In a landmark move for British pub culture abroad, the popular chain JD Wetherspoon has confirmed it will open its first-ever pub in mainland Europe at Alicante Airport on Spain's Costa Blanca.
A Taste of Britain on Spanish Soil
The new pub, to be named Castell de Santa Bàrbera, is scheduled to open its doors in January 2026. It will operate seven days a week from 6am to 9pm, perfectly positioned to serve the millions of British holidaymakers travelling to and from the popular Spanish hotspot.
Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin 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." He also revealed ambitious plans for further international expansion, noting, "We aim to open a number of pubs overseas in the coming months and years, including those at airports."
What's on the Menu and the Floor
Patrons can expect a familiar Wetherspoon experience with a slight Spanish twist. The chain confirms that around 90% of the menu will mirror its UK offerings, featuring British staples like fish and chips and the classic English fry-up.
However, the pub will also cater to local tastes by including Spanish dishes such as garlic prawns and Spanish omelette. The beer selection will blend international favourites like Guinness and Stella Artois with local Spanish brews.
One notable departure from the brand's iconic UK aesthetic is the flooring; the Alicante pub will not feature a specially designed carpet and will instead have tiled floors.
A Strategic Expansion for the Pub Giant
This opening marks a significant shift in strategy for the chain, which has until now resisted establishing branches in mainland Europe. The Alicante airport location is part of a wider plan to open around 30 new pubs in the next year, representing Wetherspoon's largest expansion in a decade.
This growth is backed by strong financial performance, with recent results showing profits grew by more than 10% to £81.4 million in the year to late July. The Alicante venture will be run in partnership with franchise operators, a model likely to be used for future overseas sites.
The pub will face competition at the airport, including the Enrique Tomás Experience bar, which specialises in Iberian pork products, and a Budweiser bar. However, with over 2.6 million Brits visiting the Costa Blanca last year and numerous direct flights from airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair, the new Wetherspoon is poised to capture a significant share of the travel market.
