Wetherspoon Expands with New University Pub and Six Additional Locations

Wetherspoon has announced the launch of a new university pub, Joe’s, at the University of Birmingham, marking a significant expansion in its partnership with the Guild of Students. Scheduled to open in Easter 2026, Joe’s will be situated near the university’s iconic clock tower and will operate under the management of the Guild. The establishment will offer Wetherspoon’s full food and drinks menu, complete with promotions like the popular Thursday Curry Club.

This initiative represents Wetherspoon’s continued commitment to university locations, having opened its first university pub at Hull University in 2022. The pub chain, which currently operates nearly 800 pubs across the UK, aims to create a vibrant space for students while also providing job opportunities.

John Hutson, Wetherspoon’s chief executive, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to have entered into the partnership with the Guild of Students and look forward to working with it to make Joe’s Bar a great success.”

Antonia Listrat, President of the University of Birmingham Guild of Students, highlighted the benefits of this partnership for students. She noted that any surplus generated will be reinvested into student activities, thereby enhancing the overall student experience. “This partnership will strengthen our commercial endeavours to support a vibrant future for the Guild,” Listrat added.

Additional Wetherspoon Openings Scheduled

In addition to the new university pub, Wetherspoon plans to open six more locations by mid-January 2024. The new pubs will include:

– The Blue Bell, Holystone – Newcastle upon Tyne (November 26, 2023)
– The Emersons Green – Bristol (December 3, 2023)
– The Red Anchor – Stockton-on-Tees (December 10, 2023)
– Coombe Lodge – Croydon (December 17, 2023)
– The Angel Inn – Wetherby (December 23, 2023)
– The Chiltern – Beaconsfield (January 13, 2024)

These new establishments are part of Wetherspoon’s broader strategy to expand its footprint across the UK, particularly in areas with high foot traffic.

Christmas Menu and Pricing Strategy

As the festive season approaches, Wetherspoon has also unveiled its Christmas menu, which features a turkey dinner priced at an average of £13.99 with a soft drink, or £15.52 with an alcoholic beverage. This is a notable increase from last year’s prices of £11.99 and £13.52, respectively. The Christmas menu will be available until December 31, 2023.

Despite the rising costs, Tim Martin, the company’s boss, has reassured customers that Wetherspoon will strive to keep price increases to a minimum. He acknowledged that while some price adjustments are unavoidable due to increased taxes impacting the wider pub industry, the company will “try very hard” to avoid significant price hikes.

Wetherspoon’s focus on affordability and community engagement aims to enhance the customer experience while navigating the challenges of a competitive market. The opening of Joe’s pub and the additional locations reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to growth and service quality in the hospitality sector.