People are only just realising how pub chain 'Wetherspoons' got its name
The first Wetherspoons pub debuted in North London in 1979, but the pub chains' history dates long before this.
JD Wetherspoon, better known as Wetherspoons or 'Spoons', is a beloved institution among British pub-goers.
The UK's favourite haunt for budget-friendly drinks offers pints at just £3 and the legendary burger-and-drink combo for £8.55.
Yet, there's an intriguing piece of trivia that even the most loyal of Spoons customers may not know - the origin of its quirky name.
The man behind the empire, Tim Martin, who is now 69, founded the chain in the 1970s naming it after a teacher who doubted his potential.
Wetherspoon was actually the surname of a geography teacher from Martin's days at a school in New Zealand.
This particular Mr Wetherspoon had told young Martin that he would never succeed. Interestingly, he didn't drink alcohol either.
Delving into the story, Tim recounted to the Independent in 1999 that he picked the name because Mr Wetherspoon "was the least likely person to control a pub because he could not control a class".
Martin also reflected on how the early negative press reviews only fuelled his determination to succeed.
He chimed: "I now quite enjoy being criticised. It's also a perverse enjoyment. I'm absolutely determined they'll live to rue that day."
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His vision for the pub chain also drew inspiration from an essay by none other than George Orwell, the famed writer of Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four.
In a nostalgic piece for the Evening Standard dated February 9, 1946, George Orwell penned his vision of an idyllic pub. He dreamt of a haven free from music to encourage conversation, offering affordable, hearty fare, where beer was served in traditional pewter tankards and "where the friendly barmaids know your name".
Captivated by this, Tim Martin shaped his establishment after Orwell's concept, even adopting the name 'The Moon Under Water' for his venture.
To this day, around 12 Wetherspoons pubs hold the name, including one in Leicester Square, London.
Other 'Spoons' locations with this name can be found in Manchester, Cheltenham, Enfield, Watford, Norbury, Milton Keynes, Colindale, Wolverhampton, Cradley Heath, Hounslow and Wigan.
The origin of the name 'JD' in the pub chain, on the other hand, is less whimsical. The 'JD' is borrowed from JD "Boss" Hogg, the notorious sheriff from the American television classic The Dukes of Hazzard.
While the pub franchise has a long history in the UK, the brand is always making changes to its 809 locations, like bringing back the beloved Brunch Burger on selected dates this summer.
The burger returned last year after a ten-year hiatus and will make its third appearance on Father's Day day weekend - from Friday, June 14 to Sunday, June 16.
