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JD Wetherspoon Opens First Continental Europe Pub at Alicante Airport

The airport franchise with Lagardère serves as a targeted entry point for overseas growth focused on British holiday traffic.

Overview

  • The Castell de Santa Bàrbera opened on 9 February airside in departures at Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, trading daily from 6am to 9pm with close to 1,000 sq ft of space and an external terrace.
  • Lagardère Travel Retail is operating the site under franchise, adapting the concept for the airport setting while retaining core Wetherspoon features.
  • The menu blends familiar breakfasts, burgers and pizzas with local options such as garlic prawns, Spanish omelette and broken eggs, with about 90% of the UK lineup available.
  • Offerings and design are tailored for the venue, including Spanish tiles, no deep‑fat fryer (so no traditional fish and chips), and a bar focused on lagers rather than real ales.
  • Opening prices reported include a traditional English breakfast at €10.25, pints such as Amstel or Stella at €5.95, and Guinness at €7.50, as Tim Martin signals plans for further overseas openings in the months and years ahead.