We all know the American dream, but let’s be honest—the British dream might be something simpler: spending an entire day by the seaside, pint in hand, in the world’s largest Wetherspoons.
Say what you will about the UK, but Brits have an unshakable love for a proper pint. And while rising alcohol prices and eye-watering train fares have put a damper on weekend pub crawls, the humble Wetherspoons remains a reliable refuge for affordable food and drink.
With branches on just about every high street, Wetherspoons offers sanctuary to those craving a cheap lager and a fry-up—sometimes both at once. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all sorted (yes, northerners do say “tea”), and the only reason you’ll ever need to leave is closing time.
Sadly, that means our dreams of a Terminal-style film set entirely inside a Wetherspoons are still just fiction.
Still, one man came close.
Harry Wallop, writing for The Daily Mail, spent a full day—from opening to last orders—at the Royal Victoria Pavilion in Ramsgate, officially the biggest Wetherspoons in the world. This beachfront behemoth, located in a Kentish seaside town just a couple of hours from London, became his temporary kingdom.
Throughout the day, he encountered everyone from post-exam students to retirees enjoying their daily ritual—be it fish and chips or a budget buzz.
What surprised him most? Aside from the vast number of unique carpets (needed, apparently, because punters drag in a lot of sand), it was just how cheap everything was.
“I’ve managed to enjoy three square meals, three pints, a cocktail and a whisky & soda nightcap for a mere £41.44,” he wrote. “And I’ve met an astonishing array of people, nearly all of whom were happy to end up in the Royal Victoria.”
Love them or loathe them, Spoons pubs undeniably offer a price point that’s hard to beat. While his fish and chips and Korean chicken bowl might not have been gourmet (a staff member politely hinted better options were available), they served their purpose.
Even after nursing multiple £1.79 Ruddles pints and enduring what he called one of the worst drinks he’s ever tasted, Harry ended the day fed, watered, and mildly drunk—for less than a London cocktail bar charges for one round.
So, if you’re looking to dodge the rising cost of living, conserve electricity, or just want a no-fuss day out, maybe the British dream is just a Wetherspoons away.
