Every Wetherspoons pub in the UK's airports have been ranked from best to worst, The Mirror reports. If you've found yourself bored as you wait for takeoff, the likelihood is you've stumbled upon, or even into, a Spoons.
The company's pubs, whether in or out of an airport, have different pricing structures and details, despite them all sharing the same commitment to sell pints on the cheap. Dealchecker has ranked the best Airport Spoons in the country, analysing key areas such as speed of service, food prices and atmosphere.
1. London Stansted, The Windmill
Google rating: 3.9 (1,200 reviews)
Previously accredited with the award for ‘Airport bar of the year’ in 2015, according to Dealchecker, The Windmill at London Stansted is the best airport Spoons in the UK. Popular reviews have overwhelmingly positive reinforcements for the quality of the food at this ‘Spoons.
Reviewer appear to concur, with one saying they were “AMAZED”, whilst another said it was “unbelievable”. However, one noted that the naming of the ‘Spoons was completely off as it wasn’t an actual Windmill, but a pub in an airport.
2. London Heathrow, The Crown Rivers
Google rating: 3.9 (1,100 reviews)
Arguably the award for the prettiest airport Wetherspoons goes to The Crown Rivers at London Heathrow’s Terminal 5, rated highly by customers for its “very delicious breakfast and quick service (and) lovely interior”. As expected for Heathrow, one reviewer commented “The Crown Rivers is a busy Wetherspoon location due to being in a busy airport though staff is still attentive, professional and friendly”.
On the downside, one customers critically said: "Pret has more atmosphere".
3. London Gatwick Airport A.K.A ‘Gatwick Airpub’ (The Red Lion, The Beehive, The Flying Horse)
Google rating: 3.8 (3,900 reviews)
Known as one of the busiest single runway airports in the world, London Gatwick should also be known as the epicentre of the airport ‘Spoons experience. Boasting three Spoons’ (one landside and one in each terminal), Gatwick has three times the Wetherspoons than it does runways.
One customer said The Red Lion is a “Modern place with tons of drink options, great craft beers and yummy food!", while others complimented the good service. One customer complained of “cold and pathetic bacon rashers. Never again!”
4. Birmingham Airport, Wetherspoon
Google Rating: 3.8 (1,700 reviews)
If there is one award this Wetherspoon deserves above the others, it has the least creative name, though at least it does what it says on the tin. Reviews claim the garlic bread is good and praise staff for working efficiently among the busy setting where “tables are like gold dust”.
5. Edinburgh Airport, Sir Walter Scott
Google rating: 3.3 (733 reviews)
Holding the lowest ranking among Google reviewers on the list is the first Scottish entry, Edinburgh airport's the Sir Walter Scott. Despite the lower scoring, reviews do praise the “very quick service” due to the “committed” team members.
6. Glasgow Airport, William Beardmore & Co
Google rating 2.9 (341)
By far the worst scoring Spoons on the list, the William Beardmore has attracted a lot of ire in its time serving pints to tired travellers.
It has been savaged by a number of one star reviews, including from one unhappy customer who said the "appalling service" made him feel like a "leper". There are, of course, plenty of people who love the pub, including one reviewer who wrote: "Amazing....the first place I head to when leaving on holiday...For me the holiday starts here."
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