American tourist Amber Kacherian and her partner visited a Wetherspoons pub in the UK to see what all the fuss was about – and they were left with two words to describe the experience
Nothing epitomises Great Britain quite like a Wetherspoons pub. The floral plates, the slightly sticky tables, and the oddly priced pints at £4.12 or £5.89 – Tim Martin’s establishments are a staple on high streets, in shopping centres, and airport terminals, catering to the nation’s love for microwaved meals and lukewarm beer.
It’s no surprise then, that the throngs of American tourists who visit our fair isle have added ‘Spoons’ to their list of quintessentially British experiences. A morning at Buckingham Palace, an afternoon at Harry Potter World, followed by an evening at the Four Candles, indulging in three small plates for the very reasonable price of £14.99. What’s not to like?
The latest American visitor to step through the iconic Spoons doors in search of British authenticity is influencer Amber Kacherian, who was “highly recommended” the pub by “locals in England”.
Amber and her partner visited the Botwell Inn in Hayes, Greater London. They were immediately struck by the size and grandeur of the pub, commenting on the distance to the toilets and the ‘very unique’ carpets.
The couple approached their order with caution, eventually settling on the all-day brunch with added black pudding. They also opted to try the steak and kidney pie.
Upon its arrival, Amber was instantly surprised by the presence of baked beans. They were also both equally puzzled about what to do with the gravy.
However, thanks to a helpful pair of nearby diners, they eventually realised that it should be poured onto the pie.
While the food received mostly favourable reviews, Amber’s reaction to the black pudding was less than enthusiastic, with a grimace as she tasted it.
After their meal, they summarised their dining experience in two words: “Authentic” and “cultural”.
Despite some Brits arguing that Spoons lacks authenticity due to its status as a large chain, there’s no denying its cultural significance in the UK!
The American visitors were also taken by the lively atmosphere and social setting of the pub.
Amber noted the contrast between the fast-paced American lifestyle and the more laid-back British approach, stating: “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.”