Pub giant Wetherspoon has revealed ambitious expansion plans, including a strategic new partnership with a major university and the launch of six additional pubs across the UK in the coming weeks.
A New Chapter for Student Socialising
The company is set to operate Joe’s at the University of Birmingham, a venue named after the institution's iconic clock tower. This marks the second university pub for the chain, following its inaugural site at the University of Hull in 2022.
Despite the Wetherspoon branding, the bar will continue to be run and managed by the university's Guild of Students. The site is scheduled to open its doors in Easter 2026 after undergoing a significant refurbishment.
Students can look forward to the full Wetherspoon food and drinks menu, including popular weekly promotions like the Thursday Curry Club.
Leadership Backs the Partnership
Wetherspoon’s chief executive, John Hutson, expressed his enthusiasm for the venture. He stated the company is delighted with the partnership and looks forward to collaborating with the Guild to ensure Joe's Bar becomes a major success.
Antonia Listrat, President of the University of Birmingham Guild of Students, highlighted the dual benefits for the student body. She emphasised that the partnership will provide students with value-for-money food and drink, while also expanding job opportunities within the bar.
As a charity supporting over 36,000 students, any surplus generated will be reinvested into student activities, strengthening the Guild's commercial endeavours and enhancing the overall student experience.
Nationwide Pub Expansion Underway
In a separate but simultaneous expansion drive, Wetherspoon will open six new pubs across the country by mid-January. The full list of new locations and their opening dates is:
- The Blue Bell, Holystone - Newcastle upon Tyne (November 26)
- The Emersons Green - Bristol (December 3)
- The Red Anchor - Stockton-on-Tees (December 10)
- Coombe Lodge - Croydon (December 17)
- The Angel Inn - Wetherby (December 23)
- The Chiltern - Beaconsfield (January 13)
This expansion reinforces Wetherspoon's position as a dominant force in the UK pub sector, with the chain now operating close to 800 pubs nationwide.
Festive Menus and Pricing Pledges
The news follows the recent launch of Wetherspoon's Christmas menu, which features the return of its classic turkey dinner. The feast includes four slices of turkey breast, pork, sage and onion stuffing, roasted vegetables, mash, two pigs-in-blankets, peas, cranberry sauce, and gravy.
However, customers will notice a price increase compared to last year. The average price for the meal with a soft drink is now £13.99, or £15.52 with an alcoholic beverage. This is up from £11.99 and £13.52 respectively in 2024, though prices can vary by location. The festive menu will be available until December 31.
Despite these increases, Wetherspoon founder Tim Martin has recently stated the company aims to keep price increases to a minimum. While acknowledging that some price hikes are inevitable due to rising taxes across the industry, Martin assured that Wetherspoon would try very hard to avoid passing significant costs onto its customers.
