Explore Wetherspoon’s First Spanish Pub Offering Full English Breakfast

Wetherspoon has made a significant move by opening its first pub in Spain, located at Alicante Airport. The establishment, named Castell de Santa Bàrbera, welcomes travelers with a taste of British cuisine, offering a full English breakfast and various other dishes. This marks Wetherspoon’s debut in Europe, aiming to cater to British travelers heading to popular destinations like Benidorm.

Key Features of Wetherspoon’s First Spanish Pub

Castell de Santa Bàrbera operates daily from 6am to 9pm. The pub spans nearly 1,000 square feet and includes an external terrace for outdoor seating. It promises a menu that blends familiar British options with a few Spanish twists.

Menu Highlights

• Full English Breakfast: Includes fried eggs, bacon, Lincolnshire sausage, and baked beans for €10.25.
• Bacon, sausage, or vegetarian butty priced at €5.95.
• Japanese-style Katsu curry and local dishes like garlic prawns and Spanish omelette.
• Beverages: Amstel and Stella Artois priced at €5.95 for 550ml, while Guinness is available for €7.50.
• Cocktail options start at €9.95.

While some classic Wetherspoon menu items like fish and chips are missing due to equipment limitations, about 90% of the offerings are familiar to regular patrons.

The Vision Behind Expansion

Tim Martin, founder and chairman of Wetherspoon, expressed enthusiasm about expanding into Spain. He anticipates growth beyond Alicante, hinting at potential openings in locations such as Benidorm and Majorca. The company’s strategy may include partnering with franchise operators for future international ventures.

Consumer Reception

The pub’s first customers included British travelers eager for a slice of home. Builder Paul Denovan shared his satisfaction with the new venue’s convenient location near his boarding gate. Many patrons, like Karen and Steven Hooper, appreciated the familiar atmosphere, despite some differences in decor and layout compared to typical Wetherspoon pubs.

Industry Impact and Future Plans

Wetherspoon’s pub at Alicante Airport is part of a larger initiative to open around 30 new outlets in the coming year, its most substantial expansion in a decade. This plan is expected to create approximately 1,800 jobs, indicating a robust recovery despite the challenges faced by the hospitality industry.

The new Spanish pub is strategically positioned to attract the influx of over 2.6 million British tourists who visited the Costa Blanca last year. With strong competition from other airport bars, Wetherspoon aims to appeal to its loyal customer base with affordable pricing and familiar offerings.