Pub landlords up and down the country often liken Wetherspoon to the Tesco of pubs. Driving down prices to close down the competition, then quietly pushing the prices back up when there's nowhere else decent to go.
But it seems The Hatchet and Diamond Tap charge different prices for the same drinks, and neither are anywhere near the cheapest in town. I heard that the Diamond Tap has been a disappointment for JDW, so I wonder if they're hiking up the prices at the Hatchet to cover any losses.
Maybe discounting isn't the answer though. The George & Pelican do a fair few offers, and that's up for sale. But the Lion doesn't, and that's also up for sale.
Where will it all end?
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July 29, 2011, 3:18pm
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My understanding is that Wetherspoons specialise in end of line/ near use by beers, which is the mode for Diamond Tap, but that The Hatchet does not follow that model and has a more regular supply of beers. That's what I heard from some people that seemed to know what they were talking about so hence the higher prices.
I have been told that prices at the Hatchet are slighty higher to attract a 'better' class of customer. Also, and I dont understand the significance, Diamond Tap is Lloyds No 1 (under the Wetherspoon banner) and Hatchet is plain Wetherspoons.
I prefer the Diamond Tap - have had quite a few "new" beers in there, none bad. Tried the Hatchet - not a single beer stood out as unusual - I could have got any of those beers in almost any pub on any high street. Plus the 3 staff were all busy serving customers who were buying large rounds consisting of lager, cider and lots of shorts. Walked straight out again. 1-2 years of rebuilding! Will try one more time, but otherwise you can keep it.
I just hope the Diamond Tap can keep a regularly changing range of newish beers. Used to drink in the LSB but they have priced themselves out of my pocket these days.
I prefer the Diamond Tap - have had quite a few "new" beers in there, none bad. Tried the Hatchet - not a single beer stood out as unusual - I could have got any of those beers in almost any pub on any high street.
What, Marston's Old Empire and Wickwar BOB, to name but two?
Well, I worked for both of those brewers and fortunately, those of us that didn't work at the brewery headquarters were given quarterly drinks vouchers that we could trade for any drink product at one of the company's local off licences, Suffice to say, most of mine were spent on wine but we did get a lot of key fobs from Grand Metropolitan. I wish I had kept a few, they would sell well on ebay I'm sure.
Pub landlords up and down the country often liken Wetherspoon to the Tesco of pubs. Driving down prices to close down the competition, then quietly pushing the prices back up when there's nowhere else decent to go.
But it seems The Hatchet and Diamond Tap charge different prices for the same drinks, and neither are anywhere near the cheapest in town. I heard that the Diamond Tap has been a disappointment for JDW, so I wonder if they're hiking up the prices at the Hatchet to cover any losses.
Maybe discounting isn't the answer though. The George & Pelican do a fair few offers, and that's up for sale. But the Lion doesn't, and that's also up for sale.
Where will it all end?
The Hatchet is a Wetherspoons Hotel - hence the slightly higher prices.
So, if the 2 JDW are neither anywhere near the cheapest in town where is cheaper?
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