel - Bellhaven, Dunbar 8 High Street, Belhaven, Dunbar EH42 1NP Photo: Third Party Photo Sales 3 . The Old Clubhouse - Gullane East Links Road, Gullane EH31 2AF Photo: Third Party Photo Sales 4 . The Riccarton Inn - Currie Address: 198 Lanark Road West, Currie EH14 5NX Photo: Third Party Photo Sales Related topics: LothiansCAMRA
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Recycling tax threatens to drive us out of business', warn pubs and restaurants
Sir Keir Starmer has been urged to delay the introduction of a controversial eco levy amid fears that the tax raid will push struggling pubs, hotels and restaurants out of business. In a letter to the Prime Minister, hospitality companies warned that pushing ahead with an expanded levy on packaging will fail to boost recycling rates while fuelling price inflation and damaging the economy. They accused Steve Reed, the Environment Secretary, of seeking to ram through the reforms 'far too quickly' and failing to pay 'due regard' to the damage it would cause to businesses that are already battling a tax raid by Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor. The letter was signed by eight groups including UKHospitality, the British Beer and Pub Association, the Campaign for Real Ale, and British Glass. Many hospitality venues say they are already on the brink following Ms Reeves's decision to increase employer National Insurance contributions, raise the minimum wage and cut business rates relief in April, which will cost the industry an estimated £3.4bn this year. But under the so-called extended producer responsibility (EPR) levy, they are now threatened with a 'triple whammy' of costs in October worth millions of pounds. This includes the direct impact of the levy itself, the costs they expect their suppliers to pass on, and what they already pay for commercial waste disposal, UKHospitality says. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, warned: 'You already have a third of outlets operating at or below break-even. 'Resilience is weak and margins have been squeezed until they are wafer thin. Another unnecessary tax will push many over the edge. 'Jobs and businesses are at risk and prices will inevitably rise.' The EPR scheme will see food and drink companies charged a levy based on how many tonnes of packaging such as glass, aluminium and plastic goes into their products. It is meant to change the way recycling is paid for, by making businesses contribute more towards the disposal of household waste that is currently handled by local councils. In theory, that is meant to incentivise those businesses to reduce the amount of packaging they use overall. But hospitality firms say the added costs will simply be passed on to them by their suppliers, and to supermarket shoppers through higher food prices. Earlier this year, fast food chain Burger King and pub giants Fuller's, Marston's, Punch Pubs and Stonegate Group warned against the policy, claiming it would add £2,000 to the annual running costs of a typical large pub. The British Retail Consortium has also estimated that the levy will add £2bn to the retail sector's costs. In their letter to the Prime Minister and Chancellor, hospitality businesses said the policy was badly designed because it would effectively force them to 'pay twice' for recycling. Many already pay separately for waste disposal through commercial services. The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), which Mr Reed leads, has pledged to consult on potential exemptions for 'non-household waste' but that process is not expected to begin until later this year. It raises the prospect that firms will have to pay higher levies in the meantime. Ms Nicholls warned that would be 'too late for too many firms'. On Sunday, a source close to Mr Reed insisted the Environment Secretary remained committed to the reforms and claimed he had the backing of Sir Keir and Ms Reeves. The reforms were repeatedly delayed under the previous government. Defra was approached for comment. The department has repeatedly insisted that the final costs of EPR remain uncertain and are likely to change compared to current estimates. It has claimed that the policy will help to reduce waste and boost recycling, and will stimulate £10bn of investment in domestic recycling, creating more than 20,000 jobs. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
