Tim Martin Wants To Turn Buckingham Palace Into A Wetherspoons

Tim Martin, founder and chairman of Wetherspoons, wants to turn Buckingham Palace into, you guessed it, another Spoons.

We've all been to a surprisingly fancy Wetherspoons - maybe you've popped in for a pint, or jug, while out of town and have been surprised by a nice chandelier or elaborate staircase.

Well, Martin's ambitions don't stop at a mere chandelier, as he's now set his sights on Buckingham Palace.

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Speaking to MyLondon, the businessman said he saw the Queen's move to Windsor Castle as an opportunity to expand his businesses.

“The Queen's moved out early. Perfect opportunity for Timbo,” Martin said.

Divulging his plan, the business owner continued: "I wouldn't even insist on taking over the whole of Buckingham Palace, I’d just take a section and a bit of garden. The Royal Family could earn a bit of income and I could feature in the Trooping the Colour."

Well, having a Spoons in the garden would be sure to liven up tours around the residence.

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Rest assured, Martin would keep the integrity of the palace intact, with the pub owner adding: "we’d preserve the old features."

Martin went on to say that her Majesty would always be welcome to visit the palace for a drink. "She likes a sherbert, so I’ve heard on the grapevine," he said.

While Martin's plans for the palace are a pipe dream at the moment, the Spoons owner built up the company to become the UK's largest pub chain since it opened its doors in 1979.

The founder and chairman has been outspoken in the past on topics ranging from politics to palaces, it now seems.

Still, Martin is happy with the space he occupies in the public sphere.

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"We're not perfect - I know that - but I'm happy enough with the public image," Martin said in a recent interview with LADBible.

During the start of the pandemic, Martin came under fire for allegations that he told staff they might face delays in pay and to 'go and work at Tesco'.

The story was picked up by a host of media outlets, who later printed retractions, as it was found Martin didn't in fact make those remarks to staff.

"Things we said in the press were a little bit distorted, but obviously I regret that," Martin said of the situation.

"We've got plenty of things wrong over the years, but it's just trying to take small steps in the right direction."

And, if Martin's recent comments are anything to go by, that next step could be through the Buckingham Palace gates.