In a significant menu overhaul, the popular pub chain Wetherspoons has confirmed the permanent removal of the classic Mixed Grill dish from all its establishments across the United Kingdom. This decision follows numerous complaints from customers and persistent operational difficulties, particularly concerning the preparation of steak.
End of an Era for a Pub Classic
The Mixed Grill, a hearty staple that featured sausages, gammon, steak, a choice of chicken or pork, egg, mushroom, tomato, chips, and onion rings, has been axed. Sir Tim Martin, the founder and chairman of Wetherspoons, explained the primary reason for its removal was the inconsistency in cooking steak to customer satisfaction.
Steak Preparation Proves Problematic
"There’s no two people in the UK who agree what a medium steak is," Sir Tim stated. "They were getting sent back a lot and it was causing us a lot of aggravation. We struggled overall to do it well." This feedback from patrons highlighted a core issue with the dish, leading to its discontinuation as part of a broader menu simplification strategy.
Sir Tim emphasised the company's philosophy: "So, do what you do, do well, we simplified the menu… it’s still a pretty big menu." The move is seen as an effort to streamline operations and improve overall food quality and consistency across the chain's numerous locations.
Economic Pressures on the Hospitality Sector
The decision also comes against a backdrop of significant economic challenges facing the pub industry. Sir Tim highlighted the severe cost increases impacting businesses like his. "Cost increases in the last couple of years have been very high… enormous," he remarked during an interview on Times Radio.
He provided specific figures, noting that in the first Budget following recent economic shifts, Wetherspoons faced additional costs of approximately £1.2 million per week, equating to around £60 million annually. "All the different things that have been done amount to even more in the current year," he added. "So, it’s a very challenging cost environment for pubs."
Political Reactions to Business Climate
The menu change and the cited economic pressures have sparked commentary from political figures. Shadow Conservative Party chancellor Sir Mel Stride criticised the current government's approach, linking business decisions to broader economic policies. "Businesses couldn’t be clearer: Labour’s tax-and-spend agenda is already costing Britain jobs," he asserted. "When you punish employers, you punish workers – and working people are paying the price."
In contrast, Labour Party Chancellor Rachel Reeves offered a more optimistic outlook. Speaking from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, she told Sky News: "Businesses here, this week are feeling positive. They’re feeling optimistic about the year ahead. I am too, because we have the right plan, for our economy, for our country to bring that growth and prosperity in all parts of the country that we need."
This removal marks the end of a beloved dish for many pub-goers, reflecting both specific operational hurdles and the wider financial strains within the UK's hospitality sector. Customers across the country, including in cities like Birmingham where Wetherspoons has a strong presence, will now find a revised menu offering as the chain adapts to these evolving challenges.
