A coach company has introduced the United Kingdom's inaugural Wetherspoon pub crawl, providing enthusiasts with the ultimate pilgrimage for discounted beverages. Lloyds Coaches is operating a 250-mile 'Spoons Pilgrimage' on 27 June, visiting six JD Wetherspoon pubs across North Wales and just beyond the border for only £20 per person.
The £20 ticket does not include drinks served at each establishment, but the coach firm promises 'an epic day of good food, cheap pints, and great company'. Not only does the trip allow participants to visit multiple Wetherspoons locations, but it also offers the chance to explore the beauty of North Wales, with stops in historic and cultural spots across the area.
In a statement, Lloyds declared: 'We're hitting some of the most iconic pubs across North Wales and the border. Whether you're in it for the affordable ales, the legendary breakfasts, or just to check the carpet patterns, this is the trip for you!'
The 12-hour marathon begins early in Dolgellau at 9:15 am, stopping at several collection points across Tywyn, Aberdyfi, and Pennal for nearly 100 miles, before arriving at The Wilford Owen in Oswestry at 12 pm, where the pub crawl kicks off.
A second stop at The Castle Hotel in Ruthin offers a watering hole in a well-preserved Georgian building dating from 1730, with Snowdonia National Park just a stone's throw away. Passengers continue on a 45-minute drive to a third stop at The Picture House in Colwyn Bay, before moving on to the nearby Palladium in Llandudno for their fourth round.
The Grade II-listed Palladium, arguably the most impressive of all the pubs along the route, is known for being one of the UK's most beautiful Wetherspoon venues, converted from a grand 1920s theatre and cinema with ornate interiors. Merry revellers will press on to Tafarn y Porth in Caernarfon, before setting off 45 minutes later for the final stop at Pen Cob in Pwllheli, arriving at 7:30 pm.
After a final round is consumed, the coach will return to the starting point at Dolgellau. With travel times between stops ranging from 20 minutes to over an hour, drinkers must finish their pints within a strict 45-minute limit.
Lloyds cautioned ticket holders: 'Only passengers picked up at stops between Dolgellau and Cemmaes Road will be taken home at the end of the tour. If you are boarding elsewhere it is your own responsibility to get yourselves home.'
Lloyds originally had just one coach running for the tour, but due to high demand, has now added a second. Those interested in booking seats for the second coach must contact Lloyds Coaches directly, though the company announced earlier this morning that only two seats remain.
This comes after Wetherspoon announced it was introducing 'Guinness dupe' Murphy's Irish Stout to all of its branches across the UK. The company has rolled out the drink over a six-week period, starting earlier this week, with all pubs offering it until the end of June. The average price of a pint will be £2.99. But fans of the real Black Stuff need not fear, as Guinness will still also be available in all Wetherspoons.
Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin said: 'We aim to offer our customers the best possible choice of drinks at all times. I am sure they will welcome the arrival of Murphy's Irish Stout in the pubs.'
