INDEPENDENT pubs in the city are not worried about Wetherspoon owner Tim Martin’s promise to slash beer prices if the UK leaves the EU on October 31.

Mr Martin, who launched the affordable chain in 1979 and now boasts almost 900 pubs, has pledged to cut prices to an “unbelievable low” after Brexit to celebrate Britain’s exit.

The businessman claims he will be able to strike cheaper deals with supplies from non-EU nations, but will only follow through with his promise if the country leaves “properly”.

Worcester is home to two Wetherspoon pubs, The Crown and The Postal Order, but competitors have told us any drop in prices is unlikely to impact their trade.

Nic Gibbons, landlord of the Anchor Inn, in Diglis Road, said: “The thing is, he can do what he wants. He can get produce from the brewery for half price. He has higher buying power than little pubs. We get ours set from Marstons and they definitely won’t drop the prices.”

He said his customers are unlikely to go to a Wetherspoons regardless of the price because they prefer the “nice environment”, including views of Diglis Marina and the expertise of his staff.

“The prices are high which keeps out the idiots – so we don’t have any trouble.

“People who come here feel very welcome, the staff are helpful and it’s a nice environment.”

He went on to say a person’s choice of pub depends on how much they earn and their tastes.

“Personally, I wouldn’t go to a Wetherspoons,” he said. “I prefer to support independent businesses. I will never go in a chain.”

Melanie Thompson, owner of the Farriers Arms, in Fish Street, said: “A lot of people go to Wetherspoons for the cheap beer. If they slash their prices, those people will still likely go.

“I don’t think it will change things much. People come here because they like the pub, it’s one of the oldest in the city.”

Jen Ball, owner of The King Charles, in New Street, said: “Certainly, we think Wetherspoons is a lovely business, but we don’t share that many clientele with them. If they can get their beer cheaper then good luck to them. We are a pub for more discerning beer drinkers.”

Alex Williams, assistant manager of the Cardinal’s Hat, in Friar Street, said his pub is “able to offer things that others aren’t” including a selection of world beers. “[Mr Martin] is not keen on that sort of thing anymore.”