Tasha Bentley, a 23-year-old self-proclaimed Wetherspoons superfan, has taken her love for the budget pub chain to a whole new level by getting its name tattooed across her stomach in a bold, five-inch-tall death metal font. The sprawling tattoo, measuring 1.6 feet wide, cost her £500 and took several sessions to complete, culminating in its final unveiling in November. Bentley, who already boasts a collection of 55 tattoos, combined her love for Wetherspoons and heavy metal music in this striking design, which she proudly declares as her favorite. The unusual inking has understandably garnered a mix of reactions, from surprise to bewilderment, from her friends, family, and the staff at her local Wetherspoons, The Bull’s Head Hotel in Walkden, Manchester.
Bentley’s fascination with Wetherspoons extends beyond a casual fondness. She describes feeling a sense of comfort and safety in the pub’s atmosphere, appreciating the affordability of its food and drinks. Her favorite Wetherspoons beverage, the Bumbu Colada cocktail, further solidifies her connection to the chain. The inspiration for the tattoo originated from a design she stumbled upon on Facebook, which immediately captivated her. Initially envisioning the design as an underboob tattoo, she eventually settled on her stomach as a more suitable location due to the size of the design and her body shape.
The tattooing process itself was far from a pleasant experience. Bentley recounts the pain she endured during the multiple sittings required to complete the large piece. She relied on numbing cream to manage the discomfort, initially getting only the line work done before returning for subsequent sessions to fill in the rest of the design. Despite the pain, Bentley’s excitement upon seeing the finished tattoo overshadowed the ordeal. She compared the feeling to receiving good news, a sentiment she admits is unexpected in relation to a Wetherspoons tattoo. The overwhelming joy and satisfaction derived from finally having the tattoo completed brought her to tears.
Now a walking advertisement for the pub chain, Bentley humorously hopes to receive some form of recognition, perhaps even a free whiskey, from Wetherspoons for her dedicated display of loyalty. Her family, while accepting of her unique tribute, still finds her choice somewhat peculiar. Her friends, however, were less surprised, characterizing the tattoo as a typical “Tasha thing to do”. The staff at her local Wetherspoons initially reacted with bewilderment, questioning her motivation, to which she simply replied with her love for the establishment.
Bentley’s bold declaration of her Wetherspoons fandom comes amidst the chain’s expansion plans. Following the successful opening of their first pub within a holiday park last year at Haven Primrose Valley Holiday Park in Yorkshire, Wetherspoons intends to launch another location at Haven Presthaven in North Wales. Named “The Boathouse,” the new pub will replace the existing Mash and Barrel bar area. With over 830 pubs currently operating across the UK, Wetherspoons continues to solidify its presence in the British hospitality landscape. While Wetherspoons declined to comment on Bentley’s unusual tribute, her story highlights the diverse range of customer connections to the brand.
The story of Tasha Bentley’s Wetherspoons tattoo has garnered attention, sparking conversations about the lengths people go to express their passions and interests. While some may find her choice outlandish, it underscores the personal connections individuals can forge with brands and establishments. For Bentley, Wetherspoons represents more than just a pub; it’s a place of comfort, affordability, and community. Her tattoo, while unconventional, serves as a permanent testament to this unique bond. The story also provides a glimpse into the ever-expanding reach of the Wetherspoons chain, as it continues to integrate its presence into various leisure settings, including holiday parks.
Bentley’s dedication to Wetherspoons, manifested in the form of a large stomach tattoo, has undoubtedly cemented her status as a superfan. Her story, while unusual, highlights the powerful connection individuals can develop with brands and the diverse ways they choose to express their loyalty. From enduring multiple painful tattoo sessions to proudly displaying the finished product, Bentley’s commitment to her beloved pub chain is evident. Whether or not Wetherspoons acknowledges her grand gesture with a free whiskey remains to be seen, but her story has undoubtedly added a unique chapter to the annals of Wetherspoons fandom.
