To not go to an event with this friend again?

[Grumpytoady]

I have a lovely friend who I enjoy spending time with. They often invite me to various events and I happily tag along where I can as I enjoy their company. However they have started asking to go to Wetherspoons when we go out around these events to save money. I have no problem with a spoons as a local pop in for a drink but getting a bit grumpy about travelling to a city to have to go to a spoons when there’s so many other amazing places for food/drinks. AIBU to just stop going? When I’ve tried to suggest going somewhere else it’s been met with protestations that other places are too expensive…

You can, makes you a bellend though.

Is your friend on a budget?
Maybe they want your company but genuinely can't afford more expensive places?

She is trying to tell you something, she can't afford your choices. Don't embarrass her. By all means, try to source something more reasonably priced or offer to treat her.

So you’re going to events and need to grab food? The food isn’t the event?

It sounds like she might only be able to afford to go there. I am not a drinker but I am aware costs are going up and your friend is no doubt being realistic regarding prices. Maybe you could continue going there and at other times with different friends go to other places. I have been in for a meal when some friends asked me to go along with them. It is not my first choice . But maybe after finding out if prices are ok at other places you could mention that to your friend as it isn't a brilliant place to be honest.

They obviously feel very comfortable and know what theyre getting at Wetherspoons, some people really enjoy going to different Wetherspoons, its like a game of bingo, they tick it off and then look forward to the next one they find.

The events are various other things. I often have them round for food/drinks at no expense to them if I know money is tight. I just think by the time I’ve paid for the event, got the train etc it’s worth an extra £2 for a drink somewhere nice! But maybe I am just being a bellend…

She clearly has money issues. She's even said to you that your choices are too expensive. If she's your friend, go to wetherspoons. If you're too good for that, be a dick and stop meeting your 'friend'.

I’d rather go somewhere other than ‘Spoons but if my mate is on a budget, and the main point of being there is an event, then it’s fine. Why would you stop for this reason?

Do you value nicer surroundings over your friends company? She clearly can not afford it and is perhaps budgeting to be able to treat herself to the event.

I don’t mind going to a spoons but don’t see the point if say the event is ‘pub crawl with food’ then it turns out to be a spoons. May as well just go to the local pub and save on the train fare? I’ll still go to certain things but maybe skip on those.
for those who are acting like I’m completely insensitive, I always offer to buy them a drink and offer lifts etc a lot. They also don’t pay rent/mortgage so are hardly living in abject poverty.

I think you need to clarify all details before committing to the event and only commit to those which suits you.
I would also ask your friend why spoons and do a bit of research to find the alternative.
I know your feeling as I’ve been on your place but I have been on your friend’s place and sometimes the difference in cost really adds up.

Are they thinking youre enjoying these visits so should pay your way (the ticket cost) and that would enable them to then afford to eat/drink somewhere nice?

I know someone who did the meercat cinema two for one thing and the friend never once paid as she said she was the free ticket….

Have you posted about this before?

I remember a similar aibu

The chaos created by the deliberate lies of ME-ME-MEEEE !!!! Brexiteers like Tim Martin has not abated at all. You should be boycotting Wetherspoons altogether.

No I haven’t posted about this before and I always pay for my own ticket to the events