Scott Schillemore, a thirty-three-year-old former Royal Artillery gunner who lost a friend in Afghanistan, was left baffled and thirsty after being told he could not enter The Star in Gosport, Hampshire, on Sunday night by an over-zealous bouncer.
The manager later explained that a blanket rule covered anything perceived as political, including Pride flags. Online outrage spread quickly after footage leaked from a Reform councillor, with users vowing to boycott the chain.
A Wetherspoon spokesperson stated, "Wetherspoon has been a long-standing supporter of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal with poppies for sale in our pubs, including The Star." The representative added, "There is no ban on poppies in Wetherspoon pubs," while acknowledging that standard security measures were implemented because of town demonstrations.
GIVE IT A REST ON MEG
Thomas Markle, an alleged paedophile monster who denies all accusations, dominated headlines for five days following revelations by The Sun. The author noted viewing his daughter Meghan differently, which sparked hundreds of messages from people unfollowing and calling her awful.
Defending Meghan, the piece questioned why people blame her and noted she trusted the Metropolitan Police to handle information after receiving a 2019 letter. Speaking out might have jeopardised ongoing criminal investigations.
PLEASE BANISH TRAITORS TEDIUM
The author expressed fatigue with BBC One series The Traitors, wondering if it has grown dull following the opening episode's Richard E Grant blunder. With two episodes and ten players left, including comedian Romesh Ranganathan, time remains for opinions to change.
BYTE SIZED FAILS
Just Eat faced issues after using an artificial intelligence generator for menu illustrations, producing results such as a jacket potato covered in baked spuds and tiger prawns shown as mini big cats in soup. A spokesperson confirmed the images are being removed and the trial paused.
Separately, a government social media post about the clocks going back prompted sarcastic replies from the public, including complaints about taxes.
MEME OF THE WEEK
STAR TURN FOR PETS
Following a previous column about a miniature dachshund named Deirdre Barlow, readers shared their pets names, leading to a top five list.
- Alan Titchmarsh, cocker spaniel
- Dolly Pawton, tabby cat
- Lady Penelope, French bulldog
- Winnie the Poodle
- Colin the dachshund
A special mention went to the author parents late Shih Tzu, Camilla Parker-Bowles.
Bedford Borough Council sent a planning department official to investigate a twelve-year-old girl pretend teddy bear cafe. A video on X showed the official inspecting seven stuffed toys sitting around a table using Monopoly money.
