27 October 2025 , 22:02
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A Wetherspoons pub, which underwent £2,750,000 worth of renovations, had thousands of pounds of damage inflicted on its windows just 24 hours after reopening.
Thousands of people had gone for a drink at the Sigered, King of Essex pub in Basildon, Essex, when it opened on Tuesday.
But at least nine of the massive pub front windows were smashed on Wednesday or Thursday morning.
Police are now investigating, with a Wetherspoon spokesman saying the incident was ‘disappointing’.
A 36-year-old man from Basildon has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
Shift manager Clarice Jordan said the incident was ‘very concerning’, but added that police are actively investigating the matter.
An Essex Police spokesman said: ‘We are investigating an incident of criminal damage in East Walk, Basildon, either late on Tuesday, October 21 or the early hours of Wednesday, October 22.
‘Anyone with information should contact us quoting incident number 104 of 22 October.’
Earlier this year, a brand new £2.8million Wetherspoons pub opened at London Waterloo.
The Lion and the Unicorn, in The Sidings, which was formerly home to Waterloo’s Eurostar terminus, began welcoming punters on Tuesday, September 3.
Known as the ‘social side’ of Waterloo, The Sidings features a number of other businesses such as Nando’s, Brewdog, Blank Street coffee, and a Lucky Voice karaoke bar.
The neighbouring Brewdog pub is an impressive establishment, boasting a giant slide and a secret speakeasy bar inside, but this new Wetherspoons will also offer customers a unique drinking experience — especially if they’re a fan of trains — with floor-to-ceiling glazing offering views of the concourse.
The Lion and the Unicorn will be wheelchair accessible, set across a single level, with children (as long as they’re accompanied by an adult) welcome up until 9 pm throughout the week.
Technology & Business Editor