If you don’t recognise the picture above, you’re not a true Wetherspoon’s fan. A large Wetherspoon’s breakfast is literally to die for, especially if you had one too many Whiskeys the night before.
Everything about a Wetherspoon’s is iconic. The architecture, because J.D. Wetherspoon’s always goes for historic and beautiful buildings, the atmosphere, the cheap food, the cheap pints – there’s nothing you can’t like about Wetherspoon’s. Well, maybe the 500-mile walk to the toilets when you need it, but that’s about it.
Whilst there are many great pubs, we know people love a Wetherspoon’s, so we’ve decided to create an article on the top 5 across Scotland.
The Standing Order – Edinburgh
Starting strong with a Wetherspoon pub not too far from our luxury motorhome hire in Edinburgh, the Standing Order on George Street is an absolutely beautiful pub in terms of architecture and interior decor. The grand former bank building was originally constructed between 1874 and 1878, and you can really feel the history seeping through the walls.
It’s absolutely huge, from the high ceilings to the actual floorspace. The former neo-classical bank also has huge marble pillars and an old walk-in vault as part of the decor, so you really do feel the remnants of the building it once was.
And being in a prime spot in Edinburgh, it’s always busy enough to have a great atmosphere but big enough that you can always find a seat.
The Caley Picture House – Edinburgh
The Caley Picture House, located on Lothian Road, isn’t as old as The Standing Order, but it is an absolutely stunning Grade B-listed former 1923 cinema and concert venue. Now, it’s one of the most striking Wetherspoon’s in the UK, let alone just Scotland. It’s definitely tied first with The Standing Order; we only put The Standing Order first because the building is older and feels like it has a little more history.
Inside, the decor is Art Deco, and if you can picture what a 1923 cinema would look like, it looks exactly like that with cream walls with contrasting blue and gold decor for that classic Art Deco vibe. It really does feel like the essence of an early 1923 cinema has been preserved in time.
The Caley Picture House is also multi-tier, so again, even if it’s busy, you can usually find a place to sit. We also love that the atmosphere feels a bit more secluded, with the dimly lit interior feeling so cosy and nice, especially on a cold winter’s day.
The Wheatsheaf Inn – Kilmarnock
Moving away from Edinburgh (although we definitely could have just listed all the ones in Edinburgh), the Wheatsheaf Inn on Portland Street in Kilmarnock is much smaller and more intimate.
Of course, the building is still a historical beauty. The original construction actually dates back to the early 18th century in 1820 when it was built as an Old Coaching Inn. From the outside, you have an exquisite Georgian-style front design.
The interior doesn’t seem to have changed much from the 1820s, with much of the old stone cobbled wall still preserved and a red carpet that, although we’re sure it has been changed since the 1820s, really doesn’t look like it.
The atmosphere is even more intimate and cosy than The Caley Picture House, with everywhere dimly lit and every corner of the pub feeling secluded.
Justice Mill – Aberdeen
The Justice Mill on Union Street in Aberdeen is actually a combination of two buildings. One was originally constructed in 1821, and the other was built in 1830. They’re both Grade B listed and have so much character. One of the buildings was a clothing mill, and the other was multiple different retail shops over the years. J.D. Wetherspoon joined them together in 2004 to create one of the most popular pubs in Aberdeen.
We wouldn’t say the decor is the grandest or most opulent compared to the other pubs we’ve listed, but it still has that classic historical feel that encapsulates Wetherspoons. You’ll still find a great, warming atmosphere inside and the same great affordable food Wetherspoon’s is known for offering.
You’re probably reading this because you’re a lover of Wetherspoon pubs, and we don’t blame you. It’s difficult to find more affordable food and drinks, wherever you are in the country. And we love that they still preserve the history and character of the buildings that once were. You’ve got plenty of choices across Scotland, so pop into a Wetherspoon’s when you’re there and see what you think. Have a read of any of the other articles in our ‘Foodies Guide to Scotland’ series to find somewhere to eat or drink in Scotland.