Couple dwelling in Wetherspoons pub for 2 months after storm destroys house

Need to know

A retired couple who lost their home when a tree crashed through it during Storm Goretti have been living in their local Wetherspoons in Cornwall – and have already tried everything on the menu

What you need to know:

• An elderly couple who lost their home in Storm Goretti have found an unlikely refuge – living in their local Wetherspoons for six weeks.
• Catherine Mills, 86, and husband Harold, 84, were forced to flee their Camborne home with just the clothes on their backs after a massive 143-year-old pine tree crashed through their property. The devoted Spoons fans didn’t hesitate about where to seek shelter.
• “We left with pretty much nothing,” Catherine revealed. “But after spending the night at my daughter’s house the next day we paid for a week at the local Wetherspoons.”
• The couple have been living at The John Francis Basset pub in Cornwall since January 9, enjoying daily cooked breakfasts and evening meals while their insurance covers the costs. Staff have given them a room above the bar and the pair have worked their way through the entire menu.
• Catherine’s surprise favourite dish has been the Korean sticky chicken bowl. “I would not have tried that normally but when I ask for more sauce they always give it to me,” she said.
• The couple, who previously visited weekly for affordable meals and wine, say the Wetherspoons community has been incredibly welcoming. “People turn their nose up at Wetherspoon but they shouldn’t,” Catherine added.
• They plan to stay until March 5 when they hope to move into rented accommodation, ending their 55-day residence at the budget pub chain.

READ THE FULL STORY: Couple move into Wetherspoons after losing home and have already scoffed ‘whole menu’