Wetherspoon crosses the Channel with first mainland European pub

The first Wetherspoon pub in continental Europe opened its doors on Monday morning at Alicante Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, marking a notable moment for a chain long associated with British high streets, railway stations, and departure lounges closer to home.

The new outlet, named Castell de Santa Bàrbera, sits airside in the departures area and operates daily from 6am to 9pm. For travellers accustomed to spotting a familiar ‘Spoons’ sign before boarding a flight in the UK, the opening represents a small but symbolic shift in how far the pub group is prepared to travel.

With more than 800 venues across the UK and Ireland, J D Wetherspoon has become part of everyday drinking and dining culture for millions of customers. Founded in London in 1979, the company has previously expanded cautiously beyond Britain, with Ireland its only overseas market until now. The Alicante launch signals a new phase.

The pub occupies close to 1,000 square feet on a single level and includes an external terrace for customers who wish to smoke or vape before flying. While the layout will feel familiar to regulars, the menu blends Wetherspoon staples with dishes inspired by its Spanish setting.

Breakfast items, burgers, and pizzas appear alongside garlic prawns, Spanish omelettes, and huevos rotos. On the drinks side, there are no cask ales, but lagers include Stella Artois, Leffe Blonde, Cruzcampo, Amstel, Guinness, and San Miguel, priced between €4.95 and €7.95. Free refill tea and coffee are also available.

One feature missing, for now, is the Wetherspoon app, widely used in the UK to order food and drink directly to the table. Staff said it is expected to be introduced once technical arrangements are finalised.

A familiar stop for British travellers

The Costa Blanca has long attracted British visitors and expatriates, with Alicante and nearby Benidorm home to a well-established network of British-oriented pubs and cafés. Placing the chain’s first mainland European site inside the region’s airport appears to be a deliberate choice.

Phil, who owns a home in Alicante and was passing through the airport on the day of opening, said the pub would appeal to many British travellers. “I think it will suit a lot of the British crowd,” he said, adding that while Wetherspoon is known for competitive pricing, “most food and drink in Spain is cheaper anyway”.

He predicted it would “certainly get popular with the stag night crowds from Benidorm”, even if he personally preferred to keep his time in Spain distinct from home comforts.

Another early visitor, Sam, travelled from Worthing and timed his return flight specifically to coincide with the opening. “It’s quite small, but it’s well kitted out and quite pleasant in here,” he said, nursing an alcohol free beer. He explained that visiting different Wetherspoon pubs had become a personal interest over the past few years, inspired by trips he used to make with his grandfather.

Expansion plans beyond the airport

Despite its reputation as a no-frills operator, Wetherspoon is known for tailoring the design of each pub to its surroundings. The Alicante venue takes its name from the Castell de Santa Bàrbera, the medieval fortress that overlooks the city from Mount Benacantil. Dating back to the ninth century, the site has served as a military stronghold, prison, and lookout, and remains one of Alicante’s most recognisable landmarks.

The company’s chairman, Tim Martin, has long been a polarising figure, particularly following his outspoken support for Brexit. That association has shaped perceptions of the brand abroad as well as at home. Eddie Gershon, a spokesperson for Wetherspoon, said Mr Martin’s campaigning “was to do with democracy”, adding: “Wetherspoon was never anti Europe.”

He confirmed that further overseas openings are planned, particularly in airports, with high street locations also under consideration. “Why not,” he said. “There is a market for it, and people will want to come to the pubs.”

Industry analysts note that airports provide a controlled environment for testing international expansion, offering a captive customer base already familiar with the brand. Wetherspoon itself has form in this area. A branch at Heathrow Terminal 4, opened in 1992, was among the first airport pubs of its kind, while the Three Tun Tavern in Blackrock became the company’s first outlet outside the UK.

For now, Castell de Santa Bàrbera stands as a modest but telling experiment. Whether it becomes a one-off curiosity or the first of many mainland European sites will depend on how well the brand translates beyond its traditional territory.

For more stories exploring British culture, travel, and the everyday places that shape life at home and abroad, follow EyeOnLondon for thoughtful reporting.

[Image Credit | J. D. Weatherspoons]

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