Wetherspoon is a leading pub operator in the UK and Ireland. Founder chairman Tim Martin opened the very first Wetherspoon in Muswell Hill, north London, in 1979. Today, Tim and the company run over 850 pubs and hotels, spread right across the UK and, more recently, in Ireland. During this 40-year history, Wetherspoon has repeatedly led the way with ground-breaking initiatives, picked up hundreds of awards (covering all aspects of pub life) and grown from a handful of staff to over 40,000 employees. The company seeks to develop staff through effective and award-winning training and development, through a positive working environment and, of course, by means of a competitive pay packet. Every year, thousands of staff complete one or more of the company’s award-winning training courses, not only preparing them to work safely and to the best of their ability, but also inspiring them to pursue positive career development. The company prides itself in offering excellent training and support at all levels.
The legendary life-saver William Adams was born in Gorleston in 1864. Known in the local press as the ‘Hero of Gorleston’, he is credited with saving 140 people from drowning, mainly during his time as a Gorleston Beach bathing hut attendant. Adams was also a swimming instructor, coaching some of the leading swimmers of his day. He died in 1913 and is buried in Gorleston Old Cemetery.