Wetherspoons closes extra pubs in UK – see which boozers have referred to as final orders
Wetherspoons’ 2024 report reveals the chain sold over two dozen pubs, raking in a multi-million-pound cash boost as it continues to downsize its portfolio
Wetherspoons is pulling the plug on more of its pubs as the budget chain continues to scale back its footprint across the UK.
The affordable pub group has closed down dozens of locations as the hospitality industry continues to struggle with inflation and cost pressures.
Despite Tim Martin’s Wetherspoons topping £2billion in sales for the first time last year, the chain sold a number of locations. Three have exchanged since September and two have closed their doors altogether.
The George, in Wanstead, and Hain Line, in St Ives, have been sold since September and have since closed their doors, according to the London Economic.
Sir Daniel Arms, in Swindon, also exchanged in the last half of the year, but remains open.
The Cornish Hain Line shut around a year after it was marked for sale by JD Wetherspoon following a “commercial decision” prompted by rising costs.
The George closed as a Wetherspoons pub around a week later on October 13 after being bought by the Urban Pubs and Bars chain.
Urban Pubs and Bars said they plan to convert the former Wetherspoons site into the George and Dragon, the name the location went by in 1904. In a statement, they said: “We are delighted to be able to rescue this much loved pub, a place that has been part of Wanstead’s history since 1716.
“Following some refurbishment work the pub will reopen as a great London traditional pub serving great food including a range of delicious Sunday roasts and a wide selection of beers. We look forward to seeing you soon.”
But it’s not all bad news, as the chain is set to open four new pubs in partnership with Haven holiday parks. after an exclusive agreement saw the first on-site Wetherspoon pub open at Haven’s Primrose Valley in Yorkshire last year. In Spring 2025, the four new JD Wetherspoon pubs will open their doors at Haven’s holiday parks at Devon Cliffs, Kent Coast in Kent, Cleethorpes Beach in Lincolnshire, and Haggerston Castle in Northumberland.
According to JDW Disposals, the site that lists Wetherspoons locations up for sale these closures are likely not be the last to close their doors.
The Quay in Poole, Dorset, and The Ivor Davies in Cardiff are on the sale list and are “being considered for sale either as a portfolio, in small packages, or individually.”
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