For better of for worse, Wetherspoons has become something of an icon when it comes to the British culinary scene. But what exactly do Americans make of Spoons?
Nothing says Great Britain like a Wetherspoons pub. The flowery plates, the ever-so sticky tables, the pints all being strange prices like £4.12 and £5.89 – Tim Martin’s establishments sit proudly on high-streets, in shopping centres, and airport terminals, fuelling this great nation’s desire for microwaved food and flat beer.
It makes sense then, that the hordes of Americans hat descend on this sceptred isle. They have added Spoons as a must experience on their tour of the quintessentially British. Buckingham Palace in the morning, Harry Potter World in the afternoon, and then an evening at the Four Candles spent tucking into three small plates for the very reasonable price of £14.99. Rule Britannia, indeed.
American influencer Amber Kacherian is the latest to walk through the iconic Spoons doors in such of British authenticity, after having been “highly recommended” the pub by “locals in England”.
Amber, along with her partner, are immediately taken a back by the scale and grandeur of the pub, commenting on how far away the toilets are, and how the carpets are ‘very unique’.
The couple are impressively trepidatious, ordering the all-day brunch with added black pudding as well as a steak and kidney pie.
Upon arrival, Amber is immediately taken aback by the presence of baked beans.
They are also both dumbfounded by what to do with the gravy. Although, thanks to a helpful pair of nearby diners, they did eventually realise that they should pour it onto the pie.
While giving the food mostly positive reviews, the black pudding seemed to raise a few eyebrows, with Amber grimacing as she put it in her mouth.
Following their meal, the pair described their dinner in two words. “Authentic” and “cultural”, apparently.
While some Brits would argue that Spoons isn’t an “authentic” British pub because it is a huge chain, you can’t argue that it’s a culture phenomenon here in the UK!
The Americans were also impressed by the atmosphere and social environment of the boozer.
According to Amber, while America is very fast-paced, she enjoyed Britain’s more relaxed vibe, saying: “People here… go to restaurants and sit, have a pint, and talk for hours.
“That is a wonderful thing about this culture. In America we’re always in such a hurry, but here it just feels so nice and laid back.”
