Wetherspoon Launches First European Pub in Spain with Classic British Menu
Wetherspoon has officially opened its first pub in Europe, marking a significant milestone for the British chain. The new establishment, located at Alicante airport in Spain, is set to cater to British tourists and locals alike, offering a taste of home with its signature dishes.
A Taste of Britain in Spanish Setting
The pub, named Castell de Santa Bàrbera, blends British culinary traditions with Spanish decor. While the interior features Spanish tiles and cream paintwork instead of the iconic Wetherspoon carpet, the menu remains largely faithful to its UK counterparts. Approximately 90% of the items available in typical Spoons pubs are served here, including a full English breakfast priced at 10.25 euros (around £8.94). This breakfast includes fried eggs, bacon, Lincolnshire sausage, and baked beans, though it is notably more expensive than the UK average of £5.09. However, the firm notes it is cheaper than most of its airport branches in Britain.
Expansion Plans and Franchise Model
Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin expressed enthusiasm for the new venture, stating that the pub aims to attract a wide range of customers, particularly those traveling to and from the UK. He hinted at further overseas openings in the coming months and years, potentially in locations like Benidorm and Majorca. The Alicante pub is part of a broader strategy to open around 30 new pubs over the next year, the chain's largest expansion in a decade. Half of these will be operated directly by JD Wetherspoon, with the rest managed by franchise partners, creating an estimated 1,800 jobs.
Menu and Competitors at Alicante Airport
In addition to the full English breakfast, the menu features bacon, sausage, and vegetarian butties at 5.95 euros (£5.19), as well as burgers, sausages with chips and beans, and local Spanish dishes like garlic prawns and Spanish omelette. Beer options include Guinness, Stella Artois, and local Spanish brews. The pub operates from 6am to 9pm daily, with nearly 1,000 square feet of customer space and an external terrace. It faces competition at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport from venues such as the Enrique Tomás Experience, which offers traditional Iberian pork products, and a Budweiser bar with an outdoor terrace.
Background and Market Context
Wetherspoon, founded in 1984 with a single pub in Muswell Hill, London, has grown to nearly 800 outlets across the UK and the Republic of Ireland after peaking at 955 in 2015. The chain has resisted European expansion until now, focusing instead on navigating cost pressures and changing consumer habits. The Alicante pub is run by franchise partner Lagardère Travel Retail and is expected to be popular, given that over 2.6 million British tourists visited the Costa Blanca region last year. This move aligns with Wetherspoon's recent success in bumper trading, contrasting with challenges in other parts of the pub industry.
