Wetherspoon has launched its inaugural pub in Europe at Alicante airport in Spain, boasting a menu that includes a traditional English breakfast alongside some unique offerings. The pub, named Castell de Santa Bàrbera, is anticipated to attract a large number of British travelers en route to popular vacation spots like Benidorm.
While the décor may not align with the typical Wetherspoon style, featuring Spanish tiles and cream paintwork instead of the classic Wetherspoon carpet, the pub offers familiar favorites like a full English breakfast with fried eggs, bacon, sausage, and baked beans. Prices for these comfort foods are slightly higher than in most UK branches but still competitive for an airport setting.
Wetherspoon founder Tim Martin expressed enthusiasm for the new venture, hinting at potential future expansions both in Spain and at other international airports. The pub will operate daily from 6 am to 9 pm, providing nearly 1,000 square feet of indoor space and an outdoor terrace for customer seating.
The pub also offers a variety of beers and cocktails, catering to different tastes. With its strategic location at Alicante airport, a popular destination for British tourists, the new Wetherspoon pub is poised for success. This move marks the beginning of a significant expansion phase for Wetherspoon, with plans to open approximately 30 pubs within the next year, creating numerous job opportunities.
In addition to the Alicante opening, Wetherspoon is exploring partnerships with franchise operators for its international expansion plans. Despite challenges faced by the broader pub industry, Wetherspoon continues to thrive, with the recent opening at Alicante airport signaling a promising future for the chain’s growth.