Latest news with #CurryClub
Business Insider
a day ago
- Business Insider
I moved to Malaysia in my 30s and struggled to make friends, so I started a club to make the community I needed
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Joshua Webley, who founded The Expats Club after moving to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital. It has been edited for length and clarity. Ten years ago, I left the UK to travel. I was born and raised in a small town about 150 miles north of London. It's one of those places where nobody ever really leaves, but I wanted to see more of the world. For the next seven years, I lived the digital nomad life, traveling through various countries such as Indonesia, Spain, and Morocco, while working remotely for a health insurance company based in Thailand. But when I got to Malaysia, I fell in love with the country, the lifestyle, everything. It felt calmer and less chaotic than other parts of Southeast Asia that I'd seen. I ended up living in Malaysia intermittently over the years, spending several months at a time taking it all in. It was also in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, where I met my now-wife, Rachel, who is Malaysian. In July 2023, I was offered a job with a wealth management firm in Kuala Lumpur. The visa process took around six months, and by January last year, I was fully settled in the city. I realized I didn't really know anybody I'd moved around so much by then, and the longest I'd ever stayed in one place was two or three months. I didn't know who to ask about restaurants, or who to ask out for a drink when I finished work on a Friday. Although I had been to a few networking events, they were all really professional. You'd go there, and then you'd come home with 10 property agent business cards and five health insurance pamphlets. It came to the point where I thought, OK, I need to do something more. I ended up joining an English society, but the problem with that was I'd be surrounded by other English people. I didn't come to this side of the world just to meet English people; I wanted to meet everybody. Twenty-nine people showed up for that, and things just took off from there. Now, we host the Curry Club Here's how it works: Attendees make a small donation to a chosen charity, which serves as their RSVP, and we meet at a local restaurant. Everyone pays their own way. The donation helps ensure people show up — it feels like buying a ticket. If 50 people RSVP without donating, traffic or rain might mean only 10 show up. I don't want a restaurant owner telling me they brought in extra staff only for hardly anyone to show up. This system keeps it fair. Sometimes, we also host a volunteer event with the chosen charity. As we're here in Malaysia as expats, the idea is to try to give back to the community that has welcomed us. Even though it's called the Curry Club, a lot of times we don't only do curry houses. We've also had Spanish tapas and Italian food. The next one will be German. Over time, it has grown into something bigger The Expats Club is a community for people who have moved to Malaysia. These days, it's a team effort — my wife handles the club's social media and digital marketing. People in the community also organize their own smaller meetups now, such as to play golf or pickleball, or to go hiking. All I have to do is kick-start them by creating the first few events. Once they've all met each other, it becomes self-sustaining. There are also dedicated groups for retirees, business owners, and women. Rachel hosts the women's group events. People can join whichever groups interest them and connect with like-minded individuals. In addition to Kuala Lumpur, we've started hosting meetups in other parts of Malaysia, including Penang. Beyond social events, the community has also become a resource for expats navigating their move to Malaysia, whether it's visas, housing, or other local know-how. We made good friends — most are retirees They come around our house, and it's amazing. They clean everything up, and they don't stay too late. My wife and I got married early this month, and most of my guests were friends I've met through the Expats Club. When my best man, who's the same age as me, wasarranging my bachelor's party, I had to tell him, "Look, here are the people who are coming, but just be careful because most of them are over 70 years old. I don't want anything too crazy." When you move abroad, as much as you're gaining new insights about living in a new country, you are also saying goodbye to your network. It's especially tough when there's a big time difference. Now, things are different. I've actually made friends and built a beautiful community of people that I can love and trust.
South Wales Argus
13-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
JD Wetherspoon offering pints for £1.49 in new deal
Wetherspoon is set to launch a range of new deals on June 23, offering customers greater "value-for-money" on meals and drinks. These new deals include: Small Plates Deal (any three for £10) Tuesday Club Pizza Club Existing deals like the Curry Club (on Thursdays) and The Afternoon Deal (Monday to Friday 2-5pm) will also still be available at Wetherpoon pubs across the country. Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin said: 'We believe that our customers will welcome the new and existing value-for-money club deals in our pubs.' Wetherspoon offering pints for £1.49 as part of new-look deal Wetherspoon will also be updating its Ale Monday deal on June 23, changing it to Ale Monday to Wednesday. This will allow pub-goers to enjoy lower prices on guest ales, for longer. Prices will vary between different Wetherspoon venues, but are set to range from £1.49 to £2.15 across 651 pubs. Pints will vary in price from £1.49 to £2.15 at select Wetherspoon pubs under the new Ale Monday to Wednesday deal. (Image: JD Wetherspoon) Other new deals coming to Wetherspoon pubs Small Plates Deal (Mondays) On Mondays, in Wetherspoon pubs across the country, the new Small Plates Deal will allow patrons to select any three for £10 (£12 at some pubs). They will be able to choose from 20 small plates dishes, including spicy chicken wings, Halloumi-style fries and an 8' Margherita pizza. Customers can also choose from more than 50 drinks, including draught beers, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks at lower prices, as part of the Monday Club promotion. There will be 610 Wetherspoon pubs offering the new Small Plates 'Any 3 for £10' Deal, with a further 159 pubs offering 'Any 3 for £12'. The new Tuesday Club will offer a beer and a burger to patrons for £9.99. (Image: JD Wetherspoon) Tuesday Club The new Tuesday Club offers a beer and a burger from £9.99. All gourmet burgers are served with chips, six beer-battered onion rings and a choice of more than 150 drinks as part of the price. The deal is available from £8.46 with a soft drink and from £9.99 with an alcoholic drink. These prices will be available at 604 Wetherspoon pubs across the UK, but may vary in others. Pizza Club (Wednesdays) The new Pizza Club offer will be available on Wednesdays at more than 520 Wetherspoon venues. All 11" pizzas - including Pepperoni, BBQ Chicken, Roasted Vegetable and new Spicey Chicken - will be available with the deal, on offer for £6.96 (with a soft drink) and £8.49 (with an alcoholic drink). All the new deals will not be available on Bank Holidays. These new deals will be available at participating JD Wetherspoon pubs across the UK from Monday, June 23. The UK's favourite takeaways Major changes to Wetherspoon menus These new deals come off the back of some major changes to the Wetherspoon menu recently. In May, the pub chain introduced four new gourmet burgers to its menu: Cheese Meltdown The Big Smoke Buffalo BBQ Stack Wetherspoon's Brunch Burger, described by fans as the "best burger ever", is also set to make a return for a limited time this month. The burger will be available on Father's Day weekend - Friday, June 13 to Sunday, June 15. But it's not all been good news for customers, with several menu items axed by Wetherspoon. RECOMMENDED READING: Steaks, mixed grills and gammon were removed from pub menus across the UK on May 14. This came after JD Wetherspoon was forced to remove its £6.49 chicken bites from the menu. The Wetherspoon staple features 10 crispy chicken bites, chips and an array of sauces, but was previously listed as "temporarily unavailable" on menus.
North Wales Chronicle
12-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
JD Wetherspoon offering pints for £1.49 in new deal
Wetherspoon is set to launch a range of new deals on June 23, offering customers greater "value-for-money" on meals and drinks. These new deals include: Existing deals like the Curry Club (on Thursdays) and The Afternoon Deal (Monday to Friday 2-5pm) will also still be available at Wetherpoon pubs across the country. Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin said: 'We believe that our customers will welcome the new and existing value-for-money club deals in our pubs.' Wetherspoon offering pints for £1.49 as part of new-look deal Wetherspoon will also be updating its Ale Monday deal on June 23, changing it to Ale Monday to Wednesday. This will allow pub-goers to enjoy lower prices on guest ales, for longer. Prices will vary between different Wetherspoon venues, but are set to range from £1.49 to £2.15 across 651 pubs. Pints will vary in price from £1.49 to £2.15 at select Wetherspoon pubs under the new Ale Monday to Wednesday deal. (Image: JD Wetherspoon) On Mondays, in Wetherspoon pubs across the country, the new Small Plates Deal will allow patrons to select any three for £10 (£12 at some pubs). They will be able to choose from 20 small plates dishes, including spicy chicken wings, Halloumi-style fries and an 8' Margherita pizza. Customers can also choose from more than 50 drinks, including draught beers, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks at lower prices, as part of the Monday Club promotion. There will be 610 Wetherspoon pubs offering the new Small Plates 'Any 3 for £10' Deal, with a further 159 pubs offering 'Any 3 for £12'. The new Tuesday Club will offer a beer and a burger to patrons for £9.99. (Image: JD Wetherspoon) The new Tuesday Club offers a beer and a burger from £9.99. All gourmet burgers are served with chips, six beer-battered onion rings and a choice of more than 150 drinks as part of the price. The deal is available from £8.46 with a soft drink and from £9.99 with an alcoholic drink. These prices will be available at 604 Wetherspoon pubs across the UK, but may vary in others. The new Pizza Club offer will be available on Wednesdays at more than 520 Wetherspoon venues. All 11" pizzas - including Pepperoni, BBQ Chicken, Roasted Vegetable and new Spicey Chicken - will be available with the deal, on offer for £6.96 (with a soft drink) and £8.49 (with an alcoholic drink). All the new deals will not be available on Bank Holidays. These new deals will be available at participating JD Wetherspoon pubs across the UK from Monday, June 23. These new deals come off the back of some major changes to the Wetherspoon menu recently. In May, the pub chain introduced four new gourmet burgers to its menu: Wetherspoon's Brunch Burger, described by fans as the "best burger ever", is also set to make a return for a limited time this month. The burger will be available on Father's Day weekend - Friday, June 13 to Sunday, June 15. But it's not all been good news for customers, with several menu items axed by Wetherspoon. RECOMMENDED READING: Steaks, mixed grills and gammon were removed from pub menus across the UK on May 14. This came after JD Wetherspoon was forced to remove its £6.49 chicken bites from the menu. The Wetherspoon staple features 10 crispy chicken bites, chips and an array of sauces, but was previously listed as "temporarily unavailable" on menus.
Leader Live
12-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
JD Wetherspoon offering pints for £1.49 in new deal
Wetherspoon is set to launch a range of new deals on June 23, offering customers greater "value-for-money" on meals and drinks. These new deals include: Existing deals like the Curry Club (on Thursdays) and The Afternoon Deal (Monday to Friday 2-5pm) will also still be available at Wetherpoon pubs across the country. Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin said: 'We believe that our customers will welcome the new and existing value-for-money club deals in our pubs.' Wetherspoon offering pints for £1.49 as part of new-look deal Wetherspoon will also be updating its Ale Monday deal on June 23, changing it to Ale Monday to Wednesday. This will allow pub-goers to enjoy lower prices on guest ales, for longer. Prices will vary between different Wetherspoon venues, but are set to range from £1.49 to £2.15 across 651 pubs. Pints will vary in price from £1.49 to £2.15 at select Wetherspoon pubs under the new Ale Monday to Wednesday deal. (Image: JD Wetherspoon) On Mondays, in Wetherspoon pubs across the country, the new Small Plates Deal will allow patrons to select any three for £10 (£12 at some pubs). They will be able to choose from 20 small plates dishes, including spicy chicken wings, Halloumi-style fries and an 8' Margherita pizza. Customers can also choose from more than 50 drinks, including draught beers, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks at lower prices, as part of the Monday Club promotion. There will be 610 Wetherspoon pubs offering the new Small Plates 'Any 3 for £10' Deal, with a further 159 pubs offering 'Any 3 for £12'. The new Tuesday Club will offer a beer and a burger to patrons for £9.99. (Image: JD Wetherspoon) The new Tuesday Club offers a beer and a burger from £9.99. All gourmet burgers are served with chips, six beer-battered onion rings and a choice of more than 150 drinks as part of the price. The deal is available from £8.46 with a soft drink and from £9.99 with an alcoholic drink. These prices will be available at 604 Wetherspoon pubs across the UK, but may vary in others. The new Pizza Club offer will be available on Wednesdays at more than 520 Wetherspoon venues. All 11" pizzas - including Pepperoni, BBQ Chicken, Roasted Vegetable and new Spicey Chicken - will be available with the deal, on offer for £6.96 (with a soft drink) and £8.49 (with an alcoholic drink). All the new deals will not be available on Bank Holidays. These new deals will be available at participating JD Wetherspoon pubs across the UK from Monday, June 23. These new deals come off the back of some major changes to the Wetherspoon menu recently. In May, the pub chain introduced four new gourmet burgers to its menu: Wetherspoon's Brunch Burger, described by fans as the "best burger ever", is also set to make a return for a limited time this month. The burger will be available on Father's Day weekend - Friday, June 13 to Sunday, June 15. But it's not all been good news for customers, with several menu items axed by Wetherspoon. RECOMMENDED READING: Steaks, mixed grills and gammon were removed from pub menus across the UK on May 14. This came after JD Wetherspoon was forced to remove its £6.49 chicken bites from the menu. The Wetherspoon staple features 10 crispy chicken bites, chips and an array of sauces, but was previously listed as "temporarily unavailable" on menus.
Glasgow Times
12-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
JD Wetherspoon offering pints for £1.49 in new deal
Wetherspoon is set to launch a range of new deals on June 23, offering customers greater "value-for-money" on meals and drinks. These new deals include: Small Plates Deal (any three for £10) Tuesday Club Pizza Club Existing deals like the Curry Club (on Thursdays) and The Afternoon Deal (Monday to Friday 2-5pm) will also still be available at Wetherpoon pubs across the country. Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin said: 'We believe that our customers will welcome the new and existing value-for-money club deals in our pubs.' Wetherspoon offering pints for £1.49 as part of new-look deal Wetherspoon will also be updating its Ale Monday deal on June 23, changing it to Ale Monday to Wednesday. This will allow pub-goers to enjoy lower prices on guest ales, for longer. Prices will vary between different Wetherspoon venues, but are set to range from £1.49 to £2.15 across 651 pubs. Pints will vary in price from £1.49 to £2.15 at select Wetherspoon pubs under the new Ale Monday to Wednesday deal. (Image: JD Wetherspoon) Other new deals coming to Wetherspoon pubs Small Plates Deal (Mondays) On Mondays, in Wetherspoon pubs across the country, the new Small Plates Deal will allow patrons to select any three for £10 (£12 at some pubs). They will be able to choose from 20 small plates dishes, including spicy chicken wings, Halloumi-style fries and an 8' Margherita pizza. Customers can also choose from more than 50 drinks, including draught beers, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks at lower prices, as part of the Monday Club promotion. There will be 610 Wetherspoon pubs offering the new Small Plates 'Any 3 for £10' Deal, with a further 159 pubs offering 'Any 3 for £12'. The new Tuesday Club will offer a beer and a burger to patrons for £9.99. (Image: JD Wetherspoon) Tuesday Club The new Tuesday Club offers a beer and a burger from £9.99. All gourmet burgers are served with chips, six beer-battered onion rings and a choice of more than 150 drinks as part of the price. The deal is available from £8.46 with a soft drink and from £9.99 with an alcoholic drink. These prices will be available at 604 Wetherspoon pubs across the UK, but may vary in others. Pizza Club (Wednesdays) The new Pizza Club offer will be available on Wednesdays at more than 520 Wetherspoon venues. All 11" pizzas - including Pepperoni, BBQ Chicken, Roasted Vegetable and new Spicey Chicken - will be available with the deal, on offer for £6.96 (with a soft drink) and £8.49 (with an alcoholic drink). All the new deals will not be available on Bank Holidays. These new deals will be available at participating JD Wetherspoon pubs across the UK from Monday, June 23. The UK's favourite takeaways Major changes to Wetherspoon menus These new deals come off the back of some major changes to the Wetherspoon menu recently. In May, the pub chain introduced four new gourmet burgers to its menu: Cheese Meltdown The Big Smoke Buffalo BBQ Stack Wetherspoon's Brunch Burger, described by fans as the "best burger ever", is also set to make a return for a limited time this month. The burger will be available on Father's Day weekend - Friday, June 13 to Sunday, June 15. But it's not all been good news for customers, with several menu items axed by Wetherspoon. RECOMMENDED READING: Steaks, mixed grills and gammon were removed from pub menus across the UK on May 14. This came after JD Wetherspoon was forced to remove its £6.49 chicken bites from the menu. The Wetherspoon staple features 10 crispy chicken bites, chips and an array of sauces, but was previously listed as "temporarily unavailable" on menus.
