If you’ve been in one Wetherspoon then the rest feel pretty familiar.
Except perhaps if you take a trip to the world’s biggest – the Royal Victoria Pavilion in Ramsgate in east Kent.
This 11,000sq ft seaside Spoons is set in a former concert hall dating back to 1903 and according to those who visit it’s pretty special for one reason in particular: and it’s not the lengthy trip to the loos.
Nor is it the £4.5million renovation that’s got people raving about it or the fact that the venue can hold up to 1,400 people.
The real reason behind people’s love for the massive drinking hole is its ginormous wraparound balcony that looks out over the sea.
Many of its biggest fans have taken to travel review site Tripadvisor to talk about their experiences at the pub.
One said: “Literally the queen of Wetherspoons venues.
“The sea views are amazing and there is a humongous terrace overlooking the beach so you can almost always get seating.
“A must visit in Ramsgate on a sunny day.”
Another reviewer wholeheartedly agreed.
They said: “Stunning location, good food and service, perfect on a sunny day, sitting on the terrace and watching the sea.”
“Food was excellent and service quick. Sat overlooking the beach and sea, enjoyed it very much,” added another happy fan.
But others were just as happy with its food and drink offering saying as well as the world’s biggest it was also the “best”.
One said: “Excellent food, had the chicken tikka masala. Staff were very polite and friendly. Best Wetherspoons I’ve been in.”
The Wetherspoon website gives an interesting backstory to the mammoth venue which closed in 2008 before being given its new lease of life.
It explains: “A striking example of seaside architecture, this grade II listed building (the former dilapidated pavilion) had been one of the most at-risk Victorian/Edwardian buildings in the land.
“Built as a concert hall/assembly rooms and designed by architect Stanley Davenport Adshead, it was based on the style of a Robert Adam orangery.
“The interior is said to be derived from the Little Theatre at Versailles and was simplified in the 1930s. After being a nightclub, then casino, it closed in 2008.”
