Wetherspoon has recently unveiled its inaugural pub in Europe, located at Alicante airport in Spain. The pub, known as Castell de Santa Bàrbera, offers a variety of English breakfast options and sandwiches, catering to British travelers en route to popular destinations like Benidorm.
Although the new pub features a departure from the traditional Wetherspoon decor, opting for Spanish tiles and light cream paint instead of the classic carpet, it still offers familiar menu items with a few twists. While British fish and chips are notably absent due to the lack of a deep fat fryer, the menu includes favorites like the Spoons’ curry with Japanese-style Katsu offerings.
Customers can enjoy a traditional breakfast comprising fried eggs, bacon, Lincolnshire sausage, and baked beans for 10.25 euros (approximately £8.94), slightly higher than the average price at UK Wetherspoon locations. The pub operates seven days a week from 6am to 9pm, providing nearly 1,000 square feet of indoor seating and an outdoor terrace.
Founder and chairman Tim Martin expressed enthusiasm for the new venture, anticipating its popularity among travelers passing through Alicante Airport. With plans to expand internationally, including potential airport locations, Wetherspoon aims to bring its signature offerings to a broader audience.
The Alicante pub is part of a strategic initiative to open approximately 30 pubs over the next year, marking a significant expansion for the chain. Half of these new establishments will be managed directly by JD Wetherspoon, while the remainder will operate under franchise agreements, generating around 1,800 job opportunities.
Despite challenges facing the pub industry, Wetherspoon continues to thrive, with the Alicante airport location managed by franchise partner Lagardère Travel Retail. As the chain explores further growth opportunities, its unique blend of British pub culture and international twists is set to attract a diverse clientele.