JD Wetherspoon scoops two awards for lack of 'unwanted music'

The pub company won Best Quiet Pub Chain while the Waterhouse in Manchester won Best Individual Quiet Pub in the Quiet Corners Competition, which showcases companies and outlets that don’t play piped music.

The Waterhouse was also praised for its “cosy atmosphere” and “small, intimate rooms of character”.

Nigel Rodgers, national secretary of Pipedown, the Campaign for Freedom from Piped Music and the awards’ organisers, said: “I founded Pipedown 20 years ago because I found it difficult to find a pub without piped music.

“A small but vital part of Wetherspoon’s continuing success is that you can go into one of its pubs and know that you will not find unwanted music.

“Instead you can eat, drink and talk in peace which appeals to people who love music and hate it being misused.”

JDW chairman Tim Martin, who was presented with the awards from pub-lover and musician Julian Lloyd Webber, said: “We are proud to win both these awards.

“In my view good conversation and drink and food is the key to a popular pub, as is the chance to have a pint and read the newspaper in peace.”