JD Wetherspoon plans to open 15 new pubs across the UK before the end of July as part of its expansion programme for the current financial year.
In its latest trading update, the pub chain confirmed that nine further sites are still due to open before its year-end on July 26.
Six new pubs have already launched this year, including venues at London Bridge station, Merchant Square in Paddington, Kenilworth, Basildon, Wetherby and Beaconsfield.
One of the largest upcoming openings will be a 485-seat pub on Chambers Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
The site, which previously operated as a Revolution cocktail bar before closing in summer 2024, sits close to major tourist attractions including the Royal Mile, the Grassmarket and Greyfriars Kirkyard, as well as the University of Edinburgh and the National Museum of Scotland.
Edinburgh’s licensing board approved the plans on Monday.
The licence allows alcohol sales from 9am to 1am Monday to Saturday, and from 11am to 1am on Sundays.
The venue will open daily from 7am to serve breakfast and hot drinks, and will span the ground and basement floors.
Chain confirms major Edinburgh site
|
GETTYNew steps and a lift will be installed at the entrance as part of the redevelopment.
Wetherspoon has not yet confirmed the pub’s name or opening date.
Another new site is planned in Bath, where the company will open a pub at The Old Post Office, a building that also previously housed a Revolution bar.
The update also confirmed that Wetherspoon is expanding beyond the UK.
Sir Tim Martin jabbed at Rachel Reeves on Wednesday over taxation of his business
|
PAThe company will open its first mainland European pub at Alicante Airport.
Spokesman Eddie Gershon said the business intends to open further sites across Europe, “at airports initially”.
The franchise arm of the business continues to grow, with eight franchised pubs opening since April last year.
Wetherspoon expects a further 10 to 15 franchised locations to launch in the coming months, including pubs at four Haven holiday parks.
The company currently operates 794 pubs, along with 16 franchised venues at universities, holiday parks and airports.
Wetherspoon reported strong trading over the Christmas period, with festive sales more than eight per cent higher than the previous year.
However, Chairman Tim Martin has warned investors that profits will take a hit after costs ran £45million above forecasts in the first 25 weeks of its financial year, with chairman Tim Martin attributing the surge to decisions made by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Mr Martin said: “If the current sales momentum continues, the company currently anticipates a full year trading outcome slightly below that achieved in the 2024-25 financial year.”
The Chancellor has been widely urged provide business rate reliefs for pubs
|
RACHEL REEVES / LINKEDINThe Labour Government is expected to announce further financial relief for the sector after facing heavy criticism over the looming rise in business rates.
Although the Chancellor’s overhaul will “permanently” cut rates for retail, hospitality and leisure sites from 2026, many firms are still likely to face higher bills overall due to sharply increased property valuations since the pandemic.
The National Living Wage is also set to climb again from April 2026, raising pay for workers aged 21 and over and increasing annual earnings for those on the lowest incomes.