Pub giant Wetherspoons has ignited a storm of protest after discreetly removing a quintessential British accompaniment from its dessert menu. The chain has axed custard as a serving option with its apple crumble, a decision branded as "crazy" and "unacceptable" by disappointed patrons.
Customer Backlash Over Missing Custard
The removal of the classic dessert sauce was first highlighted by customers on social media, who expressed disbelief and anger. One user questioned the logic of the move, posting: “I can’t believe I just found out Wetherspoons have stopped selling custard! How can they still sell apple crumble!” Another echoed the sentiment of many, stating simply: “Apple pie/crumble without custard? Whatever next?”
The frustration extended to other desserts, with a third customer adding: “Bloody outrage! This deserves attention. And not to mention that the sticky toffee pudding is either plain or with ice cream.” This menu change follows a previous customer campaign that successfully lobbied for the return of the jacket potato with tuna mayonnaise earlier in the year.
Tim Martin Responds to Previous Menu Grievance
The earlier tuna jacket potato saga saw a customer write directly to Wetherspoons founder and chairman, Sir Tim Martin. In a characteristically candid response, Sir Tim admitted his own change in lunch habits had caused him to miss the item's disappearance. “For several decades, I was a tuna-and-jacket-potato guy. But I switched to a chicken wrap and salad for lunch a few years back, so I hadn’t noticed the tuna had vamoosed,” he said. He confirmed the item was reinstated following the feedback, joking: “No sooner is my back turned. Seriously though, as we speak, tuna has been reinstated. Your wish is my command, as they say.”
Strong Sales Performance Amid Menu Changes
The custard controversy comes as the nearly 800-strong pub group reports a robust trading performance. For the first 14 weeks of its financial year to November 2, the company saw like-for-like sales increase by 3.7%, an improvement on the 3.2% growth recorded in the initial weeks.
A breakdown of sales shows:
- Bar sales rose by 5.7%
- Food sales lifted by 0.9%
- Sales from slot and fruit machines jumped 8.9%
- Hotel room sales fell by 6.3%
Despite the positive figures, Sir Tim struck a note of caution regarding the future outlook, citing the impending Chancellor's Budget statement. “The company is pleased with the continued sales momentum but is mindful of the Chancellor’s Budget statement later this month and, as a result, is slightly more cautious in its outlook for the remainder of the year,” he stated.
