Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin has hailed the founding fathers of America as his biggest inspiration as he spoke to mark the opening of a new pub named after a 759-year-old peace treaty.
Tim Martin said democracy is ‘the important factor in the development of society’ — although he admitted his knowledge of history is ‘scant’.
The company’s founder spoke as the chain opens five new pubs, including The Dictum of Kenilworth.
Converted from a former discount store, the £3.2 million venue is named after the pronouncement to reconcile the rebels of the Second Barons’ War — a group of whom held out in the town’s castle— with the royal government of England.
‘A lot of businesses in recent decades have gone down a “branding” route, whereby decor, design, the name and so on are linked to a particular image or brand,’ Martin said.
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‘We’ve always felt that pubs are more individual and people appreciate authentic links to the community and to the past: to local people, the building, and history.
‘We also try and include some works by local artists.
‘Many of our early London pubs, for example, featured artwork by my cousin Gabrielle, who comes from nearby Coventry.’
Asked if there is a figure from history he most admired, the company’s chairman picked out the founding fathers who are credited with establishing the American identity in the late 18th Century.
Where are the new Wetherspoon pubs?
*The Sun Wharf in London Bridge, previously The London Dungeon in Tooley Street. Opens September 16.
*The Sir Alexander Fleming in Paddington, named after the eminent physician who discovered penicillin in nearby Queen Mary’s Hospital. Opens September 23.
*The Sigered, King of Essex in Basildon, themed on the town’s Saxon origins. Opens December 2.
*The Chiltern, set in a former silent picture house in Beaconsfield. Opens September 30.
*The Dictum of Kenilworth, the name is a reference to a rebellion and seige. Opened on Tuesday.
‘I think the most important factor in the development of society is democracy – in spite of the turbulence and arguments it inevitably involves,’ he said. ‘In that respect America is the most important democracy, which has helped Western Europe, Japan, South Korea and many other countries emerge from authoritarianism.
‘So I’d have to say the founding fathers of America are my inspiration, although my knowledge of history is scant.’
Wetherspoon is due to open the pubs before the end of the year, all of which incorporate local history into their design. However one desired conversion at the heart of British political history, where Martin will go down as an outspoken Brexiteer, will remain out of reach.
‘Wags have often suggested we could convert the Houses of Parliament into a pub, but that’s probably a bridge too far,’ he said.
Asked what visitors to the Dictum will make of it, Martin quipped: ‘Hopefully, they’ll say, “Strewth, these Wetherspoon guys don’t hold back on their investment. From now on, Paris, Rome and Kenilworth will be the main European tourist destinations…”’
Seventy jobs have been created following a £3.2 million development project to create the Dictum, according to Wetherspoon.
Hundreds turned up for the opening on Tuesday morning, some travelling from across the country, to check out the new surroundings, which include photographs, details and artwork with local relevance.
Pub manager Tom Clarke said: ‘Myself and my team are looking forward to welcoming customers into The Dictum of Kenilworth and we are confident that the pub will be a great addition to Kenilworth’s social scene.’
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