Wetherspoon has recently launched its inaugural pub in Europe, featuring a classic English breakfast menu alongside popular British dishes. The new establishment, situated at Alicante airport in Spain, is anticipated to attract a significant number of British travelers en route to destinations like Benidorm.
This venture is just the beginning, as company CEO Tim Martin hints at potential future openings in various locations. However, patrons accustomed to the traditional Wetherspoon ambiance may find the décor different, with Spanish tiles and cream paint replacing the familiar Wetherspoon carpet.
While the menu at this European Wetherspoon offers some variations, such as the absence of British fish and chips due to the lack of a deep fat fryer, it still features beloved items like the Spoons’ curry with a Japanese twist. The pub caters to nostalgic Brits with a range of familiar dishes, including a hearty breakfast comprising fried eggs, bacon, Lincolnshire sausage, and baked beans, priced at 10.25 euros (around £8.94).
Named Castell de Santa Bàrbera, the pub operates daily from 6am to 9pm, offering nearly 1,000 square feet of customer space and an outdoor terrace for seating. Founder Tim Martin expressed enthusiasm for the new venture, stating that the pub is likely to appeal to a diverse customer base traveling through Alicante Airport.
The pub’s beer selection includes popular options like Amstel, Stella Artois, Guinness, and BrewDog Punk IPA, with prices ranging from 4.95 to 7.50 euros. Additionally, a variety of cocktails are available for those seeking a holiday vibe.
The opening of this Wetherspoon pub at Alicante airport aligns with the company’s plans to expand internationally, with a focus on establishing partnerships with franchise operators. Despite challenges faced by the broader pub industry, Wetherspoon continues to thrive, with plans to open approximately 30 new pubs within the next year, creating significant job opportunities.
As the Alicante pub marks a pivotal moment in Wetherspoon’s expansion strategy, it signals a new chapter for the renowned British pub chain’s presence in Europe and beyond.