Wetherspoons is set to stop serving San Miguel beer across its pubs by the end of November, with the popular Spanish lager being replaced by Italian brand Poretti.
The pub chain has reportedly informed staff of the upcoming change, which will see Poretti offered at a lower price point of £3.88 a pint in most locations, dropping to £3.20 on Mondays.
The decision has already sparked concern among pub staff about potential customer backlash.
One barman revealed that San Miguel is currently one of their best-selling drinks, reported Gloucestershire Live.
San Miguel is currently one of the chain’s best-selling drinks
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He added that he “doesn’t fancy having to deal with all the complaints” they expect to receive when the change takes effect.
Customer reactions on social media have been notably mixed, with many expressing disappointment at the change.
“Am gutted to hear that! San Miguel is my absolute favourite,” wrote one customer on Facebook.
Another social media user lamented: “For someone who only drinks San Miguel in spoons it is a massive disappointment.”
However, some customers have welcomed the switch to Poretti.
“San Miguel is horrific though, the one Spanish beer I never drink. Poretti on the other hand is a fine drop,” commented one user on X.
The announcement, shared in the Facebook group ‘We love Wetherspoons’, sparked varied responses.
“Good choice, nicer than Peroni,” wrote one supporter, while others were less enthusiastic, with one simply stating: “Poretti is grim.”
“Hopefully not true, don’t mind a San Miguel,” added another concerned customer.
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The change represents a significant shift for the pub chain
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The Italian lager replacing San Miguel comes with significant heritage, dating back to 1877 when the Birrificio Angelo Poretti Brewery was founded by its namesake, Angelo Poretti.
The premium Italian beer boasts a 4.8 per cent ABV and is crafted using four different hop varieties.
Poretti positions itself as a beer specifically “brewed to pair with food,” according to product information shared with Wetherspoons staff.
The change represents a significant shift for the pub chain, as it moves away from the Spanish favourite to embrace an Italian alternative with its own established brewing tradition.
Wetherspoon has been approached for comment.
