Wetherspoons Christmas Menu Put to the Test
On a regular Thursday in November, the familiar atmosphere of a Wetherspoons pub provided an unlikely setting for an early Christmas dinner. Journalist Amy Gaffney visited The Figure of Eight on Broad Street to sample the chain's much-anticipated festive offerings, departing from her usual routine of pints and crisps.
The iconic pub chain, known for its distinctive charm of beer-scented air, conversation-filled spaces without background music, and reputation for affordable fare, felt somewhat lacking in seasonal spirit. Beyond a modest string of fairy lights at the bar, the establishment offered little of the traditional winter magic one might expect.
The Festive Food Arrives - Eventually
Utilising the convenient app ordering system, the requested soft drink appeared promptly. However, the speed of service Wetherspoons prides itself on faltered when it came to the main event. The food arrived after the Pepsi Max had been finished, leaving our reviewer waiting longer than anticipated.
When the meal finally appeared, the presentation was surprisingly commendable. The plate contained posh carrots and parsnips (though noted as being a little tough), peas, mashed potato, a generously-sized stuffing ball resembling a perfect sphere, four slices of turkey, and a separate pot of cranberry sauce to avoid mixing with the gravy.
Priced at £13.99 with a soft drink or £15.52 with an alcoholic beverage, the meal represents one of the most affordable roast dinner options in Birmingham's city centre. While long-time patrons might sigh at the price increases over the years, the quality was acknowledged as being good for the cost.
The Glaring Omission on the Plate
Despite the generally positive assessment of the components present, the meal suffered from one significant absence that any British Christmas diner would immediately spot. The plate was completely devoid of roast potatoes.
This missing element, considered by many to be the cornerstone of any proper Christmas dinner, was notably absent. While the menu technically describes the dish as 'turkey slices and winter vegetables', the omission of everyone's favourite potato felt like a substantial oversight for what is essentially being marketed as a festive roast.
The overall experience was ultimately satisfying, with the reviewer leaving the pub feeling full and pleasantly surprised by the quality. The novelty of enjoying a roast dinner on Broad Street in broad daylight on a weekday added to the peculiar charm of the experience.
While it might not be a destination for a swift return visit, the verdict concluded that the Wetherspoons Christmas dinner is certainly worth mentioning to friends – with the caveat that you shouldn't expect the complete traditional experience, especially if you're a roast potato enthusiast.
