'People in other pubs are weird' - Walsall locals shower Wetherspoons with praise despite rumoured price hikes

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.

"It's the kind of place where you tend to find less regimented groups and if you have the odd chat you always hear some great stories, you never know who you're gonna meet, it's a great little pub.

"I'm happy that the prices are still cheap, in an age where a lot of community-centric places have lost their stead, Wetherspoons still provides us all with a place we can affordably socialise. 

"I can't speak for everyone when it comes to what a fair increase is but as long as it doesn't go the same way as most others have then I think its fine."

Pam Roberts, 66, from Darlaston, said she 'loves' Wetherspoons because the food is 'spot on' and she can always afford to get a drink with her food, which can be a struggle in other places. 

She said: "I love Wetherspoons, but they could do with improving their ease of access, to make things easier for parents and disabled people. 

"I don't think the price increase will be a problem because they're quite good with their money and they make sure family treats are affordable, but if a pint price goes over £4 then I would probably stop going."

Wayne Dobson, 39, said Wetherspoons is great because of the 'chill' vibe it has whenever he goes in, he said it's always nice and quiet and a good place to go for a sit down and a pint. 

He also said people in other pubs are 'weird'. 

From Walsall, and working as a martial arts coach, he said: "I like the quietness, and how relaxed and laid back it is, it's nice to just sit outside and have a drink, even though it's a bit cold at the moment.

"The atmosphere is great, service is brilliant, it's probably the second best in Walsall.

"I don't mind the increase but it is hitting my back pocket at the end of the day. 20p does not sound like much but it can really mount up over a long period of time."

Sanna Bridgewater, 38, from Walsall, said a big reason she likes going to Wetherspoons is to see the locals, have cocktails with her friends and partake in the refillable hot drinks. 

She said: "I really like it there, I love going there for a meal and having cocktails with my friends and partner. It's nice to have a catch up with people and see the regulars, it's really nice. 

"I would give the service a 10/10 because the staff are really nice, really easy to talk to. The drinks get a 10 as well because the cocktails are really good and the food an eight - but mainly because some of the dishes are just not to my taste. 

"The only thing they could improve on is the cleanliness of the toilets. 

"I would not mind paying an extra 50p per drink, that would be reasonable, but if pints go to, say, £4, that would put me off, even though I don't drink pints that much."

Craig, 28, from Walsall, said if he went to a town that did not have a Wetherspoons in it, he would find it quite strange,  it's easy to meet up with mates, the food is 'great' and the beer is 'cheap'. 

He said even with a price increase he would still be happy to pay up. 

He said: "It's an easy place to meet friends, the food is great and beer is cheap, it would be weird to be in a town in the UK that did not have a Wetherspoons. 

"The only negative thing is that you get people that drink too much because it's quite cheap, and then they can kick off or start fights with people. 

"Even with an increase I would still come to Wetherspoons, it still be cheaper than most places and if they increased it by 10 or 20p a pint I would still come because it's still so cheap."

The news of a increase was released earlier this week. Tim Martin said he believes "all hospitality businesses" are planning to pass on higher costs through price hikes.

He said: "Cost inflation, which had jumped to elevated levels in 2022, slowly abated in the following two years, but has now jumped substantially again following the Budget.

"All hospitality businesses, we believe, plan to increase prices, as a result. Wetherspoon will, as always, make every attempt to stay as competitive as possible."

Wetherspoon , which runs nearly 800 pubs across the country, said its tax and business costs are expected to increase by about £60 million over the next tax year.

This includes an estimated 67% increase in national insurance contributions.