J D Wetherspoon has shared more information about its upcoming branch launch in Europe, located in a popular spot favored by British holidaymakers. The new European Spoons will be situated at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport in Spain, a well-known travel hub for Brits en route to Benidorm.
The airport’s popularity among British travelers stems from its numerous budget airline connections, including easyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair, offering convenient non-stop flights from various UK airports to Alicante in under three hours.
The new pub, named Castell de Santa BÃ rbera, draws inspiration from an Alicante castle overlooking the sea. Scheduled to open on January 29 at 8 am, the establishment will be located in the airside departures, non-Schengen zone of Alicante Airport, operating seven days a week from 6 am to 9 pm, with dining service available until an hour before closing. The pub will feature nearly 1,000 square feet of indoor seating, complemented by an outdoor terrace for additional seating.
Wetherspoons has hinted at its menu offerings, which will include popular UK dishes such as breakfasts, burgers, and pizzas, alongside local Spanish delicacies like garlic prawns and Spanish omelettes.
Founder and chairman Tim Martin expressed eagerness for the overseas expansion, anticipating a warm reception from travelers passing through Alicante Airport. The brand plans to establish more pubs abroad, including at airports, in the near future.
Alicante-Elche Airport, the busiest in the Valencian region, achieved a record 18.3 million passengers in 2024, underscoring its significance as a key hub for international travelers.
Additionally, Wetherspoons revealed its expansion plans within Haven holiday parks, with four new branches set to open by spring 2026 at Cala Gran, Hopton, Lakeland, and Riviere Sands. The chain already operates five outlets within Haven parks, serving a substantial number of meals and drinks to guests.
Further domestic growth is on the horizon, with Wetherspoons preparing to launch six new pubs across the UK, including in Newcastle upon Tyne, Stockton-on-Tees, and Wetherby, adding to its extensive network of over 800 pubs nationwide.