WHO can say no to a Wetherspoons? And what if I told you the smallest one in the world is just as good as the rest, if not better.
Not only is it the smallest Spoons, but it is also in a rather bizarre location – a train station.
Of course, some UK airports have Wetherspoons, but I have never come across one in a train station before.
Sat at one end of Cannon Street Station in London, you will find the Sir John Hawkshaw, complete with just 42 tables.
Whilst that might sound a lot, compared to the usual London Spoons, this is considerably less.
And the obscurities about this spot just continue – if you need to use the toilet, well then you’ll need to head to the other end of the station and down a set of stairs.
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I tested out the journey myself, and it took me around one minute (no good if you’re desperate!).
For those who love to train spot, sit outside on the terrace, which is essentially like sitting on one of the platforms.
The boozer opened back in 2014 and is named after one of the co-designers of the original station building, which first opened in 1866.
Inside, it does have a more cosy feel than most Wetherspoons pubs I have visited.
With Halloween fast approaching, the interior was decked out with cobwebs and pumpkins.
But keen to experience the pub-slash-train-station experience, I opted for a table on the terrace to enjoy my nachos.
Despite its small size, the pub still features Spoons’ extensive menu and the service isn’t impacted either.
To learn more about the pub, look for a blue plaque on the veranda.
It states: “The station had eight platforms under a single span arch roof.
“Far below the station are the remains of a Roman palace, built in the first century.”
At another point, the ‘Steelyard’ was used by German and Flemish merchants.
However, in 1666, it was then destroyed during the Great Fire of London.
A quarter of a century later, and the Company of Plumbers built their Livery Hall on the site, which remained there until the 1860s.
I sat peacefully enjoying my chips, nachos, chicken strips and raspberry lemonade, coming to a grand total of £18.
Whilst eating I noticed how the pub also has a unique soundtrack – clinking glasses mixed with the clack-clack of trains running over metal rails.
In all, I found myself feeling like I was in a quiet bubble in the middle of the hustle and bustle of commuters and tourists.
It felt as if I was in an airport, enjoying a drink whilst people watching – but with no pressure that I was going to miss my flight.
For the tired and sore commuter, this spot is ideal for a post meeting drink, before hopping on a Southeastern train home.
And of course, in typical Spoons style, your pocket won’t be stretched either.
Whilst to most, this may feel like another typical Wetherspoons spot, it somehow manages to fit all the character you get with Spoons into a small venue.
For Wetherspoons fans, there is also good news as a new location has opened inside an abandoned UK attraction.
Plus, take a look inside the best-loved Wetherspoons in the UK from converted theatres to underground bank vaults.
The 10 most beautiful Wetherspoons in the UK
SOME of the prettiest Wetherspoons pubs can be found in old cinemas and even bingo halls – here are the top spots…
- Opera House, Royal Tunbridge Wells: The former opera house in Royal Tunbridge Wells first opened its doors to the public back in 1902.
- The Winter Gardens, Harrogate: The Winter Gardens used to be part of the Royal Baths in Harrogate and provided a place where people could relax.
- The Corn Exchange, Bury St Edmunds: The Grade I listed building started life as a location for merchants and Victorian farmers to trade back in 1862.
- The Royal Victoria Pavilion, Ramsgate: Ramsgate’s Royal Victoria Pavilion holds the title of the world’s biggest Wetherspoons.
- The Velvet Coaster, Blackpool: The pub is named after one of Blackpool’s most famous historical fairground rides, in which thrill-seekers of the past sat in velvet-lined carriages that rolled along a wooden track.
- The Caley Picture House, Edinburgh: The art-deco insides of the Caley Picture House in Edinburgh make it look like like it could feature in the Great Gatsby.
- The Palladium, Llandudno: The Palladium in Llandudno, in North Wales, is another Wetherspoons that used to be a cinema.
- The Counting House, Glasgow: The ex-Bank of Scotland building was designed in the Italian Renaissance style and visitors can even have a drink in its underground vault.
- Hamilton Hall, London: Outside of London’s Liverpool Street Station is Hamilton Hall, which at one stage was a ballroom in the Great Eastern Hotel.
- The Knights Templar, London: Elsewhere in London, The Knights Templar can be found inside a former Union Bank building.