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HAVEN-LY
I went for a drink at the UK’s first on-site Wetherspoons at Haven – with cheap beer right by the beach
New pub The Five Stones is set to make the holiday resort even more popular with tourists.
IT'S a grey and blustery morning on the North Yorkshire coast but guests at Haven’s Primrose Valley holiday park in Filey are still in high spirits
It might have something to do with the company’s first and only Wetherspoons pub, The Five Stones, which is set to make the resort even more popular with holidaymakers.
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After signing an exclusive deal with the much-loved UK chain, famous for its good value food and drink, Haven is bringing its regulars all the usual comforts you’d expect, including a cheery atmosphere, smiley staff and an extensive bar and restaurant menu.
Anticipation among Wetherspoons regulars has been building for more than a year since news of the opening was revealed.
In keeping with their devotion to the chain, Malcom and Hilary Peart left home in Sacriston, Durham at 5.30am to make sure they arrived for today’s 8am opening after a 100-mile drive.
For retired pub cleaning consultant Malcolm, 64, the Five Stones is his 1,030th visit to a Wetherspoons pub - and he’s busily posting pictures on his socials before refilling his coffee at the bar.
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“We’re huge fans of Wetherspoons,” he told Sun Online.
“It started while I was driving Hilary all over the country for her job, I’d drop her off and then go and find a Wetherspoons while I was waiting. It just became a hobby.
“We love the breakfasts and the ambience. You walk into a Wetherspoons anywhere and you’ll always find someone to have a chat to.
“I’ve been to pubs in Cork, Penzance, even Wick in Scotland and always enjoy a pint of Coors. The prices vary depending on what part of the UK you’re in but it’s always good value compared to some high street chains.”
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Hilary, 65, has visited 829 Wetherspoons pubs and says the couple are always happy to travel to compare menus and bar lay-out.
“People might think it’s a bit strange that we go all over the UK to do this, but it’s a lot of fun," she added. "There’s a nice inclusive atmosphere here in Filey.”
Primrose Valley Manager Elma John said: “It’s a great partnership for both of us, our guests and caravan owners and our staff are delighted.
“The Five Stones was a pub and restaurant called the Mash and Barrel bar before the refurbishment so guests have been coming here for 40 plus years.
“We have been talking to Wetherspoons for the last two years and we had hoped to open last year but the doors are open today in time for the opening of the holiday season.
“It’s a great mix for our guests because they can eat out in local restaurants and also enjoy the facilities here on site. Great value for money is crucial for everyone so this new Wetherspoons is going to be a huge part of the traditional seaside holiday experience.
“Haven has always been associated with family holidays but now as well, we find people of all generations who perhaps even came here as children will come back with their children and use us a base to explore the coastline.
“It’s where families leave all their worries behind and focus on having fun. The best part of my job is seeing the smile on people’s faces.”
For Andy and Gill Bishop, a £2.80 pint of Ruddles and a cheeky £5.26 glass of Sauvignon Blanc make a perfect mid-morning start to the day at The Five Stones.
The couple, who live in Harrogate and run their own holiday apartments in Filey, have been caravan owners at Haven’s Primrose Valley site for 14 years and think the Wetherspoons opening will be a major draw for holidaymakers.
“This is just a warm-up for celebrating my 61st birthday tomorrow,” said Gill.
“It doesn’t matter what the weather’s like, Filey was recently voted one of the ten best beaches in the world so we’d never go anywhere else.”
Andy, 49, agrees. “It’s a ten-minute walk to the beach from the Haven site and we’ve made a lot of lovely friends among the other caravan owners on the site. A Wetherspoons is a bonus.”
Wetherspoons spokesman Eddie Gershon says traditional breakfasts with free £1.56 tea, coffee and hot chocolate re-fills alongside the extensive cut-price bar offerings are the chain’s biggest draw.
With 816 Wetherspoons pubs and 55 hotels across the UK and Republic of Ireland, 42,000 staff members and between three to four million customers a week, it was arguably a no-brainer to bring high street value to one of Haven’s most popular holiday parks.
Eddie said: “The prices are competitive, it’s lovely and fresh with a great seating space outside and typically, like most Wetherspoons, a safe and welcoming place for families to relax.
Front of house staff Paul Hart, 36, has worked for Haven for 18 years and says pub and restaurant facilities are key to ensuring guests have somewhere to relax.
He said: “This new pub is absolutely fantastic. In a couple of weeks when the Easter holidays start, the guests will love making the most of the new seating area for 250. We’re going to be really busy.”
Bar worker Simone Harris, 30, is just starting her second season with Haven and is looking forward another busy season.
She said: “We’re as invested in making happy memories for everyone who stays with us as they are."
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