The chief executive of Haven Holidays has announced plans to introduce Wetherspoon pubs across the majority of its 39 UK locations. Simon Palethorpe revealed that nine Wetherspoon outlets are already operational at Haven parks, with ambitions to significantly expand this number in the near future.
One Million Meals Milestone
Mr Palethorpe made these remarks as the caravan park operator celebrated serving one million Wetherspoon meals across its sites. This milestone was reached just two years after the first Wetherspoon pub opened at Haven's Primrose Valley park near Filey, North Yorkshire. Speaking at the Kent Coast park, home to the newly opened Wetherspoon pub The London Stone, Mr Palethorpe reflected on the journey: "Two years ago, this was an experiment for Wetherspoons and an experiment for us. I could only have dreamed at that point that it would be this successful with our guests as it has been. We are here celebrating a million, but I expect it to be many millions in a couple of years time."
Expansion Plans
In an interview with the Mirror, Mr Palethorpe expressed his desire to grow the concept further: "I would like to see us growing this concept further across our estate. I definitely think there is an opportunity for the majority of our parks to have a Wetherspoons." The pubs operate on a franchise basis but offer the same menu as standard Wetherspoon establishments. This model has been replicated for other openings, including the company's first pub outside the UK and Ireland, which launched at Alicante airport in Spain earlier this year.
Customer Favorites
Since the first Haven Wetherspoon opened in spring 2024, customers have ordered 365,000 breakfasts, 57,000 lunches, and 578,000 dinners. The most popular dish across the nine sites is the Wetherspoon big breakfast, featuring two fried eggs, bacon, two Lincolnshire sausages, baked beans, three hash browns, mushrooms, and two slices of toast. Fish and chips follows as a close second. In terms of beverages, Pepsi is the best-selling drink, while Stella Artois lager leads among alcoholic options, except in south-west England parks where cider is preferred.
Sir Tim Martin, founder of JD Wetherspoon, expressed delight at the collaboration's success. The partnership continues to thrive as both companies explore further opportunities for expansion across the UK.
