In a landmark move for the British pub giant, JD Wetherspoon has confirmed the location and details for its very first venue in Europe.
A New Travel Hub Takes Shape
The company will open a new pub, to be named Castell de Santa Bàrbara, at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport in Spain. This strategic expansion marks a significant step in the firm's growth beyond the United Kingdom. The establishment is scheduled to commence operations at the end of January, providing a new dining and drinking option for travellers.
Strategically positioned in the airside departures area, the pub will be accessible exclusively to passengers after they have passed through security. It will operate on a generous schedule, opening its doors daily from 6am until 9pm.
Design, Menu, and Customer Experience
The new-build pub is designed to offer nearly 1,000 sq ft of customer space all on one level, ensuring ease of access for all passengers. A key feature will be an external terrace with customer seating, allowing travellers to relax before their flight.
The culinary offering aims to provide the best of both worlds. The menu will feature many of the popular meals available in Wetherspoon pubs across the UK, such as all-day breakfasts, burgers, and pizzas. However, in a nod to its Spanish location, the pub will also serve local dishes including garlic prawns and Spanish omelette. Food will be served throughout the day, right up until one hour before closing time.
Strategic Ambitions for Overseas Growth
Wetherspoon's founder and chairman, Tim Martin, expressed his enthusiasm for the venture. He stated, 'We are very much looking forward to opening our first overseas pub. We believe it will be popular with people travelling home from Alicante Airport.'
This single airport pub is not an isolated project but rather the beginning of a broader international strategy. Martin confirmed the company's ambitious plan, noting, 'We aim to open a number of pubs overseas in the coming months and years, including those at airports.' This signals a clear intent to establish a global footprint, with airport locations being a key focus for the brand's future expansion.
