Wetherspoons to open 13 pubs in the UK and plans first overseas venues in British-friendly holiday destinations - full list

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GB NEWS
Patrick O'Donnell

By Patrick O'Donnell


Published: 22/01/2025

- 15:35

Updated: 22/01/2025

- 16:33

Pub chain Wetherspoons has confirmed its ambition to open more pubs abroad on top of bringing more locations to the UK

Wetherspoons is planning to open 13 locations this year and has confirmed plans to its first overseas pubs, with popular British holiday destinations like Alicante, Benidorm and Majorca being considered as potential locations.

The pub chain's founder Sir Tim Martin revealed exclusively to The Sun that the company is exploring international franchise opportunities.


Here is a full list of the Wetherspoons pubs opening across the UK in 2025:

  • Manchester Airport - Terminal Two
  • Fulham - Fulham Broadway Station
  • Bath - George Street
  • Beaconsfield - Station Road
  • Wetherby - High Street
  • Tooley Street - London Bridge
  • Fareham - Whiteley shopping centre
  • Cleethorpes Beach - Lincolnshire
  • Devon Cliffs - Devon
  • Kent Coast - Kent
  • Haggerston Castle - Northumberland
  • Marlow, Buckinghamshire (already open)
  • London Waterloo station (already open)

The business move overseas would mark Wetherspoons' first venture outside the UK and Ireland. "We are looking at it. We think there are probably 100 to 200 franchise partnerships in the UK. Now its a question of going abroad and its a possibility," he told The Sun.

The pub boss confirmed that sunny Spanish coastal resorts would make sense as initial locations, where the Wetherspoons brand is already well-known among British tourists.

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Wetherspoons and deckchairs on beach

The pub company is planning to open locations in popular holiday destinations

GETTY / PA

Winter sun destinations are also being considered as potential sites for the expansion. Sir Tim Martin indicated that a decision on the first overseas location would be made in approximately six months.

The expansion plans specifically exclude China, with Martin noting: "There is now an opportunity for franchises abroad, but not in China." The international appeal of the Wetherspoons brand has already been demonstrated in Thailand, where an unofficial replica pub called "Witherspoons" opened in Pattaya.

This copycat establishment has proven popular with holidaymakers seeking English breakfasts and affordable drinks. The success of such unofficial ventures suggests there could be significant demand for authentic Wetherspoons pubs in overseas tourist destinations.

Recently, the company announced plans to open four more pubs at Haven holiday parks, building on its successful franchise at the Primrose Valley site in Yorkshire.

Wetherspoon pub

Wetherspoon has closed pubs but is adamant it will have 1,000 locations left

GETTY

The pub chain has also established successful franchises with university student unions, including partnerships at the University of Hull and Newcastle University.

These domestic franchise successes have helped pave the way for the company's international ambitions. Currently, Wetherspoons operates 796 pubs across the UK and Ireland.

Martin has previously expressed his belief that the chain could reach 1,000 pubs across the UK. The company is also exploring unique expansion opportunities at home, with Sir Tim suggesting they might consider taking over some of the 115 Crown Post Office branches at risk of closure.

Wetherspoons has outlined ambitious expansion plans within the UK for the coming year. Nine new pubs are scheduled to open across key locations including London Bridge station and Fulham Broadway underground.

The expansion also includes a new site at Manchester Airport, alongside locations in Beaconsfield, Wetherby and Bath. These openings come at a challenging time for the broader UK pub industry.

Recent data shows a dramatic decline in pub numbers across the country, with the total falling from 41,015 in 2013 to 38,175 in 2023. The industry has faced significant pressures, with 769 pub businesses becoming insolvent in 2023, up from 518 the previous year.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

Pub

Recent research suggests pub closures are ramping up across the UK

PA

This represents an average of 2.1 pub closures per day across the UK, an increase from 1.4 daily closures in 2022. Industry analysts predict this decline could continue, potentially leaving fewer than 1,000 pubs nationwide by 2074 if current trends persist.

Logan Woodbridge, Sales Executive at Togather, said: "The prediction that pubs could become critically low in 50 years is a wake-up call. It underscores the need for immediate and concerted efforts to save an essential part of British heritage.

"One of the key trends driving this decline is that more customers are seeking unique experiences when they go out. Pubs need to adapt by offering more than just food and drink—they must create environments that give people an excuse to get out and enjoy something special, whether it’s themed nights, collaborations with local food vendors, or live events.

"By embracing these changes, pubs can provide the kind of experiences people are craving. Imagine a future where we’ve turned the tide, where pubs once again thrive, hosting vibrant community events”

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