Unseasoned punters were left to eat unseasoned lunches at pubs this week, after JD Wetherspoon locations across the country ran low on salt.
Pub-goers across the UK lamented the shortage of sachets in the latest supply crisis at the popular chain.
Wetherspoon bosses apologized last month after a few of its 671 pubs ran low on Carling and Coors Lager due to the shortage of 100,000 hauliers nationwide.
The chain pointed fingers at’supplier disturbance’, with new food suppliers being sought to ease the existing stock shortages.
One person took to Twitter this week and joked that there was no sugar in Greggs and no salt in Wetherspoons. Country has gone to the dogs.
Another customer who dined at Wetherspoon Piccadilly in Manchester complained about the fish and chips.
Pub-goers across the UK were outraged by the shortage of sachets at JD Wetherspoon pubs during the latest supply chain crisis at the popular chain. Pictured: Wetherspoon venue in Littlehampton West Sussex
Punters took to twitter to complain about a shortage of salt in JD Wetherspoon pubs around the UK
Punters from all over the country complained about the negative effects of the salt shortage on their favorite meals.
Manchester claimed that one pubgoer in Piccadilly had to settle for vinegar while enjoying their weekly fish & chips.
They said, “It just wasn’t the same, my chips had been ruined.”
Another Wetherspoon customer in Rochester was told that salt sachets weren’t on delivery lorries for two weeks.
Teresa Curtis claimed that her family had been affected by the salt shortage. Signs were put up in certain pubs due to supply problems.
Nicky Ford tweeted: “Apparently, you now have to now take your salt to Wetherspoons maintenant, haven’t had any salt for all week.”
Popular pub chain blamed a “supplier disruption” for its lack salt. New food providers are being sought to ease the pressure on existing stock shortages.
Earlier this month, Wetherspoon recorded its biggest loss on record after suffering heavily from Covid-19 restrictions – losing more than £150million last year
Dom Webb, co-owner of Wetherspoon-themed Instagram influencer account @webberspoons, shared his disappointment: ‘I don’t think this is good enough. It’s disappointing that such a high-street pub chain is not pleased.
Eddie Gershon, Wetherspoon spokesperson, said that there is currently a disruption in salt sachet supply. Wetherspoon bars are currently running low on salt in some of their pubs and others have no salt packets at all.
“We are working closely with our supplier to resolve this issue as soon as possible.”
Earlier this month, Wetherspoon recorded its biggest loss on record after suffering heavily from Covid-19 restrictions – losing more than £150million last year.
The company has only seen losses in three of its 37 years – in 1984, 2020 and 2021 – but the 12 months to July 25 were its worst to date.
The chain sunk to a pre-tax loss of £154.7million, up from £34.1million a year ago, while sales were down from £1.26billion to £772.6million.
Stock shortages have plagued high street retailers in Britain, as well as hospitality venues and supermarkets throughout the summer.
Shepherd Neame’s chief executive Jonathan Neame warned that there will be ‘terrific supply chains squeezes’ in the industry over the next six to 9 months.
Experts claim the shortage is caused by a combination of factors, including EU workers returning home from Brexit and lockdown restrictions that resulted in the cancellation of 40,000 HGV test. They also cited low wages and the closure for some drivers of a tax loophole.
British tourism is also being affected by the crisis. Hoteliers and bar owners are trying to manage a surge for holidaymakers as more people choose to travel at home than abroad. There is also a shortage of staff due to rising Covid infections as well as a decline in recruitment post-Brexit.
Schools are being warned to stockpile food for hot meals. David Visick of Federation of Wholesale Distributors is warning schools to stock up. He also warns that September will prove difficult for food distributors who struggle to find enough drivers.