If you’re a JD Wetherspoon aficionado who craves the familiarity of your favourite watering hole when you’re on holiday, you’re in luck.
Sir Tim Martin, founder and CEO of the budget pub chain, has floated plans to expand operations overseas in the next year, following a string of successful partnerships in the UK.
Popular British holiday destinations in the Mediterranean, such as Mallorca, Benidorm and Alicante, where the brand is well known, would “make sense” for the company’s first foray into Europe, he said.
Winter sun destinations could also be on the horizon in future.
The pub boss told The Sun: “We are looking at it. We think there are probably 100 to 200 franchise partnerships in the UK. Now it’s a question of going abroad and it’s a possibility.”
“There is now an opportunity for franchises abroad, but not in China”, he added.
Sir Tim said that a decision on the company’s first location was expected in around six months.
In a statement to The Independent, Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon added: “Wetherspoon believes that there are opportunities to open its pubs in overseas airports that are popular with British holidaymakers.
“There is nothing signed or sealed at present.
“It is still early days.”
The news comes after JD Wetherspoon announced four more pubs on Haven holiday parks following a successful franchise with the holiday park operator in Primrose Valley on the North Yorkshire coastline.
The company also has franchises with student union bars at both Newcastle University and the University of Hull.
Wetherspoon currently runs an estate of 796 pubs across the UK and Ireland.
In the past 12 months, it has sold six sites and opened two new venues.
Earlier this week, Sir Tim called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reduce forthcoming pub taxes ahead of an increase linked to the Budget.
The pub boss said Wetherspoon is expected to face a £60m rise in labour-related costs from April due to increases in employer national insurance contributions and the minimum wage.
“Wetherspoon therefore calls upon Sir Keir Starmer to redress this imbalance, thereby striking a blow for tax equality and ending discrimination in favour of dull dinner parties.”
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Independent Travel…