Renowned pub chain J D Wetherspoon is continuing its search for purchasers for a number of its UK establishments, including key sites in Cardiff, Swindon, and Felixstowe. Since the original announcement earlier in 2023, additional venues have been put up for sale, which could see the current portfolio of 790 pubs reduced by 10 if buyers are secured for the selected properties across Scotland, England, and Wales.
Yet, there’s a silver lining for some as certain pubs previously earmarked for sale have been spared from closure and will continue to operate under the Wetherspoon banner. In a positive twist for regulars, the Thomas Drummond in Fleetwood, initially listed for sale in February, has now been taken off the market. The pub’s manager, Claire Buxton, shared her elation over the decision, stating it would be a “delight” for both staff and patrons. She added: “We look forward to serving the Fleetwood community for many more years to come.”
Despite this piece of good news, around a dozen ‘Spoons’ have already closed their doors for good, leaving locals on the lookout for new spots that offer the same combination of competitively priced beverages, economical meals, and a friendly atmosphere that the chain is known for, according to the Express. The London and Rye Wetherspoon in Catford is the latest to bid adieu, having shut down permanently after 24 years of operation on Sunday, August 25. Earlier in the year, the establishment was marketed by real estate firm Savills, with starting bids at £850,000.
Amid worries from patrons that the pub chain might be in trouble due to sales, Wetherspoon’s owner Tim Martin attempted to put those fears to rest. He assured that the company was primarily offloading “smaller and older” venues or ones where duplication occurred with nearby sites. Sefton Council recently gave the green light for a new Wetherspoon hotel in Southport, which will join its existing collection of 55 town centre hotels. In further expansion news, two additional pubs will launch in England, including The Lion and The Unicorn at London’s Waterloo station.
Wetherspoon has published a list of its pubs on the market:
– The Pontlottyn, Abertillery
– The Ivor Davies, Cardiff
– Spa Lane Vaults, Chesterfield
– The Sir Daniel Arms, Swindon
– The Plough and Harrow, London
– Sennockian, Sevenoaks
– Hain Line, St Ives
– Lord Claud Hamilton, Felixstowe (underdeveloped site)
– Barid’s Department Store, Hamilton (underdeveloped site)
– Foot of the Walk, Leith
– Thomas Drummond, Fleetwood
– The Quay, Poole
Additionally, several are reported as being “under offer”:
– Cross Keys, Peebles
And Wetherspoon has already closed some locations this year:
– The White Hart, Todmorden
– The Market Cross, Holywell
– The Regent, Kirkby in Ashfield
– The Sir Norman Rae, Shipley
– The White Hart, Todmorden
– Lord Arthur Lee, Fareham
– Resolution, Middlesbrough
– The Asparagus, Battersea, London
– Percy Shaw, Halifax
– Alfred Herring, Palmers Green, London
– World’s Inn, Romford
– London & Rye, Catford
It remains to be seen how these developments will affect the overall landscape of Wetherspoon pubs across the UK. Fans of the chain will be eagerly watching to see how their favourite locations evolve in the coming months.