J D Wetherspoon has disclosed more information about its upcoming branch debut in Europe at a popular holiday destination among British travelers. The first European Spoons location will be situated at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport in Spain, a favored stopover for Brits en route to Benidorm.
Alicante-Elche Airport draws British visitors due to its numerous budget airline connections, offering convenient non-stop flights from various UK airports to Alicante in under three hours. The pub chain has named the new outlet Castell de Santa Bàrbera after an Alicante castle with a stunning sea view. The official opening is scheduled for January 29 at 8 am, providing a sunny spot for thirsty travelers to enjoy their preferred pint.
The pub 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 food service 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, pledging to serve a range of British classics like breakfasts, burgers, and pizzas alongside local Spanish delights such as garlic prawns and Spanish omelettes. Founder Tim Martin expressed eagerness about the overseas expansion, targeting more pubs abroad, particularly at airports.
Alicante-Elche Airport, the busiest in the Valencian region, welcomed a record 18.3 million passengers in 2024. Wetherspoons also revealed plans to introduce new branches at four Haven holiday parks by spring 2026, located in Blackpool, Norfolk, the Lake District, and Cornwall. Additionally, the company aims to inaugurate six new pubs across the UK soon, including in Newcastle, Stockton-on-Tees, and Wetherby, adding to its extensive network of over 800 pubs nationwide.
