Couple Concludes Extraordinary 55-Day Residence at Wetherspoons Pub
An elderly couple from Cornwall has finally concluded their remarkable 55-day stay at a local Wetherspoons establishment, after a devastating storm rendered their home uninhabitable. Catherine and Harold Mills, aged 86 and 84 respectively, sought refuge at The John Francis Basset in Camborne following the catastrophic damage caused by Storm Goretti in early January.
Storm Destruction Forces Pub Sanctuary
The couple's long-term residence at the popular pub chain began on 9 January, immediately after a massive pine tree crashed through their home of 23 years during the fierce winter storm. Catherine Mills recounted the terrifying incident, explaining that the 143-year-old tree demolished the front of their property, penetrating the lounge, kitchen, and one bedroom. "We were lucky," she stated. "If my husband had been sitting in his usual spot on the settee, I don't think he would be here now."
Forced to evacuate with only essential documents and a few items of clothing, the Mills initially spent one night at their daughter's house before checking into the Wetherspoons hotel accommodation, which was covered by their insurance policy. What began as a temporary solution evolved into an nearly two-month residence as they awaited repairs to their damaged home.
Daily Routine and Community Support
During their extended stay, the couple established a comforting daily routine, enjoying cooked breakfasts and evening meals from the pub's menu while separately purchasing their preferred alcoholic beverages. "We don't include alcohol in our insurance bill," Catherine explained, "but we did enjoy a nice cheap glass of wine from the bar."
The Mills became such familiar faces at the establishment that staff eventually moved them to a well-appointed room above the bar for their long-term comfort. Catherine expressed profound gratitude for the support they received, noting that staff members had become like family. "The staff have all been fantastic," she said. "They did not want us to go. We all had cuddles when we left."
Menu Exploration and Lasting Impressions
Over the course of their 55-day stay, the couple sampled virtually every item on the Wetherspoons menu, particularly enjoying weekly pizza and curry specials along with traditional favorites like fish and chips, paninis, and jacket potatoes. Their experience transformed their perception of the pub chain, with Catherine declaring they had become "fans for life."
"People turn their nose up at Wetherspoon but they shouldn't," she asserted. "Most people that do must have never been there. It is good for us and it has really done us proud. The people in Wetherspoons - even those that drink quite a bit - are so kind and nice. They open the door for you and everyone has been so lovely."
Transition to Temporary Accommodation
The Mills finally departed their pub sanctuary on 6 March, moving into a rented bungalow while surveyors assess and repair their storm-damaged home. Catherine described the departure as "really strange" after two months of continuous residence, but expressed excitement about making their temporary accommodation feel like home.
Despite the trauma of losing their home and most of their personal possessions, the couple emphasized how their Wetherspoons experience made the ordeal more manageable. "It has been a traumatic experience," Catherine acknowledged, "but being able to stay at spoons made it much easier. They looked after us so well and we are so grateful."
The Mills plan to return to The John Francis Basset as regular patrons once they eventually move back into their repaired home, maintaining the friendships they developed during their extraordinary two-month stay. Their story highlights both the devastating impact of severe weather events and the unexpected community support that can emerge in challenging circumstances.
