Wetherspoons patrons are expressing their anger after a pub bans standing at the bar, sparking outrage among regulars in Rayleigh, Essex.
Rayleigh: So, there’s been a bit of a stir at a Wetherspoons pub. They’ve decided to ban customers from standing at the bar, and folks are not happy about it.
At The Roebuck, a sign now tells drinkers to move away from the bar after getting their drinks. It’s a big change from the usual vibe where people just hang out and chat while enjoying their pints. Regulars are feeling like this rule really takes away from the classic British pub experience.
One long-time customer, Alf, who’s 71, shared his thoughts. He misses standing at the bar, chatting with the staff and other locals. He gets why they made the change, but it’s still a bummer for him.
Another drinker summed it up well: “Standing at the bar is part of what makes the British pub great!” It’s clear that many people feel this way. They just want to enjoy their drinks without the hassle of queuing.
The pub manager explained that the rule is all about keeping things organized, especially during busy times like Christmas. They get a ton of customers, and it can get chaotic. So, they think it’s easier if people don’t crowd the bar.
Some customers, like Micky, see the logic behind it. He understands that it can get confusing when the bar is packed. But he’s not sure if this would work in smaller, local pubs.
This new rule isn’t something all Wetherspoons are doing, though. The company says it’s up to each pub manager to decide. So, it looks like this might just be a one-off situation for now.
