23-07-2025
I'm an American in the UK - here's what I found ridiculous after trying Wetherspoons for the first time
An American tourist who visited Wetherspoons for the first time has revealed his shock over the budget boozer's 'ridiculous' menu prices.
Joel Simpson, who goes by ItsJPS on YouTube, documented his trip to the UK this month, spending the majority of his week-long break in London and Brighton.
Towards the tail end of his trip, the content creator decided to stop by Yorkshire, where he toured the scenic moors of the Yorkshire Dales and marvelled at the historic Durham Cathedral.
Accompanied by three British friends, Joel decided to seal his visit to the northern region with an obligatory meal at Wetherspoons, which he excitedly admitted he was trying out for the first time.
A video uploaded to his channel on 18 July shows the group heading into The Postern Gate, one of the chain's five York venues, before taking their seats and ordering from the menu.
The following scene shows a hearty spread of loaded chips, ten chicken wings and a pepperoni pizza, which Joel noted was all purchased for £15.
He commented: 'It's stupid cheap. It's so much food... I think we'll be able to finish this... maybe.'
The tourist added that he 'wished' the United States offered similar value-for-money meals in restaurants and politely encouraged Brits to 'be more grateful.'
Joel went on to order a series of alcoholic drinks, including four shots of AU Vodka, a pint of Stowford Press cider and a glass of pink Gordon's gin and lemonade.
He later reflected on Wetherspoons jaunt, jokingly adding that he enjoyed his 'couple of drinks' but further admitted he was blown away by their 'ridiculously cheap' prices.
In another video, Joel also captured his first Sunday dinner experience at a Toby Carvery.
Presenting to the camera his mega-packed plate of meat, potatoes and all the trimmings, he commented on the 'ridiculous' options at the pub chain.
He added: 'I've had Sunday roasts in the past, but not with this many ingredients on the plate. The plate is so damn full you don't even know what's on it. Half the plate is covered up.'
In the comments, hundreds of British viewers commended the American visitor's enthusiasm for UK pub culture.
One person wrote: 'Your passion for the pub is admirable. You are truly a Brit at heart.'
Another said: 'Joel, enjoyed this video a lot. You are honestly a little treasure. Thank you for embracing the UK so much.'
In the comments, hundreds of British viewers commended the American visitor's enthusiasm for UK pub culture.
Finally, one viewer joked: 'So glad to see that you have arrived home with a drink problem. Problem - NO Wetherspoons.'
Meanwhile an American tourist visiting the UK has admitted that British weather 'feels different' and the heat is more severe.
Content creator Kalani Ghost Hunter, real name Kalani Smith, from Tennessee, has spent months travelling around the UK in a bid to immerse himself in the culture - from sampling afternoon teas to attempting to find the best chippy.
Americans have been known to poke fun at Brits who complain about the weather with some calling them 'dramatic' and claiming they wouldn't '.
