JD Wetherspoon to Open First Pub in Mainland Europe at Alicante Airport

JD Wetherspoon, the British pub chain, announced plans to open its first location in mainland Europe at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport in Spain, targeting British holidaymakers departing for home. The venue, named Castell de Santa Barbera, is scheduled to launch at the end of January in the airport's departures area.

The pub will operate seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., providing nearly 1,000 square feet of indoor seating space along with an external terrace. Its menu will feature familiar British offerings such as English breakfasts, fish and chips, burgers, and pizzas, making up about 90 percent of the selections. To appeal to local tastes, it will also include Spanish specialties like garlic prawns and omelettes. Beverages will encompass staples including Guinness and Stella Artois, as well as regional Spanish brews. Unlike many Wetherspoon sites, the floor will be tiled rather than carpeted.

Wetherspoon founder and chairman Sir Tim Martin expressed enthusiasm for the venture. "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." Martin added that the...