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Full list of Wetherspoons at risk of closure as six pubs are put up for sale and punters say it’s the ‘end of an era’
WETHERSPOONS has revealed six of its popular pubs have been put up for sale.
The much-loved pub chain says the move has been made in what it calls a “commercial decision”.
Spoons has been offloading some of its smaller or older pubs over the last couple of years, but has continued to open other sites.
It has roughly 800 pubs across the UK currently.
The sites up for sale now are:
- The Water Gate – Barnstaple
- The Babington Arms – Derby
- Baxter’s Court, Hackney
- Kentish Drovers, Peckham
- The Grey Friar, Preston
- The William Jameson, Sunderland
Wetherspoons told The Sun that the pubs will continue trading as Spoons until they’re sold.
Disappointed pubgoers shared the news on social media, with one person saying: “Another blow for the London boroughs sadly.
“Derby patrons will be devastated though its slightly off the beaten track very popular with real ale enthusiasts.”
Another said: “Baxter’s Court is a community asset in an area that’s rapidly gentrifying. Save Baxter’s Court!”
A third wrote: “Shocking!! The watergate is a b***** good pub for the company!”
The Sun understands there will be no redundancies when The Grey Friar in Preston is sold, with staff offered jobs at other pubs in the chain.
But one devastated local said: “Happy memories starting our Friday nights in Greyfriars… it will be missed.”
Another said it was the “end of an era”.
Wetherspoon spokesperson Eddie Gershon said: “Wetherspoon does, on occasion, put some of its pubs up for sale.
“This is a commercial decision by the company.
“The pubs will continue to operate as Wetherspoon outlets until they are sold.”
The last Spoons pub to close down was The Spon Gate in Coventry.
The city centre pub was a favourite among locals, who said it was the “best” location in the area.
Wetherspoon has also delayed plans to open two sites in London and one in Essex.
The Sun Wharf had been due to open in London Bridge on August 26 but it’s now been delayed to September 2.
The opening of a new branch in Fulham Broadway was delayed by three weeks.
The site was due to open on June 17 but eventually opened on July 8.
Meanwhile The King of Essex in Basildon was set to open on September 23 but has now been pushed back to September 30.
It’s not uncommon for businesses to delay the openings of sites by a few weeks.
At the same time, Spoons has been opening more sites across the country.
Here’s the full list…
- Marlow, Buckinghamshire – already open
- London Waterloo Station – already open
- The Conister Arms, Douglas, Isle of Man – already open
- Walham Green, Fulham Broadway – already open
- Dictum of Kenilworth, Warwickshire – opening July 29
- The Sun Wharf, Tooley Street, London Bridge – opening September 2
- The Sir Alexander Fleming, Paddington – opening September 23
- The King of Essex in Basildon – opening September 30
- The Chiltern, Beaconsfield – opening December 2.
How can I save money at Wetherspoons?
FREE refills - Buy a £1.50 tea, coffee or hot chocolate and you can get free refills. The deal is available all day, every day.
Check a map – Prices can vary from one location the next, even those close to each other.
So if you’re planning a pint at a Spoons, it’s worth popping in nearby pubs to see if you’re settling in at the cheapest.
Choose your day – Each night the pub chain runs certain food theme nights.
For instance, every Thursday night is curry club, where diners can get a main meal and a drink for a set price cheaper than usual.
Pick-up vouchers – Students can often pick up voucher books in their local near universities, which offer discounts on food and drink, so keep your eyes peeled.
Get appy – The Wetherspoons app allows you to order and pay for your drink and food from your table – but you don’t need to be in the pub to use it.
Taking full advantage of this, cheeky customers have used social media to ask their friends and family to order them drinks. The app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play.
Check the date – Every year, Spoons holds its Tax Equality Day to highlight the benefits of a permanently reduced tax bill for the pub industry.
It usually takes place in September, and last year it fell on Thursday, September 14.
As well as its 12-day Real Ale Festival every Autumn, Wetherspoons also holds a Spring Festival.
