Wetherspoons is a dog-free pub

My husband and I often eat in Spoons. As said elsewhere they do of course vary but many are in buildings which used to be banks, theatres - even Opera House in Tunbridge Wells. They always display pictures and information about the history of the building, town and local personalities.

Their toilets have won many prizes. And there’s even a book been published about their carpets!

We’ve stayed in several of their hotels and, apart from one, have found them great. Useful that, like Travelodge, can pay a bit more when booking and cancel at last minute.

Interesting free magazine published a few times a year too.

No, we aren’t related to Tim Martin the owner🤣🤣

Crikey, Harvey Nichols and Liberty are dog friendly too!!

Joseann

The number of eating places in France where dogs are allowed is pretty huge.

Yes and they are usually well behaved. In addition to people watching one of my favourite pastimes on holiday is to dog watch. Sad eh?

"I wouldn't set foot in a Wetherspoons unless I absolutely had to - awful places with a thoroughly horrible owner. "

Completely agree - he's awful and I wouldn't put any money across his counters. Plus our local 'Spoons is full from 9 am with old and rather grubby men making the most of the early-day pints.

On the one upside, I did once nip in there for an emergency wee and the Ladies loo was very glamorous, clean and well-serviced.

Thanks Grannynannywanny. I didn't know it extended to the eating places too.

Quote from Primrose 53

"For the moaners on here Wetherspoons do a traditional breakfast with egg, bacon, beans, sausage, hash brown, tomato and toast for about £5 which we have and a Big Breakfast with two of everything for a couple of £ more."

I think that the above must be a loss leader. How can they pay the stuff, run the pub and buy the food for that sort of price? Tomatoes out of season for a start - pale, watery and tasteless. Sliced white bread etc etc.

Funny you should mention John Lewis. My friend said just yesterday that she’d made a hasty exit from the John Lewis cafe where she normally has her coffee stop in town. She is severely allergic to dogs and just can’t be in close proximity to them. She was surprised to see a woman with a dog in the coffee shop.

Why would anyone want to take a dog to a city centre?

I don't know why people can't just leave their dogs at home when going to pubs and restaurants.I puts me off going to these places.

The number of eating places in France where dogs are allowed is pretty huge.

All John Lewis branches have been dog friendly for over a year, I believe. Not in the restaurants though?

I love that they don’t allow dogs. I am fed up with badly trained dogs in shops and other venues. Teach your dog not to jump up! Teach it to be left alone for a few hours. I am sure dogs don’t enjoy busy City centres. I have no issue with tiny humans, fur babies, leave them at home.

I was surprised to see a dog in John Lewis recently, and a young boy riding a scooter. I am neither a child nor dog hater - far from it - but really?! And what happens if the dog needs to poo/wee?

Our favourite gourmet style pub has a separate small area for diners with dogs which it’s best to book in advance.

My gripe is parents who don't look after their children when in restaurants or bars. I live in France where the French are usually very good with children in restuarants. They sit amongst the adults, who talk to them and it is rare for them to leave the table before the meal has ended.

This area is popular with the Dutch. We sometimes go to a Dutch owned campsite where they have a large barn which is used at the weekends as a music venue with a bar and meals.
On one occasion there were small children running around. They didn't stop when the music started and so I swiveled my chair slightly and stretched my legs. One child fell over them, got up and carried on running. Another person complained and when the manager told the mother that people were complaining she demanded to know who. This was at 11.00pm and those children should have been in bed hours before.

We rarely go anywhere else but Wetherspoons! I had a really lovely steak and salad last time I was in there and the prices are very good, they keep their beer very well and there is a good choice.

Our local one is favourite but if we are in the nearest (bigger) town the Spoons is a bit rough, but the clientele can be somewhat entertaining!

I am an animal lover but can do without dogs sniffing round while I am eating my meal..

Suzey

Good my local garden centre ( with a lovely cafe) has dogs roaming around can't stand them , I have a love of spiders , might take my tarantula out in its cage see what happens

🤣🤣🤣Do let me know if you do.
You’ll probably end up with a crowd of fascinated children asking, “Can I hold it?” And an army of anxious parents saying, “Come away!”
That’s what happened when I took a class to the wildlife centre. Sadly, they’d only let adults hold the Rose Tarantula. I wish they’d just said no.

Totally agree. I truly dislike dogs near me in an eating area. I know this may upset some. I have owned many dogs when family were young but never taken them into a restaurant or pub. Good for Wetherspoons in taking a stand . And I dislike football or tv.s in pubs ...in my village which is a dog walkers area we have 2 pubs - one accepts dogs and the other doesn't. The doggie pub has TV, the other doesn't. So there is choice whatever your inclination. Both are always busy!

Good my local garden centre ( with a lovely cafe) has dogs roaming around can't stand them , I have a love of spiders , might take my tarantula out in its cage see what happens

Good for them I have only gone in one occasionally but when so have the food was freshly cooked and hot. I do not want to be next to dogs when I am eating an no loud music is a plus too

Don’t be daft Chocolatelovinggran everyone on Gransnet has the most perfectly behaved high achieving grandchildren, they take after their children who are blessed with the same attributes.

I have noticed in any thread about dogs, someone comes on to say that children are "obnoxious screaming brats" and that dogs in public places are mostly well behaved. Not too simplistic obviously . As this is Gransnet, I wonder whose grandchildren are these " rude and abusive" small people? I don't recognise mine.

I have to use an app to find a place you can take your dog, there are so few around, in my experience.

Generally we don't take him, we leave him at home. His refusal to eat or drink at kennels and no one else to look after him means we only now holiday in cottages in the UK and that's when we need a place that caters for dogs.

Mostly these places state we can only eat in the bar area and not the restaurant. That's fine and provides separation.

But if that is still too much then no dog pubs are the places for you.

Couldn't agree more Sara 1594 - no football, no dogs - Bliss! A pub where people can meet up and chat. What a novel idea !!

Thanks for the Tip will give Wetherspoons a try as I avoid places that allow dogs and never stay in hotels that allow them in bedrooms.