Britain's favourite boozer Wetherspoons is set to shake off its island fever and dive headfirst into the Spanish market with its first-ever continental European pub. The eagerly-anticipated opening, slated for January at Alicante airport's Elche Miguel Hernández terminal, promises to be a game-changer in the world of British pubs.
Located in a sprawling departure lounge, the Castell de Santa Bàrbera will be a haven for sun-kissed Brits waiting for their plane home from Spain's Costa Blanca hotspot. But it won't just be about slaking thirst – Wetherspoons is also expected to serve up a taste of Spanish cuisine, including garlic prawns and omelette, in addition to the usual British fare.
Founder Tim Martin has long been an outspoken advocate for Brexit, but now he's looking to take his pub chain on its first major European adventure. And with the opening of this new airport pub, it seems that Wetherspoons is finally ready to leave its comfort zone and tackle the mainland market head-on.
The Castell de Santa Bàrbera may be small – only 93 square meters in size – but it's got all the makings of a winner. An outdoor terrace will allow customers to soak up some sun before their flight, while food will be served from dawn till dusk, even if that means going out with an hour's notice.
Wetherspoons has a reputation for being a pub chain that delivers, and Martin is confident that his new Spanish outpost will be a hit. "We are very much looking forward to opening our first overseas pub," he said. "We believe it will be popular with people travelling home from Alicante airport." And with plans to expand into multiple European airports in the coming months and years, Wetherspoons is clearly ready to make its mark on the continental market.
But will this be a recipe for success? Only time will tell. One thing's for sure – Wetherspoons has certainly taken the plunge (pun intended) and shown that it's willing to take risks. Only wait and see if the Spanish public will warm up to this new British presence.
Located in a sprawling departure lounge, the Castell de Santa Bàrbera will be a haven for sun-kissed Brits waiting for their plane home from Spain's Costa Blanca hotspot. But it won't just be about slaking thirst – Wetherspoons is also expected to serve up a taste of Spanish cuisine, including garlic prawns and omelette, in addition to the usual British fare.
Founder Tim Martin has long been an outspoken advocate for Brexit, but now he's looking to take his pub chain on its first major European adventure. And with the opening of this new airport pub, it seems that Wetherspoons is finally ready to leave its comfort zone and tackle the mainland market head-on.
The Castell de Santa Bàrbera may be small – only 93 square meters in size – but it's got all the makings of a winner. An outdoor terrace will allow customers to soak up some sun before their flight, while food will be served from dawn till dusk, even if that means going out with an hour's notice.
Wetherspoons has a reputation for being a pub chain that delivers, and Martin is confident that his new Spanish outpost will be a hit. "We are very much looking forward to opening our first overseas pub," he said. "We believe it will be popular with people travelling home from Alicante airport." And with plans to expand into multiple European airports in the coming months and years, Wetherspoons is clearly ready to make its mark on the continental market.
But will this be a recipe for success? Only time will tell. One thing's for sure – Wetherspoons has certainly taken the plunge (pun intended) and shown that it's willing to take risks. Only wait and see if the Spanish public will warm up to this new British presence.
about this new pub opening in Alicante airport! A British pub in Spain is like, a dream come true for me 
. I mean who wouldn't want to soak up the sun on an outdoor terrace and enjoy some garlic prawns 
while waiting for their flight? It's gonna be lit 
. I'm rooting for Wetherspoons to make this work 
, they've always been known for serving great food and drinks 
. This new venture might just take them to the next level 
. Fingers crossed it'll be a hit with the locals too 
. They're taking a big risk by opening in an airport, but hey, people do love a good pub while waiting for their flight, right? I wonder how well they'll adapt Spanish food to their menu - will we see any British twists on traditional dishes? The idea of having an outdoor terrace at the airport sounds like a great perk though 
. Will it be a hit with locals and travelers alike? Only time will tell 
.
. And I get why Tim Martin wants to expand into Europe after being an outspoken Brexit advocate - it's all about taking on new challenges and growing their brand.
u gotta take the risk & dive in, dont let fear hold u back 
the spanish market might seem big but its all bout bein adaptible n flexible 
wetherspoons is showin us that even the smallest spaces can b filled with life & purpose if u put ur mind to it 
It's genius marketing to cater to Brits heading back from Alicante airport - they're already halfway to their destination, so they might as well enjoy some proper grub. And let's be real, the idea of a pub in an airport is just pure gold 
! The fact that Tim Martin is taking a chance on this new venture shows he's willing to adapt and evolve (not just leave his comfort zone like it was already doing 
.
i mean who needs real spanish food when you got wetherspoons serving garlic prawns? lol seriously though, its actually kinda genius, all the sun-kissed brits waiting for their flight home will definitely have a place to hang out. and tim martin is on point with his brexit vibes 
