Wetherspoon has recently inaugurated its inaugural pub in Europe, featuring a classic English breakfast and sandwiches. This new venture marks the British favorite’s expansion into Spain, specifically at Alicante airport, catering to British travelers bound for hotspots like Benidorm. With plans for potential future openings, Wetherspoon’s boss, Tim Martin, hints at further expansion in the upcoming months.
The decor of the new pub deviates from the traditional Wetherspoon style, adorned with Spanish tiles and cream paint instead of the recognizable Wetherspoon carpet. Despite some menu variations like the absence of British fish and chips due to the lack of a deep fat fryer, the pub still offers familiar favorites such as a Spoons’ curry with a twist of Japanese-inspired Katsu dishes.
The menu boasts about 90% of the typical offerings found in most Wetherspoon establishments, including a hearty traditional breakfast comprising fried eggs, bacon, Lincolnshire sausage, and baked beans priced at 10.25 euros (approximately £8.94). The pub, named Castell de Santa Bàrbera, operates daily from 6am to 9pm, providing nearly 1,000 square feet of indoor seating and an outdoor terrace for customers.
Founder and chairman Tim Martin expressed enthusiasm about the Spanish venture, anticipating a warm reception from customers traveling through Alicante Airport, either heading back to the UK or embarking on journeys to England and beyond. The menu encompasses a variety of dishes, from sausages, chips, and beans to burgers, alongside local specialties like garlic prawns, Spanish omelette, and broken eggs.
In terms of beverages, the pub offers a selection of beers, including Amstel, Stella Artois, Guinness, and BrewDog Punk IPA. Additionally, patrons can enjoy cocktails like the Godfather, Woo Woo, and Sex on the Beach. The opening of the pub drew positive reactions from customers like builder Paul Denovan and couples Karen and Steven Hooper, and Andrea and Warllen Duque, all praising the familiar Wetherspoon experience abroad.
Looking ahead, Wetherspoon’s strategic expansion plan aims to launch approximately 30 pubs in the next year, representing its most extensive growth phase in a decade. Half of these establishments will be operated directly by JD Wetherspoon, creating employment opportunities through franchise partnerships. Despite challenges in the pub industry, Wetherspoon’s success continues, exemplified by the recent opening in Alicante airport in collaboration with franchise partner, Lagardère Travel Retail.