A new app has been created aimed at encouraging people to visit independent pubs instead of their nearest branch of JD Wetherspoon.
'Neverspoons' has been made by two Manchester-based web developers who have been unimpressed with the major pub group's actions throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
The chain publicly refused to pay suppliers until lockdown ended back in March and its boss, Tim Martin, said lockdown itself was 'over the top' and urged his 40,000 workers to avoid taking furlough, suggesting that they could ' get a job in Tesco instead '.
These statements prompted major backlashes online with #neverspoons and #boycottwetherspoons trending at various points on Twitter.
Neverspoons was developed to enable people to find an alternative independently-run pub instead, in the hope it will boost support for them as they reopen after lockdown.
It uses the location of the app user to direct them to the door of small pubs near to them, urging people to swerve Spoons in favour of indie boozers.
Shane Jones, who developed Neverspoons alongside his friend Ned Poulter, 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."
The app can be downloaded on Google Play and is comnig soon to the App store on iPhones.
For more information about Neverspoons and to download it, visit the Neverspoons website.
