Wetherspoon, the popular pub chain, is putting 10 of its pubs up for sale, with locations in Cardiff, Swindon, Felixstowe, and other towns listed on the market. This comes after the closure of several ‘Spoons’ locations this year, with some reopening under new management. Wetherspoon has confirmed plans for two new pub openings in September.
Wetherspoons, the popular British pub chain, is set to close dozens of pubs across England. Owner Tim Martin cites rising costs, including labor, energy, and repairs, as the reason for the closures. Despite record sales, the company is struggling to manage increasing expenses. This move follows the closure of numerous Wetherspoons pubs in recent years.
A wave of store closures continues to sweep across UK high streets, with several major retailers shutting down branches in July and August. This includes Wetherspoons, M&S, Costa, Poundland, and more. The closures are attributed to factors like expired leases, changing shopping habits, and a difficult economic climate.
Calling all Wetherspoons enthusiasts! MyUKTour is launching the UK’s first ever Wetherspoons holiday, offering dedicated fans a chance to visit some of the chain’s most iconic pubs across the country. The tour includes visits to historic locations, breathtaking landscapes, and of course, plenty of pub grub and pints. Choose from a southern or northern tour, customizable to your preferences.
Wetherspoon’s is making the hangover cure even cheaper with the introduction of four new low-priced breakfasts in 78 London pubs. Starting from £2.49, customers can enjoy a variety of options, including a small breakfast, small vegetarian breakfast, vegan breakfast, and freedom breakfast. The offer is available for a limited time, but Wetherspoon’s has not specified an end date. This brings significant savings compared to the usual prices of £7.43 for a large breakfast, £5.75 for a traditional breakfast, and £5.19 for a small breakfast.
JD Wetherspoon, affectionately known as ‘Spoons’, is a cornerstone of British pub culture. With its affordable pints and legendary burger-and-drink combo, it’s a popular haunt for budget-conscious drinkers. However, few patrons know the intriguing story behind its distinctive name.
Tim Martin, the 69-year-old founder of the pub chain, named it after a geography teacher who doubted his potential in his school days in New Zealand. Wetherspoon was the surname of this pessimistic educator who predicted that Martin would never amount to anything.
Martin found inspiration in this negative assessment. Choosing the name Wetherspoon was a symbolic gesture, as if to say, ‘I’ll prove you wrong.’ The early negative press reviews that the pub chain received only fueled Martin’s determination to succeed.
Martin’s vision for his pubs was also influenced by George Orwell’s essay about an ideal pub, where patrons could engage in conversation over affordable drinks in a welcoming atmosphere. Martin embraced this concept, even naming several Wetherspoons pubs ‘The Moon Under Water’ after Orwell’s essay.
Today, the ‘JD’ in the Wetherspoons name is less whimsical, borrowed from the notorious sheriff JD ‘Boss’ Hogg from the classic American television show The Dukes of Hazzard. With over 800 locations across the UK, Wetherspoons continues to evolve, such as the recent return of the popular Brunch Burger on selected dates this summer.
JD Wetherspoons is investing £5 million to create its first-ever supersized pub location at the Mile Castle in Newcastle. The expansion will include a 26-bedroom hotel, a 3,000-square-foot outdoor space, a full interior refurbishment, and a new cellar. The hotel will feature en-suite bathrooms and two specially designed rooms for guests with disabilities. The expansion is expected to double the size of the pub and create 200 new jobs. The Mile Castle will be closed for renovations from June 24 to September 3, and the hotel is expected to open on November 12.
Lounge, a restaurant chain known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu, is expanding its presence across the UK. Despite having more outlets than popular brands like Prezzo and Wagamama, Lounge has maintained a low-key profile due to its unique branch names and appearances. However, enthusiastic fans have praised the chain for its superior ambiance compared to Wetherspoons. Lounge’s menu caters to various dietary preferences, offering a selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. In the coming months, Lounge is set to add seven new locations to its portfolio, bringing the total number of restaurants to over 200. These new branches include:
