Re: Wetherspoons. Tim Martin is a jerk but I've a soft spot for the pubs, mainly because they tend to be renovations of fine old buildings, therefore saving many an architectural gem from demolition. So, one can sit and soak-up a cheap pint whilst admiring the architraves, cornices and axminster carpets: in peace, as they are free from the modern world blight of piped muzak
They're also egalitarian: public bar meets lounge meets snug; and provide something of a social service, being 'warm hubs' where the less-than-well-off can while away hours supping free refills of coffee