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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Business
Levi Winchester

Wetherspoon axes Strongbow and John Smith's from pubs in huge menu shake-up

Pub chain Wetherspoon is axing John Smith's and Strongbow drinks from its boozers as part of a huge menu shake up.

The change comes after the company signed a new 20-year deal with Budweiser Brewing Group to become its largest supplier.

The agreement will see drinks including Budweiser, Stella Artois, Corona, Leffe Blonde and Bud Light - as well as Bathtub Gin, Bud Light Seltzer and Mike’s Hard Seltzer - feature in all 860 Wetherspoon pubs.

But draught ciders Strongbow and Strongbow Dark Fruits will be replaced by Stowford Press Apple and Stowford Press Mixed Berries, made by Westons Cider.

John Smith's bitter is being replaced by Worthington's bitter, supplied by brewer Molson Coors.

The changes will come in on December 15 across all Spoons' pubs after a 41-year association with Heineken and other predecessors.

Wetherspoon says demand for Budweiser Brewing Group drinks has increased during the pandemic and its menu change will reflect this.

It comes after a challenging 18 months for the hospitality industry where pubs and restaurants were forced to shut for months at a time due to lockdown restrictions.

Wetherspoon had launched a "Save Pub Life" initiative during the height of the pandemic, encouraging communities to safeguard their local pubs with the campaign funneling £1.5million.

Are you happy about the Wetherspoon changes? Let us know in the comments below.

Tim Martin is the chairman of Wetherspoon (PA)

Tim Martin, chairman of JD Wetherspoon, said: “Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I will now become our biggest supplier, with new beers Budweiser, Corona and Leffe Blonde, in addition to their existing products, Stella Artois and Bud Light - as well as a range of bottled beers.

“We are also pleased to have agreed long-term supply deals with BrewDog, Westons Cider, Carlsberg and Molson Coors.

“Wetherspoon will continue to sell a wide range of traditional ales and craft beers from regional and micro brewers at competitive prices.”

Paula Lindenberg, president of Budweiser Brewing Group said: “We are so excited to strengthen our partnership with JD Wetherspoon.

“At Budweiser Brewing Group, we have the perfect recipe for success across Wetherspoon pubs - we have a strong, leading portfolio that caters to evolving consumer trends, especially as people opt for more premium options post-Covid.”

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