I've spent way too many nights at my local 'Spoons. Not ashamed to admit it. Where else can you get a pint and burger for under a tenner these days? But hold onto your beer mats, folks - the budget boozer is about to get fancy with its food.
The chain is launching what they're calling a "gourmet" menu next week, and I'm honestly not sure how to feel about it. Part of me thinks, "about bloody time they upgraded those burgers," while the other part worries they'll somehow mess with the prices. My wallet can't take another hit in 2025.
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RIP Steaks & Gammon - We Hardly Knew Ye
First, the bad news. They're ditching steaks, mixed grills and gammon. Gone. Finished. Apparently they were the "biggest loss-makers" according to a spokesperson I spoke with yesterday.
My mate Dave is gonna be devastated. He orders that mixed grill religiously every Thursday after work and drowns it in peppercorn sauce. I texted him about it last night and his response: "Guess I'm learning to cook at home then."
Poor Dave.
So What's Coming Instead?
From May 14th (mark your calendars), Spoons is rolling out three fancy-pants "Gourmet Burgers" with an American twist. Just in time for sitting outside with a cold one, assuming British weather cooperates for once.
The first one's called "The Big Smoke" and comes loaded with pulled BBQ beef brisket, American cheese, and maple-cured bacon. I saw a preview pic and it looks like one of those towering burgers that'll dislocate your jaw trying to take a bite. Worth it tho.
Then there's teh "Buffalo" burger - fried buttermilk chicken breast with blue cheese and naga chilli sauce. This one actually comes with a spicy chicken wing stabbed through the top like some kind of meaty pirate flag. Extra points for drama.
Wait... Korean Chicken Too?
Yep! Alongside these American-style gut-busters, they're adding Korean-style chicken dishes. Seems like Spoons is trying to cash in on that whole Korean food trend that exploded back in 2021. Better late than never, I guess?
I tried Korean fried chicken at this little place in Manchester last summer and spent £18 for four pieces. If Wetherspoons can do it for half that, I'm in.
The Cheese Situation Is... Intense
Listen. The third burger they're launching deserves special mention. It's called the "Cheese Meltdown" and it's basically cheese on cheese on more cheese. American-style cheese PLUS Emmental AND Cheddar sauce.
The photos show this molten cheese waterfall cascading down the sides. My arteries hardened just looking at it. And yet... I know exactly where I'll be next Tuesday.
You can choose either beef or buttermilk chicken as your base for this one and The Big Smoke. All burgers come with chips, onion rings and a drink included.
The Steak Lovers Are Not Happy
I scrolled through some comments on Facebook after the announcement. God. You'd think Wetherspoons had announced they were banning alcohol.
One bloke wrote a paragraph-long rant about how he's been ordering the same 8oz sirloin every Friday for 7 years and now his "tradition is ruined." First world problems, mate.
The official line from Spoons: "We appreciate that some customers will be disappointed with the decision to remove steaks and grills." Bit of an understatement there.
I actually feel stupid now for never trying their mixed grill. Always meant to, but always ended up with the curry club special instead. Too late now.
The Real Question: Will It Actually Be "Gourmet"?
Let's be real. We're still talking about Wetherspoons here. The place where I once found a chip in my pint glass back in 2019 (true story). Their definition of "gourmet" might be a bit different from, say, Gordon Ramsay's.
But I'm willing to give it a chance. The burgers look decent in the promo shots, adn that cheese sauce situation has definitely caught my attention.
My prediction? The Big Smoke will be the winner. Anything with beef brisket usually is.
See you at the bar on May 14th. I'll be the one taking Instagram photos of my burger while trying not to drip cheese sauce on my phone.
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