Plans for new £3.5m Wetherspoons REVEALED in town locals claim is ‘too posh’ – after opening huge Waterloo venue
EXCITING plans for a new £3.5MILLION Wetherspoons have been revealed – but locals say the town is “too posh” for it.
The boozer is set to hit the countryside town Marlow, in Buckinghamshire, and welcome punters on September 24.
It will take the place of a former M&Co retailer, which some residents claim was more suited to the area.
The opening of Grand Assembly triggered fierce backlash from several who said it was “gross” and would “disfigure” their home.
Others argued it “looks more appropriate to Piccadilly Circus” in scathing comments.
It will serve customers from 8am until midnight on Sunday to Thursday, with alcohol served until 11.30pm.
On Friday and Saturday, it will shut its doors at 1am, with alcohol served until 12.30am.
A major sticking point seems to be plans for new signage that will light up.
However, ‘Spoons say it will only attract more visitors and offer 70 jobs.
And, it doesn’t appear all nearby homeowners are disappointed with the new addition.
Beryl Simmonds told MailOnline: “I think the problem is that those from the posh side of Marlow do not want us in their part of town.'”
Buckinghamshire Council granted planning permission in November 2022.
One local who lives close to the site, Michael New, said: “The proposed signage is gross. It would disfigure the whole of that part of West Street.
“If permitted it would probably be followed by similar applications for other premises in West Street, Chapel Street, Spittal Street and the High Street.”
The disgruntled homeowner said it could “completely destroy the character of Marlow”.
Another who harshly criticised the up and coming pub added: “The extent and illumination of the proposed signage looks more appropriate to Piccadilly Circus than a central and important part of our conservation area.”
The resident also worried it could attract other businesses who would follow suit.
He said it was “particularly offensive” because they are in a conservation area.
The building, in Market Street, was constructed between 1965 and 1972, but stands where a Georgian property used to be.
In the early 1800’s it was used as an ironmongers, and then it became a retailer from the 1940s to early 1970s.
In the 1980s the store became an Iceland supermarket, until 2006 when it was transformed into M&Co.
Wetherspoons snapped up the site for £3.5million in March 2022 after M&Co went into administration.
The new pub will pay homage to its past history with Victoria era decor and a “modern industrial twist, amalgamating old and new design elements”.
And, there will even be nods to the classic Halloween monster Frankenstein as author Mark Shelley lived nearby in her lifetime.
Grand Assembly manager Rachel Turner, said: “Myself and my team are looking forward to welcoming customers into The Grand Assembly.
“We are confident that the pub will be a great addition to Marlow’s social scene.”
How can I save money at Wetherspoons?
FREE refills - Buy a £1.50 tea, coffee or hot chocolate and you can get free refills. The deal is available all day, every day.
Check a map – Prices can vary from one location the next, even those close to each other.
So if you’re planning a pint at a Spoons, it’s worth popping in nearby pubs to see if you’re settling in at the cheapest.
Choose your day – Each night the pub chain runs certain food theme nights.
For instance, every Thursday night is curry club, where diners can get a main meal and a drink for a set price cheaper than usual.
Pick-up vouchers – Students can often pick up voucher books in their local near universities, which offer discounts on food and drink, so keep your eyes peeled.
Get appy – The Wetherspoons app allows you to order and pay for your drink and food from your table – but you don’t need to be in the pub to use it.
Taking full advantage of this, cheeky customers have used social media to ask their friends and family to order them drinks. The app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play.
Check the date – Every year, Spoons holds its Tax Equality Day to highlight the benefits of a permanently reduced tax bill for the pub industry.
It usually takes place in September, and last year it fell on Thursday, September 14.
As well as its 12-day Real Ale Festival every Autumn, Wetherspoons also holds a Spring Festival.