JD Wetherspoon, the UK stalwart of cheap pints and full English breakfasts, is spreading its wings on the continent with its very first mainland European pub.
This week, the chain announced it will be opening a branch in Spain’s Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, marking what could be the beginning of a global Spoon-ish invasion.
The new boozer is named Castell de Santa Bàrbera – after the medieval fortress that looms over Alicante – and is set to open at the end of January 2026.
It’ll trade seven days a week, from 6am to 9pm, serving food until an hour before closing time.
Despite being smack in the middle of an international departures lounge, this will be a decidedly British affair, with about 90% of the menu featuring the same dishes fans know and love.
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That said, alongside the fry-ups, burgers, pizzas, punters can still sample a few Mediterranean staples, from garlic prawns to Spanish omelettes.
In terms of what’s on at the pumps, you can expect favourites like Guinness and Stella Artois like you’d get at any Wetherspoon’s – although the range will include some local beers in-keeping with its Costa Blanca home.
One thing that will be different is the flooring; rather than the specially-designed carpets which have become the chain’s signature, the pub will instead be tiled in tasteful terracotta and blue.
Covering around 1,000 sq ft on one level, it’s somewhat bijoux compared to the company’s largest location – a 10,000 sq ft spot in Ramsgate Kent – but an outdoor terrace with seating should prove a hit for holidaymakers having a last pint in the sun before heading home.
Given 2.6 million Brits visited the Costa Blanca last year, with direct UK to Alicante flights from airlines including EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, and British Airways, there’s certainly a big customer base.
Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin has previously said it would make sense to launch the brand in popular travel destinations like Benidorm and Majorca, so it’s possible this is only the beginning of its worldwide expansion.
‘We are very much looking forward to opening our first overseas pub,’ said the founder and chairman.
‘We believe it will be popular with people travelling home from Alicante Airport. We aim to open a number of pubs overseas in the coming months and years, including those at airports.’
Whether there will still be weekly curry club or free hot drink refills remains to be seen.
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