In a surprise move that has drawn strong reactions from its patrons, Wetherspoons has announced it will stop serving the popular Spanish lager San Miguel in all of its UK pubs by the end of November.

Instead, the pub chain plans to offer an Italian lager, Poretti, which will be priced at under £4 per pint in most locations. This change follows the recent revelation that San Miguel is a top favorite beer in the UK, as a YouGov survey ranked it the nation’s most popular with a 61% approval rating.

Mixed Reactions Among Customers

The announcement has sparked both disappointment and relief among Wetherspoons customers. Many loyal drinkers of San Miguel took to social media to share their frustration, with some expressing that they will miss the beer’s familiar taste, especially as the winter season approaches.

One regular patron remarked that San Miguel was his "go-to drink, especially in the summer," while another commented bluntly, "I'm gutted to hear it's going."

However, some patrons who are less fond of the Spanish lager have also welcomed the news. On X (formerly Twitter), one customer shared, "San Miguel is horrific...Poretti is a fine drop." This mixed reaction highlights the divide between San Miguel enthusiasts and those open to trying the Italian substitute.

Possible Factors Behind the Decision

Wetherspoons has yet to give a detailed explanation for the shift, but the end of a longstanding licensing deal between San Miguel’s Spanish parent company, Mahou San Miguel, and Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) may have played a role.

While this change may impact supply logistics, CMBC's CEO, Paul Davies, expressed disappointment over the end of the partnership, acknowledging their success in growing the brand over the past 15 years.

Tim Martin, Wetherspoons’ founder, hinted earlier in the month that all pub prices, including for beverages, could face upward pressure due to rising costs spurred by inflation and the latest UK Budget.

Poretti's Potential to Attract New Fans

The introduction of Poretti, a lesser-known Italian lager, is likely an attempt by Wetherspoons to provide an affordable but quality alternative for customers. By pricing Poretti at less than £4 per pint, the company may aim to appeal to budget-conscious customers while maintaining profitability amid economic pressures.

For Wetherspoons, which operates nearly 800 pubs across the UK, these decisions reflect ongoing challenges in the hospitality sector, where balancing quality offerings and competitive pricing is key to sustaining customer loyalty.