Bad news for Dark Fruits fans
Some of the most popular pints at Wetherspoons will no longer be available to customers as part of a major shake-up to the chain's menu.
The news comes after the company signed a new 20-year deal with Budweiser Brewing Group to become its largest supplier.
This will see drinks such as Budweiser, Stella Artois, Corona and Bud Light - along with Bathtub Gin, Bud Light Seltzer and Mike’s Hard Seltzer - feature in all 860 Wetherspoon pubs.
However this will also mean that Strongbow and Strongbow Dark Fruits will no longer feature on the menu. These fan favourites will be replaced by Stowford Press Apple and Stowford Press Mixed Berries, made by Westons Cider.
It's also goodbye t0 John Smith's bitter, which will be replaced by Worthington's bitter.
The
Mirror reports that the changes will come into effect on December 15 across all of the chain's pubs. It brings to an end a 41-year association between Wetherspoons and Heineken.
The company says demand for Budweiser Brewing Group drinks has increased during the pandemic and its menu change will reflect this.
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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