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WETHERSPOONS has announced that it is discontinuing a major beer brand in a matter of days, sparking fury among loyal punters.

The pub chain has told workers that after November, it will no longer stock San Miguel.

J D Wetherspoon will no longer sell San Miguel after November, the pub has told its staff
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J D Wetherspoon will no longer sell San Miguel after November, the pub has told its staffCredit: Getty
San Miguel lovers will have to find another lager or turn to its replacement - Poretti
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San Miguel lovers will have to find another lager or turn to its replacement - PorettiCredit: Getty - Contributor

Instead, Wetherspoons will be offering punters Italian Poretti which will cost less than £4 a pint at most locations.

But, some are concerned that they will face unhappy customers at the end of the month when their usual pint is no more.

One regular San Miguel drinker told bar staff at their local Wetherspoons that they are unhappy about the change and the barman said he was not surprised.

"He said it was one of their best-selling drinks and 'doesn't fancy' having to deal with all the complaints that they are going to get," reported.

read more on pints

Others have shared their reaction to the news on social media.

"Am gutted to hear that! San Miguel is my absolute favourite," one spoons customer on Facebook.

But, some are happy about the change.

"San Miguel is horrific though, the one Spanish beer I never drink. Poretti on the other hand is a fine drop," an X user .

"Gig venue near me done the same, replaced Miguel with Poretti," another .

"I prefer Poretti to be honest."

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The San Miguel replacement dating back to 1877 has "lots of heritage," staff were told.

It is made by the Birrificio Angelo Poretti Brewery founded by Angelo Poretti.

The replacement premium Italian lager is 4.8% ABV with four hop varieties.

describes it as "a beer brewed to pair with food."

How can I save money at Wetherspoons?

FREE refills - Buy a £1.50 tea, coffee or hot chocolate and you can get free refills. The deal is available all day, every day.

Check a map - Prices can vary from one location the next, even those close to each other.

So if you're planning a pint at a Spoons, it's worth popping in nearby pubs to see if you're settling in at the cheapest.

Choose your day - Each night the pub chain runs certain food theme nights.

For instance, every Thursday night is curry club, where diners can get a main meal and a drink for a set price cheaper than usual.

Pick-up vouchers - Students can often pick up voucher books in their local near universities, which offer discounts on food and drink, so keep your eyes peeled.

Get appy - The Wetherspoons app allows you to order and pay for your drink and food from your table - but you don't need to be in the pub to use it. 

Taking full advantage of this, cheeky customers have used social media to ask their friends and family to order them drinks. The app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play.

Check the date - Every year, Spoons holds its Tax Equality Day to highlight the benefits of a permanently reduced tax bill for the pub industry.

It usually takes place in September, and last year it fell on Thursday, September 14.

As well as its 12-day Real Ale Festival every Autumn, Wetherspoons also holds a Spring Festival.

"Our 4 Hops produce a mild body and balanced bitterness, making it perfect to pair with food and elevate dining moments."

One customer suggested that the change is being rolled out by Wetherspoons due to the end of San Miguel's contract with Carlsberg Marston's Brewing Company.

In July, Carlsberg confirmed in a statement that its exclusive San Miguel license deal would end on 31 December.

Mahou San Miguel has instead joined with Budweiser Brewing Group.

CMBC chief executive Paul Davies commented on the end of the contract with MSM: "Naturally, we are disappointed by the decision, and are working to mitigate the impact on our business," reported.

"We are incredibly proud of our many achievements over more than 15 years with MSM, massively driving distribution and significantly growing San Miguel brand volume."

The Sun previously reported that Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin has warned that prices will increase after last month's budget.

The chain's tax bill is expected to rise by two-thirds next year after the Chancellor announced a hike in the national insurance for employers.

Martin said: "Cost inflation, which had surged to high levels in 2022, gradually diminished over the subsequent two years.

"However, it has now significantly increased again following the budget.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

"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."

Poretti will replace San Miguel at Wetherspoons, which has divided punters
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Poretti will replace San Miguel at Wetherspoons, which has divided punters
San Miguel's contract with Carlsberg comes to an end this year
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San Miguel's contract with Carlsberg comes to an end this yearCredit: Getty
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