In case you have no idea what we’re on about here, let us get you up to speed – boasting over 165,000 active members and growing by the day, the brilliantly-named Wetherspoons Paltry Chip Count is a public Facebook group that brings together people from right across the country to share in the clearly-popular activity of counting the amount of chips that the restaurant chain sticks on its characteristic blue floral plates and dishes out to customers.
As bizarre as it sounds, hundreds of people share snaps of their chip portions every week.
And although the group has produced some iconic reactions and pretty unexpected stars in its time, there’s one Manchester man who’s really got everyone talking at the moment.
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Meet Boris Bennett.
Boris is boldly going where no one – or at least, where we can only presume no one – has gone before, and is currently on an important mission to collect one chip from every single Wetherspoons right across the UK.
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He may be no stranger to posting in the popular group, having had a few of his chip portion posts make an impression with people in the group – in particular, the post where he recreated the Stonehenge out of his measly chip portion – but the post about his collector’s mission, which was shared earlier this month, has amassed a whopping 12,000 interactions and over 4,000 comments from impressed foodies.
Wetherspoons Paltry Chip Count boasts over 165,000 active members / Credit: Facebook (Wetherspoons Paltry Chip Count)
Explaining his mission in his own words, Boris said: “Evening all. You may remember me from such fine works as the stonehenge/chiphenge post ™, but today however I bring you this.
“I am currently on a mission to collect and record one chip from every Wetherspoons in Britain, and here is what I have got so far. If you are wondering “does that bloke really walk around with a trading cards collection book full of chips?”
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“The answer is yes, yes I do.”
Alongside the detailed explanation of his mission, Boris also shared a picture of his trading cards-style chip book.
Boris also shared a picture of his trading cards-style chip book / Credit: Boris Bennett / Wetherspoons Paltry Chip Count
According to the picture shared of his chip book, the Greater Manchester-based Wetherspoons’s Boris has managed to collect from so far are the Bull’s Head Hotel in Walkden, the Spinning Mule in Bolton, Mardi Gras in the Trafford Centre, the Robert Shaw in Bolton, the Seven Stars in Manchester, and the Thomas Burke in Leigh.
He’s also saved a chip from the Lord Wilson and the Cherry Tree, both in Huddersfield.
Of course, Boris’ post was an instant hit among the Wetherspoons community, with one person commenting: “I think you could be my soul mate,” and another added: “I hope there is an award for such a noble venture.”
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We do too.
Fancy following Boris on his journey then? Make sure to go over and get in on the action on the Wetherspoons Paltry Chip Count page here.
Featured Image – Wetherspoons | Wetherspoons Paltry Chip Count
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Manchester band Westside Cowboy release ‘thrilling’ debut album that critics are calling one of the year’s best
Emily Sergeant
One of the UK’s best rising bands have released their debut album today to glowing reviews from critics and fans alike.
Jimmy Bradbury, Reuben Haycocks, Aoife Anson O’Connell, and Paddy Murphy – better known together as Westside Cowboy – formed back in 2023 when they were students at the Royal Northern College of Music, so while they may not all be from Manchester, they definitely have the spirit of our city at the heart of everything they do.
After playing in different bands across the city throughout their student years, the four-piece joined forces to create Westside Cowboy – an indie rock collective credited with self-coining the genre of ‘Britainicana’.
Put simply, Britainicana is a cultural concept that mixes the hazy, mythic feel of American country and folk, with the sound of raw British punk, indie rock, and small-town life.
Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On / Credit: Clementine Schniedermann (Press Shots – Supplied)
If that sounds like your cup of tea, then you’ll be pleased to know that Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On, to the world today (21 August).
And the reception from critics, arguably, couldn’t be better.
Prior to the release of their debut album, the band had released two EPs, including So Much Country ‘Till We Get There in January earlier this year, and had started to make a name for themselves with their popular debut single ‘I’ve Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Really Love (Until I Met You)’ in 2024.
They went onto make even further waves when they supported equally-rising American rock band Geese on their UK and Irish tour back in March – with many fans calling it one of the best support and main act combinations in some time.
Three singles from their debut album were shared with the world ahead of its release – ‘Kick Stones (The Boys)’ came first, followed by ‘Pin Up Boys’ and ‘Dobro’.
So, it’s fair to say the anticipation for album was high… and if the reviews are anything to go by (which we think they are), it looks like the band has very much delivered what they set out to achieve.
Westside Cowboy’s debut album It Goes On is now available to stream, or you can purchase a physical copy in a range of formats from their website here.
Take a listen👇
Featured Image – Press Shot (Supplied)
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BBC Introducing LIVE is back with events across the North for grassroots music artists
Emily Sergeant
BBC Introducing’s flagship live event will return with a huge lineup of activities for aspiring musicians and music creators this autumn.
To celebrate and champion undiscovered talent across the country, BBC Introducing LIVE will include an array of live performances, immersive workshops, educational panels, and networking opportunities for grassroots artists, DJs, and music creators, all at the start of their careers.
Introducing LIVE will head across the UK, including hosting four special gigs in Leeds and a songwriting camp in Manchester.
The BBC Introducing Songwriting Camp is an invite-only event offering an ‘unparalleled’ experience for artists and creatives to develop skills and collaborate with industry professionals in a real music studio.
Then, on Saturday 28 November, BBC Introducing will host four showcases across Leeds, celebrating some of the best new music from across the UK – with independent music venues The Wardrobe, Belgrave Music Hall, and Oporto all taking part.
While up in Sunderland, following the success of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend there earlier this year, a special takeover event will take place at The Fire Station – with a day of panels, workshops, open mics, and an industry feedback centre planned, all designed to support and inspire the next generation of musicians and music industry professionals.
Other northern cities hosting events during this year’s programme are Gateshead, and major music city Liverpool.
Many successful artists, including the North’s very-own Sam Fender, as well as big names like Ed Sheeran, Raye, Olivia Dean, and Loyle Carner, all began their careers with support from BBC Introducing.
“Championing and nurturing artists and creatives is at heart of everything BBC Introducing does, and so I’m excited that Introducing LIVE will be returning in November for our biggest year yet,” commented Kelly Betts, who is the Editor of BBC Introducing.
“BBC Introducing will be at events, panels, and gigs across the UK giving emerging talent the opportunity to learn from industry experts, make music and connect with fellow artists.
“Music has the power to unite, inspire, and shape our culture and BBC Introducing’s flagship event will help some of the UK’s rising stars on their journey to achieve this.”
Emily Sergeant -
5th November 2021 
