'People in other pubs are weird' - Walsall locals shower Wetherspoons with praise despite rumoured price hikes
Fans of Wetherspoons were left a little worse for wear earlier this week when a statement from the firm's boss, Tim Martin, read that price increases are likely after the autumn Budget, as he said the pub chain's tax bill will jump by two thirds next year.
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It's not just the cheap pub chain that will be pushing prices up as the the Wetherspoons chairman said he believes 'all hospitality businesses' are planning to pass on higher costs through price hikes.
Wetherspoons has a unique spot in British culture, with almost 1,000 branches across the UK, you would be hard pressed to find anyone who had not spent some time in one, either tucking into the cheap and cheerful meals, or downing pints for well under the feared £5 that is common in most bars these days.
Walsall is one of those towns, and its branch, St. Matthew’s Hall, has been a staple of the town for over a decade, being the same building that was once home to the town's court, originally opening in 2011.
This week we spoke to its customers to find out what they love about the pub, what could be improved and whether a price increase would be reasonable given the financial struggles that residents are facing along with Brits across the nation.
It was clear that the place has a special place in the minds of the town's residents with almost everyone we spoke to agreeing that it's the one place that doesn't price people out and welcomes everyone, with one person saying that going to a town that did not have one would be strange.
Some said the prices are what keeps them coming, others said it was the vibe, and one man said he wouldn't go to any other pub because people in other pubs are 'weird'.
In any case, not in one conversation did anyone say a price hike would put them off, seemingly giving Tim permission to put the prices up without losing the custom of his loyal Walsall locals.
Speaking today, philosophy student James, 26, from Rugeley, said he 'loves' the pub because of the building's history, the 'friendly and professional staff' and the varied punters in there that he has had 'many great' chats with over the years when enjoying a few jars himself.
He also has no problem with a price rise, as long as it does not go over £3.50 for a beer.
He said: "The staff are excellent, real friendly and professional, and I love that smoking area. Over the years I have met some really fascinating people in there from all walks of life. I've had some really wonderful chats with the ex coalminers in there.
