Wetherspoons Makes Historic Debut in Spain with Alicante Airport Pub
In a landmark move for the iconic British pub chain, JD Wetherspoon has opened its very first establishment outside the United Kingdom and Ireland. The grand opening took place on Monday morning at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, located near the popular tourist destination of Benidorm on Spain's Costa Blanca.
Named Castell de Santa Bàrbera after a nearby mountain fortress, the pub represents a significant expansion for Wetherspoons into European markets. The venue officially welcomed its first customers at 11am Spanish time, with British airline passengers eagerly gathering to witness the ceremonial ribbon-cutting before streaming inside to experience this unique Spanish iteration of the beloved chain.
A Blend of British Tradition and Spanish Flair
The new pub incorporates several nods to its Spanish location while maintaining the quintessential British character that defines Wetherspoons establishments. The menu appears in both Spanish and English, featuring traditional British dishes alongside Spanish offerings such as tortilla. Staff members demonstrate fluency in both languages, facilitating smooth service for international travellers.
Despite these local adaptations, the pub remains unmistakably British in essence. The majority of the menu consists of classic British fare, accompanied by familiar beverages including pints of Stella Artois and tins of Old Speckled Hen. This combination has generated considerable excitement among British expatriates and tourists seeking a taste of home before their flights.
Customer Reactions and Inaugural Impressions
The initial response from patrons has been overwhelmingly positive, according to observations during the opening event. Daz Sunderland, a 57-year-old lead worker from Solihull, earned the distinction of being the very first paying customer after visiting with his wife following a weekend in Benidorm.
"I was the very first customer through the door. It's absolutely excellent. Big success. Cheers, everyone," Sunderland enthusiastically reported.
Other early visitors echoed similar sentiments. Bernedette Ferguson, an optician from Walsall who stopped for a half-pint before her return flight after a weekend in Benidorm's Old Town with her sister, commented: "The beer tastes good, everyone is really, really friendly. The prices are really good. Same as home."
Daniel Pugh Jones, a travel agent from Swansea, noted the reasonable pricing for an airport venue: "We just ordered two all-day brunches, and it wasn't too expensive for an airport. The drinks aren't too bad either. We paid 12.95 euros each."
Notable Features and Operating Details
The new Wetherspoons pub operates seven days a week from 6am to 9pm, catering to early morning departures and evening flights alike. A distinctive feature is its open courtyard, which permits departure-side passengers to enjoy both a pint and a cigarette before their journey—a rarity at Alicante Airport where only one other bar currently allows smoking.
Food service continues throughout operating hours until one hour before closing. While the Castell de Santa Bàrbera focuses primarily on Spanish and English lagers, staff hinted that future European Wetherspoons locations might include traditional ales on tap, though specific details about upcoming openings remain undisclosed.
Strategic Expansion and Industry Perspectives
Wetherspoon's founder and chairman Tim Martin expressed enthusiasm about the Spanish debut: "We are delighted to have opened in Spain. We believe the pub will be popular with a wide range of customers travelling home from Alicante Airport, including those travelling home to the UK and those using the terminal for trips to England and beyond."
Martin further revealed ambitious expansion plans: "We aim to open a number of pubs overseas in the coming months and years, including those at airports."
Javier Cagigal, Chief Executive Officer of Lagardère Travel Retail Spain and Portugal, highlighted the strategic thinking behind the partnership: "At Alicante Airport, our team has focused on understanding passenger expectations and translating that insight into a dining offer that is relevant and appealing. This opening reflects our locally driven approach and the way we work with partner brands across our portfolio."
The opening marks a significant milestone in Wetherspoon's international strategy, bringing British pub culture to Spanish soil while adapting to local preferences—a balancing act that appears to have resonated positively with its inaugural customers.
