The pub chain will soon be opening its doors on its first European branch, and the opening date and some teaser images have been revealed so far for those excited about enjoying a pint in the sun
J D Wetherspoon has revealed further details about its new branch opening in Europe, and it’s in a location that’s a favourite among Brits heading off for their holidays.
Earlier this year, the pub giant confirmed the first European Spoons will be located at the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport in Spain, a popular hub for British tourists making their way to Benidorm.
Alicante-Elche Airport is popular with Brits thanks to its budget airline connections. Airlines such as easyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair offer non-stop routes between many UK airports and Alicante, with flights usually clocking in at less than three hours.
The pub chain has already announced the name of the new establishment – Castell de Santa Bàrbera – which was inspired by an Alicante castle which overlooks the sea. Wetherspoons has also confirmed the pub’s official opening date is set for January 29 at 8am, meaning thirsty travellers will soon be able to enjoy their favourite pint in the sunshine.
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The location of the new pub has been confirmed as the airside departures, non-Schengen zone of Alicante Airport. Opening hours will be 6am to 9pm, seven days a week, with food being served until an hour before closing time. The pub will offer nearly 1,000 square feet of indoor seating, along with an outdoor terrace providing additional tables for punters.
Wetherspoons has teased its menu, promising to serve up a host of UK favourites, including its famous breakfasts, burgers, and pizzas. For those yearning for one last Spanish culinary experience before jetting off, local delicacies like garlic prawns and Spanish omelettes will also be available.
In a previous statement, Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin expressed his excitement: ” We are very much looking forward to opening our first overseas pub. We believe it will be popular with people travelling home from Alicante Airport.”
He unveiled his ambitions to expand the brand further, saying: “We aim to open a number of pubs overseas in the coming months and years, including those at airports.”
Alicante-Elche Airport holds the title as the busiest in the Valencian region, boasting a record 18.3 million passengers in 2024.
But this isn’t the only growth plan Wetherspoons has announced in recent months.
The pub giant has also announced plans to roll out four new outlets within Haven holiday parks by the end of spring 2026. The lucky parks set to welcome new branches are: Cala Gran in Blackpool, Hopton in Norfolk, Lakeland in the Lake District, and Riviere Sands in Cornwall.
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Five Wetherspoons outlets already operate within Haven parks, serving up crowd-pleasers from the chain’s menu. Since their opening, these branches have dished out 907,000 main meals, 288,000 breakfasts and poured 692,201 pints across the five locations, according to data supplied by Haven.
Wetherspoons is also set to open six new pubs across the UK in the coming months, with locations including Newcastle upon Tyne, Stockton-on-Tees, and Wetherby, Yorkshire.
These new establishments will join the existing network of over 800 Wetherspoon pubs, which already serve customers throughout the UK.
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