An affordable Wetherspoons pub in Islington, popular with students, colleagues and retirees alike is set to be sold, leaving customers at a loss for cheap drinks and meals.
The Angel was one of 32 JD Wetherspoon pubs put up for sale this week in a move that has disappointed loyal customers up and down the country.
Angela Vegas, 32, has been coming to the Angel with her colleagues from commercial property lettings company Pearl & Coutts for 11 years, returning time and again for cheap drinks and food.
Vegas’s colleague Hannah Smith, 29, described the Angel as an institution and struggled to think of somewhere in the area where they’ll get good food at the same price in the future.
Another regular, Brian Smith, 80, agreed that not many places are truly affordable.
He said: “This would cost double in the West End – and we don’t just come out for one.”
Sarah Roper, 65, was visiting from Birmingham and made a point of coming to the Angel.
She said: “We heard it’s going to be closing soon, so we thought we’d make the most of it whilst it’s open.
“The dark beers I like to drink are a lot more expensive at other pubs. We still drink them elsewhere but it’s nice to have a few cheaper ones along the way.”
Just a stone’s throw from City University, the Angel is one of International Politics student Frank Owen’s favourite pubs.
The 20-year-old, who meets up with friends there once or twice a week, said: “It’s a real shame to be honest because it’s affordable, a good location and really friendly people.”
JD Wetherspoon spokesperson Eddie Gershon called the pub sales a commercial decision.
The sales come after the company warned it could face £30 million in losses due to rising wages and building repairs.
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