JD Wetherspoon has shared additional information about its upcoming branch launch in Europe, located in a popular spot frequented by British holidaymakers. The first European branch will be situated at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport in Spain, a well-known stop for travelers heading to Benidorm. Alicante-Elche Airport is favored by Brits for its affordable airline connections, with airlines like easyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair offering direct flights from various UK airports to Alicante in under three hours.
The new pub, named Castell de Santa Bàrbera after a castle in Alicante overlooking the sea, is set to open officially on January 29 at 8 am, catering to thirsty travelers looking to enjoy a pint in the sun. The pub will be located in the airside departures, non-Schengen zone of Alicante Airport, open from 6 am to 9 pm daily, serving food until an hour before closing. With nearly 1,000 square feet of indoor seating and an outdoor terrace, patrons will have ample space to relax.
Wetherspoons has hinted at its menu offerings, promising a range of British favorites such as breakfasts, burgers, and pizzas, alongside local delicacies like garlic prawns and Spanish omelettes. Founder and chairman Tim Martin expressed excitement about the overseas expansion, with plans to open more pubs abroad, particularly at airports. Alicante-Elche Airport, boasting a record 18.3 million passengers in 2024, is the busiest in the Valencian region.
Apart from the European venture, JD Wetherspoon is expanding its presence within Haven holiday parks, with four new outlets planned by the spring of 2026 at Cala Gran, Hopton, Lakeland, and Riviere Sands. The chain is also set to launch six new pubs across the UK in locations including Newcastle upon Tyne, Stockton-on-Tees, and Wetherby, adding to its existing network of over 800 pubs nationwide.