Latest news with #Wetherspoons
Wales Online
9 hours ago
- Wales Online
I visited one of the 'best Wetherspoons' in the UK and was blown away
I visited one of the 'best Wetherspoons' in the UK and was blown away The venue felt like stepping into a beach house rather than the back of a busy street The Prense Well Wetherspoons pub (Image: christopher megrath ) A cosy little coastal pub has fought off fierce competition from more than 800 rivals to be named one of the best in the country. To see what all the fuss was about, and to check for myself whether I could trust the online reviews telling me so, I decided to visit. A list of the top 10 Wetherspoons was compiled by SuomiCasino by analysing Google Review data for more than 800 Wetherspoon locations in the UK. Among the best in the UK is one Wirral pub which has been open since 2022 - The Prense Well. The pub scored highly with customers and its overall review rating was so positive that is was ranked among the best in the UK, according to new research. The praise was enough for me to take to my heels and pull up a seat. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . Seconds after stepping through the front doors, I was smacked in the face with the aroma of fish and chips. Not the greasy corner chippy kind, but a fresh, tasty smell reminiscent of a seaside van. I felt transported to the coast rather than a chain pub. From the moment I stepped inside, I was struck by how immaculately kept this pub is. One of the cleanest I've visited. The upholstery on the seats was pristine without fraying, stains or sagging. The carpet looked either brand new or well maintained - I couldn't tell which. There were a few dozen people already enjoying the venue by my midday arrival so I scurried away and found a table in the corner to watch from. I order a pint via the Wetherspoons app and admired my surroundings. Article continues below Across the street and visible through the large windows were tall, lush hedges creating a vivid green backdrop. The pub's garden is enclosed by a metal fence, providing a small outdoor drinking place for visitors, with bright red flowers decorating the perimeter in hanging plant pots. Christopher Megrath at The Prense Well (Image: christopher megrath ) The entire venue is bathed in natural light, which pours in through the windows and skylights. Combined with the light green walls, beach-wood panelling, and bright orb lighting, it creates an airy, countryside feel. There's something tranquil about it, like a pub you'd find nestled in a tiny village rather than the centre of town. It's easily one of the most picturesque Wetherspoons I've seen, especially when compared to some I'm familiar with. The staff delivered my drink with a "Hello, how are you?" and "Cheers, mate," instead of the silent toss and spill I've sometimes encountered. Curiosity got the better of me so I moved from the corner and went for a wander to see what I'd find. What I thought was just a standard layout opened up into two expansive seating areas, one nicknamed The Garden, thanks to its large, outdoor drinking area and covered terrace. Inside, there was a chandelier covered in fauna that stole my attention and where I pulled up a seat. Typically, when I picture a Wetherspoons, I imagine worn carpets, sticky tables. The Prense Well was genuinely very pretty. There was a calmness to it. Not dead quiet, just gently alive with conversation and atmosphere. I did get a few curious glances but I'm not surprised considering I was dressed in all black, tattooed, and slightly out of place among the sea of middle-aged customers in cardigans, jumpers and quarter-zip jackets. Regardless, it didn't stop staff smiling at me if we ever locked eyes. I didn't spend too long in the pub, just enough to catch the vibe. I really enjoyed it. The Prense Well feels like a dreamy beach venue the locals are determined to keep in pristine condition. I'd love to call back on a Saturday night to see the difference in atmosphere but from what I experienced today, it was a tranquil treat I was sad to leave so soon. The fish and chips still dances around my mind and I have to remind myself it's just a Wetherspoons. Article continues below
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
I visited one of the 'best Wetherspoons' in the UK and was blown away
Liverpool Echo reporter Christopher Megrath paid a visit to the cosy Wirral pub which has fought off competition from more than 800 rivals to be named one of the best Wetherspoons in the country. A list of the top 10 Wetherspoons was compiled by SuomiCasino by analysing Google Review data for more than 800 Wetherspoon locations in the UK. Among the best in the UK is one Wirral pub which has been open since 2022 - The Prense Well. The pub scored highly with customers and its overall review rating was so positive that is was ranked among the best in the UK, according to new research. The praise was enough for me to take to my heels and pull up a seat. READ MORE: The beautiful canal walk in Greater Manchester with ice cream perfect for a sunny day READ MORE: Manchester International Festival 2025 - what's on, what's free, and everything else you need to know Seconds after stepping through the front doors, I was smacked in the face with the aroma of fish and chips. Not the greasy corner chippy kind, but a fresh, tasty smell reminiscent of a seaside van. I felt transported to the coast rather than a chain pub. From the moment I stepped inside, I was struck by how immaculately kept this pub is. One of the cleanest I've visited. The upholstery on the seats was pristine without fraying, stains or sagging. The carpet looked either brand new or well maintained - I couldn't tell which. There were a few dozen people already enjoying the venue by my midday arrival so I scurried away and found a table in the corner to watch from. I order a pint via the Wetherspoons app and admired my surroundings. Across the street and visible through the large windows were tall, lush hedges creating a vivid green backdrop. The pub's garden is enclosed by a metal fence, providing a small outdoor drinking place for visitors, with bright red flowers decorating the perimeter in hanging plant pots. The entire venue is bathed in natural light, which pours in through the windows and skylights. Combined with the light green walls, beach-wood panelling, and bright orb lighting, it creates an airy, countryside feel. There's something tranquil about it, like a pub you'd find nestled in a tiny village rather than the centre of town. It's easily one of the most picturesque Wetherspoons I've seen, especially when compared to some I'm familiar with. The staff delivered my drink with a "Hello, how are you?' and 'Cheers, mate,' instead of the silent toss and spill I've sometimes encountered. Curiosity got the better of me so I moved from the corner and went for a wander to see what I'd find. What I thought was just a standard layout opened up into two expansive seating areas, one nicknamed The Garden, thanks to its large, outdoor drinking area and covered terrace. Inside, there was a chandelier covered in fauna that stole my attention and where I pulled up a seat. Typically, when I picture a Wetherspoons, I imagine worn carpets, sticky tables. The Prense Well was genuinely very pretty. There was a calmness to it. Not dead quiet, just gently alive with conversation and atmosphere. I did get a few curious glances but I'm not surprised considering I was dressed in all black, tattooed, and slightly out of place among the sea of middle-aged customers in cardigans, jumpers and quarter-zip jackets. Regardless, it didn't stop staff smiling at me if we ever locked eyes. I didn't spend too long in the pub, just enough to catch the vibe. I really enjoyed it. The Prense Well feels like a dreamy beach venue the locals are determined to keep in pristine condition. I'd love to call back on a Saturday night to see the difference in atmosphere but from what I experienced today, it was a tranquil treat I was sad to leave so soon. The fish and chips still dances around my mind and I have to remind myself it's just a Wetherspoons.
Dublin Live
2 days ago
- Dublin Live
Garda suffered horrific finger injuries after burglar attacked him with kitchen knife in pub
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A Garda suffered horrific injuries to his fingers after a burglar who broke into a west Dublin pub slashed him with a knife. The respected officer was responding to a break-in at 'The Great Wood' by Wetherspoons at the Westend shopping park near Blanchardstown Centre in the early hours of Thursday morning when the horror attack unfolded. Sources say the thug managed to break into the pub and steal E1,500 in cash before the garda member attempted to apprehend him on the premises. The front of the property was damaged by the thief as he made his way inside. The criminal attacked the garda member with what is understood to have been a kitchen knife - slashing the officer in the hand. Officers managed to arrest the man as their wounded colleague was taken to hospital, where he was treated for serious injuries to his hand. It is understood his fingers were badly damaged by the sharp blade - and sources say he is lucky not to have been more seriously hurt. Reacting to the incident, Detective Garda Mark Ferris, who is the Garda Representative Association (GRA) representative for the Dublin Metropolitan Region West CEC told us: 'It is with real concern that we acknowledge yet another incident in which a young Garda was assaulted while carrying out their duties, this time during the arrest of an individual in possession of a knife in Blanchardstown. The male Garda received medical attention at Connolly Hospital and has since been discharged following treatment. 'I wish to commend my colleagues for their courage and professionalism in the face of such adversity. Attacks on members of An Garda Síochána are entirely unacceptable, and sadly, becoming far too common. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks our members face daily while carrying out their work.' Asked for comment, a manager for The Great Wood declined to comment and referred this paper to the Wetherspoons Headquarters. In a statement about the incident gardai said: 'At approximately 3:45am this morning, Thursday 26th June 2025, Gardaí attached to Blanchardstown Garda Station responded to a report of a burglary occurring at a business premises in Dublin 15. 'At the scene, it was apparent to both Gardaí that a burglary had occurred and they called colleagues by radio for assistance. As they searched the premises, they encountered a male in possession of a bladed weapon who became aggressive and threatening. "One male Garda sustained injuries. During the incident, a male in his 30s, was arrested and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda Station in Dublin. The bladed weapon was seized at the scene along with €1,500 in cash. "The injured Garda, a male in his 20s, was taken to James Connolly Memorial Hospital for treatment. His injuries are not life-threatening. Garda welfare services have been made available to the Garda. The investigation is ongoing." The incident comes as a Garda representative told this paper this week that officers are being attacked 'on a daily basis.' Garda Eoin Browne, who represents the Roscommon and Longford divisions of the GRA, was speaking to us after a court heard how drug dealer Gerard Forte attacked two gardai with a meat cleaver - narrowly missing the head of one of them. 'Two gardai while conducting a search during the course of their duty were violently assaulted and both members were lucky to escape with their lives,' Garda Browne told us. 'We have one member (Garda Michael Fox) still out sick as a result of undergoing constant medical treatment another member gave a very impactful victim impact statement where he was attacked with a meat cleaver with his back turned and only for the grace of God he could have been killed. 'It very easily could have been a lethal situation,' he said. Garda Browne said the incident highlights the all too common events where officers in the region are putting their lives on the line. 'I just want to highlight the fact that these assaults on gardai are going on on a daily basis and are not just confined to the bigger urban areas. Towns like Roscommon have violent criminals as well and we just need to highlight the manpower issues in two common where there's just such a shortage of gardai and this has been going on now a number of years,' he said. Forte (29), pleaded guilty to assaulting both Garda Murphy and his colleague Garda Michael Fox - as well as producing a knife - namely a 'meat cleaver.' Forte, who the court heard already has a conviction for sale and supply of drugs and threatening and abusive behaviour, also pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for the purpose of sale or supply on that same date. The court heard that Garda Murphy was saved by Garda Fox, who struggled with Forte on the floor and couch of his home before managing to restrain him with handcuffs. The drugs unit officers had made their way into the home, repeatedly shouting 'gardai', the court heard, as they executed a warrant to search his home on the suspicion that he was supplying drugs in Roscommon town. In a powerful victim impact statement read out in court, Garda Murphy, who has had to undergo physiotherapy and has ongoing issues due to the incident, said he feels he is lucky not to have been killed by Forte on that night. 'It seems somewhat unfair for only me to give a victim impact statement because the reality is, is that this attack affects many many more people than just me,' Garda Murphy told the court. 'The fear that I may be attacked again, is our reality. The fear that next time, I won't be so lucky, is our reality. My tour of duty the evening of the 27th of December 2023, I have no doubt in my mind could have been my last,' he added. "I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever, that Gerard Forte, tried to fatally injure me." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Garda who responded to pub break-in viciously attacked by burglar with knife
A Garda suffered horrific injuries to his fingers after a burglar who broke into a West Dublin pub slashed him with a respected officer was responding to a break-in at 'The Great Wood' by Wetherspoons at the Westend shopping park near Blanchardstown Shopping Centre in the early hours of Thursday morning when the horror attack say the thug managed to break into the pub and steal E1,500 in cash before the garda member attempted to apprehend him on the premises. The front of the property was damaged by the thief as he made his way inside. The criminal attacked the garda member with what is understood to have been a kitchen knife - slashing the officer in the managed to arrest the man as their wounded colleague was taken to hospital, where he was treated for serious injuries to his hand. It is understood his fingers were badly damaged by the sharp blade - and sources say he is lucky not to have been more seriously hurt. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week Reacting to the incident, Detective Garda Mark Ferris, who is the Garda Representative Association (GRA) representative for the Dublin Metropolitan Region West CEC told us: 'It is with real concern that we acknowledge yet another incident in which a young Garda was assaulted while carrying out their duties, this time during the arrest of an individual in possession of a knife in Blanchardstown. 'The male Garda received medical attention at Connolly Hospital and has since been discharged following treatment. 'I wish to commend my colleagues for their courage and professionalism in the face of such adversity. Attacks on members of An Garda Síochána are entirely unacceptable, and sadly, becoming far too common. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks our members face daily while carrying out their work.' Asked for comment, a manager for The Great Wood declined to comment and referred this paper to the Wetherspoons Headquarters. In a statement about the incident gardai said: 'At approximately 3:45am this morning, Thursday 26th June 2025, Gardaí attached to Blanchardstown Garda Station responded to a report of a burglary occurring at a business premises in Dublin 15. 'At the scene, it was apparent to both Gardaí that a burglary had occurred and they called colleagues by radio for assistance. As they searched the premises, they encountered a male in possession of a bladed weapon who became aggressive and threatening. One male Garda sustained injuries. During the incident, a male in his 30s, was arrested and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda Station in Dublin. The bladed weapon was seized at the scene along with €1,500 in cash. The injured Garda, a male in his 20s, was taken to James Connolly Memorial Hospital for treatment. His injuries are not life-threatening. Garda welfare services have been made available to the Garda. The investigation is ongoing.' The incident comes as a Garda representative told this paper this week that officers are being attacked 'on a daily basis.' Garda Eoin Browne, who represents the Roscommon and Longford divisions of the GRA, was speaking to us after a court heard how drug dealer Gerard Forte attacked two gardai with a meat cleaver - narrowly missing the head of one of them. 'Two gardai while conducting a search during the course of their duty were violently assaulted and both members were lucky to escape with their lives,' Garda Browne told us.'We have one member (Garda Michael Fox) still out sick as a result of undergoing constant medical treatment another member gave a very impactful victim impact statement where he was attacked with a meat cleaver with his back turned and only for the grace of God he could have been killed. 'It very easily could have been a lethal situation,' he Browne said the incident highlights the all too common events where officers in the region are putting their lives on the line. 'I just want to highlight the fact that these assaults on gardai are going on on a daily basis and are not just confined to the bigger urban areas. 'Towns like Roscommon have violent criminals as well and we just need to highlight the manpower issues in two common where there's just such a shortage of gardai and this has been going on now a number of years,' he said. Forte (29), pleaded guilty to assaulting both Garda Murphy and his colleague Garda Michael Fox - as well as producing a knife - namely a 'meat cleaver.' Forte, who the court heard already has a conviction for sale and supply of drugs and threatening and abusive behaviour, also pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for the purpose of sale or supply on that same court heard that Garda Murphy was saved by Garda Fox, who struggled with Forte on the floor and couch of his home before managing to restrain him with handcuffs. The drugs unit officers had made their way into the home, repeatedly shouting 'gardai', the court heard, as they executed a warrant to search his home on the suspicion that he was supplying drugs in Roscommon town. In a powerful victim impact statement read out in court, Garda Murphy, who has had to undergo physiotherapy and has ongoing issues due to the incident, said he feels he is lucky not to have been killed by Forte on that night.'It seems somewhat unfair for only me to give a victim impact statement because the reality is, is that this attack affects many many more people than just me,' Garda Murphy told the court. 'The fear that I may be attacked again, is our reality. The fear that next time, I won't be so lucky, is our reality. My tour of duty the evening of the 27th of December 2023, I have no doubt in my mind could have been my last,' he added. I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever, that Gerard Forte, tried to fatally injure me.'
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Lidl is selling ‘stylish' £15 decor buy that's half price of Habitat's version – and it's perfect for a day at the beach
The garden decor comes in two colours SHELL OUT Lidl is selling 'stylish' £15 decor buy that's half price of Habitat's version – and it's perfect for a day at the beach Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIDL is selling a stylish garden buy that's perfect for shading you from the summer heat. The Livarno Home Parasol is half the price of Habitat's version at just £14.99. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The stylish parasol comes in two different colours Credit: Lidl 4 It boasts stylish white tassels around the rim of the canvas Credit: Habitat The parasol is ideal for the beach, camping or just chilling in your garden this summer, offering cooling shade from the sun. It boasts a colourful striped design with fringes, adding a bit of style to your outdoor space. With UPF60 the parasol provides an effective buffer from the blazing summer sun. It even comes with a UV-resistant and weather-resistant cover to keep it from wearing over time. Read more in Fabulous PRICE TO PAY Katie's weight-reveal is sick - posts like this triggered my eating disorder The height can be adjusted between 190cm and 200cm to fit your needs. The impressive Lidl buy can even tilt to offer optimal shading. With a sturdy steel frame the parasol should last for years and it offers a shade diameter of 172cm Lidl are offering an impressive 3-year warranty on the product so its guaranteed to keep you shaded for more than one summer. An equivalent parasol from Habitat would cost a whopping £30. The Lidl parasol can be easily dismantled and packed away into a small bag to make transporting it a breeze. Cheapest supermarket revealed and Wetherspoons axe fan favourite menu item It is currently available in stores but cannot be purchased online from the bargain retailer. Shoppers can use the Lidl site to check the availability of the parasol at their local store. It comes in a stylish and bright white and yellow striped pattern providing a dash of colour to your outdoor area. White fringes around the rim of the parasol offer an extra dash of style. 4 Lidl's parasol is half the price of Habitat's Credit: Lidl 4 It effortlessly folds away into a small carry bag so it can be transported with ease Credit: Habitat Lidl are also offering a green and white striped variant of the parasol for a slightly darker style. A parasol is the perfect way to keep the hot sun off your face in summer while you bask in the garden. The bright colours offered by Lidl at a bargain price provide the perfect retro product to spice up your garden. Parasol's are all the rage with sunshine fast approaching and Lidl's is one of the brightest and cheapest on the market.
