Victor Chi
Updated on: October 12, 2024 12:37 pm GMT
In a surprising turn of events, J D Wetherspoon has announced plans to close several of its beloved pubs across England, Scotland, and Wales by the end of 2024. With 17 locations currently for sale, many locals are left wondering if their favorite ‘Spoons’ might be next on the chopping block.
List of Pubs for Sale
The well-known pub chain has seen at least a dozen of its establishments shut down in recent months. Among the locations at risk are landmark buildings in cities like Cardiff, Swindon, and Felixstowe. While some pubs have successfully been taken off the market, others remain under threat.
Here are notable closures and pubs for sale:
- The London & Rye in Catford: Closed on August 25 after 24 years.
- Wetherspoons branches under offer: 14 out of 17 currently listed may or may not find buyers.
Notably, the Thomas Drummond site in Fleetwood has been removed from the market, much to the delight of locals. Manager Claire Buxton expressed her excitement, stating, “We look forward to serving the Fleetwood community for many more years to come.”
Reasons Behind the Closures
The closures raise concerns about the financial health of the chain. However, owner Tim Martin has provided some context. The decision to sell or close several pubs is primarily focused on those that are “smaller and older” or in areas where the chain has another site nearby. Martin highlighted that the remaining venues are performing well, reporting nearly 8% sales growth over the past year.
Despite these closures, Wetherspoon has plans for expansion:
- A new hotel has been approved in Southport.
- Two new pubs are set to open next month, including The Lion & The Unicorn at London’s Waterloo station.
Impacts on Local Communities
The recent closures have left many communities searching for affordable dining and drinking options. With the loss of Wetherspoon’s signature cheap drinks and meals, residents may need to explore other venues, which may not provide the same atmosphere or pricing.
For those who rely on these pubs for social gatherings, the impact can be significant. Local regulars often cherish these spaces for their community spirit and accessible pricing. Closing these establishments could leave a void in social activities for some towns.
Current Status of Remaining Pubs
While Wetherspoon is trimming its portfolio, it continues to actively manage which pubs stay open and which ones are for sale. The company often revisits its strategy, sometimes pulling venues off the market if they appear to be viable.
According to reports:
- A total of 30 pubs were shut down in the last year.
- 41 establishments were closed within the previous year.
- Currently, 14 of the 17 pubs for sale are under offer but not guaranteed to be sold.
This means that while some locations face closure, there is still the possibility that others could remain operational if buyers are not secured.
Future Considerations
As communities brace for potential closures, many are left wondering what lies ahead for the Wetherspoon brand. The company has shifted from 950 pubs to 801 in just a decade, prompting questions about its long-term strategy.
With mixed signals from the closure of venues and new openings, Wetherspoon’s approach seems focused on streamlining its operations rather than retracting completely from the pub scene.
Key Points:
- Wetherspoon has closed a dozen pubs recently and is seeking buyers for 17 locations.
- The closures could affect social life in various towns, as many Wetherspoon venues are local favorites.
- Growth in existing venues suggests a mixed outlook for the pub chain.
Conclusion
Wetherspoon is going through a lot of changes in the pub industry, and it’s not clear what will happen to its many locations. This might mean that people in the community will have fewer places to eat that don’t cost a lot. The chain is trying to make smart choices by closing some pubs and opening others. It’s important for regular customers to pay attention to these changes since they often see these pubs as a big part of their social lives. In the next few months, we’ll find out what will happen to different ‘Spoons’ branches all over the UK.
