The 10 weirdest Wetherspoons in Britain – from a former cinema to an opera house
Chances are your local doesn't look much like these unusual locations
POPULAR pub chain JD Wetherspoon has around 1,000 locations in the UK, and a few of the buildings are surprisingly spectacular.
From a former bank to a pub by the sea, here are 10 of the weirdest Spoons sites...
1) The Palladium, Llandudno
What better way to add a touch of drama to a night out than to go to a pub that used to function as an old cinema?
In the 1920s, the building of the former Palladium cinema was erected in Market Hall.
After taking over the site, J D Wetherspoon have retained the elegance of the Edwardian era, along with some of the historical features.
Visible from the bar, customers can enjoy a bottle of bubbly surrounded by a viewing platform and traditional theatre seats.
2) The Opera House, Tunbridge Wells
While some Spoons customers aren’t the classiest of pub-goers, one location really allows members of the public to experience a touch of class.
Each year, the Opera House, in Tunbridge Wells, celebrates the building’s former use.
Annually, for three days only, the venue is restored to a venue where punters can go and watch some opera.
3) The Winter Gardens, Harrogate
Feeling bloated after guzzling down a gut-busting Spoons’ meals? In Harrogate you have the option of taking a stroll through the Winter Gardens.
During the 1920s, punters could relax with their favourite bevvy while listening to music played by the Municipal Orchestra.
4) The Knights Templar, London
Loved-up booze fans can tie the knot in The Knights Templar Wetherspoons in London.
For just £3,000 the popular pub chain offers up an all-inclusive package, providing a three-course meal, DJ and table wine for 100 guests.
5) The Counting House, Glasgow
Nestled in the heart of Glasgow, The Counting House premises used to be owned by the Bank of Scotland.
The former bank has transformed into a horseshoe pub, but still boasts a design inspired by the Italian Renaissance.
MORE ON WETHERSPOONS
6) The Velvet Coaster, Blackpool
There is no better pub to overlook Britain’s most visited tourist attraction than The Velvet Coaster.
The Spoons outlet is located less than 150 metres away from Blackpool Pleasure Beach and South Pier.
Not only is it one of the largest pubs in the UK, a bustling rooftop terrace allows guests to take in the sites of the sea.
7) The North Western, Lime Street Station, Liverpool
Following £2 million of redevelopment, a Spoons pub sprung up on the site of the former North Western Hotel.
The impressive Grade II listed building has continued to catch punters’ eyes with its unique design, which all follow a vintage train station theme.
Eye-catching interior features include grand pillars, steam inspired light fittings and rail-themed art work.
8) The Rochester Castle, Stoke Newington, London
The oldest Wetherspoons site has been around for centuries, as it was built in 1801 in Richard Payne.
Incredibly, the location has been a place for boozing for over 300 years.
The Rochester Castle replaced a former pub, The Green Dragon, which was established in 1702.
9) The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, Keswick
Following a boozy evening, the last thing anyone wants is to end up in prison… but at this Spoons that’s exactly where your night begins.
The quirky outlet in Keswick, Cumbria is a renovated magistrates’ court and police station.
Amusingly, in The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, pubgoers have the opportunity to enjoy their drinks from the ‘comfort’ of a former cell.
10) The West Kirk, Ayr
Maybe punters visit this Scottish Spoons location to reconcile all of their drunken sins.
The unique pub has been renovated from a former Free Church, which was built in 1845.
Some of the original church features can still be enjoyed at the location, which boasts a beautiful original stained glass window.