Pub-goers keen to support independent bars rather than big chains have been handed a lifeline with the launch of the Neverspoons app.
Designed to let people dodge big chains and find independent locals, it shows people a map of their area.
Green markers signify independently run pubs and red ones those under the J.D. Wetherspoons umbrella, Manchester Evening News reports.
Its creation follows a controversial few months for the pub chain, with Spoons chairman Tim Martin facing criticism for downplaying the risks involved in visiting pubs at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
He has also sparked controversy by using his pubs to push his strongly pro-leave views on Brexit, and his initial statement that staff wouldn't be paid while bars were shut until the Government started the furlough scheme even saw some of his boozers vandalised.
But the developers of the new ap - Shane Jones and Ned Poulter - said they hope it can help to support smaller, more locally-operated establishments, rather than as a protest against his actions.
Shane said: "Far too many traditional pubs closed down after the previous recession and it was pretty sad to see.
"Post lockdown could see us heading back that way.
"There are too many of these former pubs in amazing buildings, now derelict, that used to be the central hub for a lot of communities.
"The message is simple: if you do want to head out to the pub as they re-open, consider avoiding your local Wetherspoon and instead support a smaller independent pub taking the necessary steps to do so safely during these odd times."
Their website homepage states: "Find yourself an alternative pint while also supporting local independent pubs and bars.
"If you can put some money in the till of a smaller independent pub through the use of this app, then it's done the job I intended it to."
The app is available for free now through the Google Play store, with an Apple version in progress.
You can see more at the neverspoons.app website - and even add your favourite drinking esablishment to their list to help it out.
