Wetherspoons has been forced to remove a staple breakfast item from its menu due to a supply shortage. The popular pub chain is grappling with a lack of free-range eggs, leading to an alternative being offered to customers in place of the usual eggs.
Notices have been posted outside various Wetherspoon establishments informing patrons of the issue. The signs say: “Free-range egg supply shortages.
“Because of free-range egg shortages, we will be replacing eggs with a hash brown on the following dishes: Large traditional breakfast, traditional breakfast, small breakfast large vegetarian breakfast, vegetarian breakfast, small vegetarian breakfast freedom breakfast.”
The notices also offer assistance for those seeking an alternative, saying “If you would like an alternative item, please order at the bar – and we will assist you with this. Apologies for any inconvenience which this may cause.”
The change has sparked reactions online, reports the Express, with one person saying on a Wetherspoon-focused social media page: “What a clucking liberty.” Meanwhile, a Twitter user expressed their dismay, saying: “What is going on went to Spoons today and they have no eggs for breakfast.”
They added: “Sorry but have to go to Premier inn for my Breakfast.” Reports from customers in Somerset, Brighton, Leominster, Harrogate, Cornwall, and Cardiff surfaced on social media, indicating that they too were affected by the egg shortage during their breakfast visits.
Another comment highlighted said: “First a Guinness shortage and now no eggs. What’s happening to the world? ” In response to the situation, Wetherspoons said: “We source some of our free-range eggs from suppliers and farms based in Northern Ireland.
“The recent outbreak of Avian flu has put pressure on egg availability with measures put in place by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to restrict the spread.
“We are working with all of our egg suppliers to reduce disruption in pubs.” Wetherspoons patrons were also up after another dish was dropped from the menu in 40 of the chain’s venues nationwide. The popular 8oz sirloin steak, along with a soft drink, was available for £13, and for merely an additional £1.74, customers could opt for an alcoholic beverage instead.
While pub management confirmed the cut from certain menus, the reason has not been explained. But the dish is still available to order at 760 Wetherspoon pubs throughout the UK.