Wetherspoons has closed two pubs in Birmingham, including one previously branded as among the worst in Britain, as part of a nationwide reduction in its pub portfolio. The Atrium, located within the NEC, shut on August 6 after receiving poor reviews, including a 2.3-star rating on Tripadvisor and a 2022 review calling it 'by far the worst Wetherspoons'.
The closure follows criticism over inflated prices, poor service, and long food delays. Another Wetherspoons in the NEC's Piazza also closed temporarily but will relaunch under new management as a Levy-franchised Wetherspoon pub on September 1. Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon confirmed no redundancies, with staff offered transfers or roles at other branches.
Despite the closures, Wetherspoons plans to open new branches by 2025. Three have already opened: the Conister Arms in the Isle of Man, the Walham Green in southwest London, and the Dictum of Kenilworth in Warwickshire. Four more are scheduled: the Sun Wharf in London Bridge (September 16), the Sir Alexander Fleming in London (September 23), the Sigered King of Essex in Basildon (September 30), and the Chiltern in Beaconsfield (December 2).
