Wetherspoon has recently launched its inaugural pub in Europe, located at Alicante airport in Spain. The pub offers a traditional British breakfast, but with a twist in its menu, featuring Japanese-style Katsu offerings. Although the decor deviates from the typical Wetherspoon style, customers can still enjoy familiar dishes like a full English breakfast, albeit at slightly higher prices compared to UK branches.
Named Castell de Santa Bàrbera, the pub operates daily from 6am to 9pm, providing nearly 1,000 square feet of customer space and an outdoor terrace. Wetherspoon’s founder, Tim Martin, expressed enthusiasm about the new venture, hinting at potential future pub openings in various international locations.
The pub caters to a diverse clientele, including Brits traveling to and from Alicante Airport. The menu offers a variety of options, from sausages and chips to local Spanish delicacies like garlic prawn dishes and Spanish omelette. Additionally, patrons can choose from a selection of beers and cocktails, with prices varying depending on the beverage.
As Wetherspoon expands overseas, the Alicante pub is part of a plan to establish approximately 30 new pubs in the next year, marking a significant growth phase for the company. The chain aims to create job opportunities through a mix of self-run pubs and franchise-operated establishments.
While the pub industry faces challenges, Wetherspoon continues to see strong performance, with the new Alicante location managed by franchise partner Lagardère Travel Retail. The launch of the pub aligns with Wetherspoon’s strategy to enhance its presence internationally and cater to a broader audience.