Wetherspoon, the beloved British pub chain known for its affordable food, quick service, and no-frills approach, has officially landed on continental European soil. On February 9, 2026, the company opened its first location outside the UK and Ireland at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport in Spain, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s storied history. The new pub, named Castell de Santa Bàrbera after the iconic castle overlooking Alicante bay, is already drawing attention from both British travelers and locals alike.
Located airside in the departures area, Castell de Santa Bàrbera welcomes customers seven days a week from 6am to 9pm. The venue boasts nearly 1,000 square feet of customer space on a single level, plus an external terrace where patrons can smoke or vape—a rarity in most airport environments. The design departs from the classic garish carpets familiar to UK ‘Spoons regulars, instead opting for Spanish tiles and cream paintwork, lending a local flavor to the British institution.
According to The Independent, the new menu is a blend of home comforts and regional specialties. Travelers can tuck into traditional British fare—think fry-ups, bacon butties, Lincolnshire sausages, and baked beans—while also sampling local Spanish dishes such as garlic prawns, Spanish omelettes, and broken eggs. There are a few notable omissions: classic fish and chips are off the menu, reportedly due to the lack of a deep fat fryer, and the usual Wetherspoon curry has been replaced by two Japanese Katsu-style dishes. Still, around 90% of the standard UK menu is available, and the traditional fry-up, priced at €10.25 (about £8.94), is cheaper than most UK airport branches despite being pricier than the UK high street average.
Behind the bar, the drink selection caters to a broad audience. While real ales are absent, customers can choose from a range of lagers, including Stella Artois, Leffe Blonde, Cruzcampo, Amstel, and Guinness, with prices ranging from €4.95 (£4.30) to €7.95 (£6.92). BrewDog Punk IPA is also available for €4.95 (£4.32), and those craving a taste of home can grab a can of John Smith’s or Greene King Abbot Ale for €5.95. Cocktails, including the Godfather, Woo Woo, or Sex on the Beach, are offered at €9.95 (£8.68). For non-drinkers or those needing a caffeine boost, free refill tea and coffee are available for €3.30 (£2.87)—a Wetherspoon staple. The chain’s popular app, which allows customers to order food and drinks to their table, isn’t operational at this location yet, but it’s expected to launch soon.
Wetherspoon’s founder and chairman, Tim Martin, expressed enthusiasm about the Spanish debut. Speaking to The Mirror, he said, “We are delighted to have opened in Spain. We believe the pub will be popular with a wide range of customers travelling home from Alicante Airport, including those travelling home to the UK and those using the terminal for trips to England and beyond.” Martin also confirmed ambitions to expand further into Europe, hinting at new locations in airports and potentially even on the high street. “We aim to open a number of pubs overseas in the coming months and years, including those at airports,” he added.
The choice of Alicante for Wetherspoon’s first continental European outpost was no accident. The Costa Blanca region, including the popular resort town of Benidorm, attracts millions of British tourists each year—over 2.6 million visited the region last year alone, according to The Mirror. The area is also home to a large British expatriate community, making it fertile ground for a brand that’s become synonymous with British culture. EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, and British Airways all offer direct flights to Alicante, ensuring a steady stream of potential customers eager for a familiar pint or a full English breakfast before heading home.
Customer reactions on opening day were a mix of nostalgia and curiosity. Phil, a British homeowner in Alicante, told The Independent, “I think it will suit a lot of the British crowd. I was a bit surprised because Wetherspoon has a reputation for having good prices, but most drinks and food in Spain are cheaper anyway.” He added, “It will certainly get popular with the stag night crowds from Benidorm.” While Phil admitted he usually likes to “come to Spain to get away from that,” he couldn’t resist stopping by on the first day, opting for a chicken burger and chips.
Other early visitors included Sam, a Wetherspoon enthusiast from Worthing, who coordinated his return flight to coincide with the pub’s opening. “It’s quite small, but it's well kitted out, it's quite pleasant in here and has a nice atmosphere so far,” he shared with The Independent. For Sam, the visit was about more than just food and drink: “I only started going out of my way to visit [different] Wetherspoons in early 2022. My grandad liked to visit different Wetherspoons, so I think I got it from him.”
Paul Denovan, a builder from Basingstoke, was similarly enthusiastic. After ordering an Amstel just before midday, he remarked to The Mirror, “My local is a Wetherspoons, although I don't go there as often as I should do, maybe once a month. But the prices are amazing, at £3 a pint. I've flown out here 12 times in the past six months, so I'm really pleased this has opened. I'll definitely be using it again. The great thing is that it's only a stone's throw from my boarding gate.”
Not everyone was focused solely on the drinks. Karen and Steven Hooper, seasoned Wetherspoon fans from Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, praised the affordability and variety. “We always look for a Spoons because it is reasonably priced and the beers are good,” said Steven, while Karen added, “I think there should be more of these abroad.” Andrea and Warllen Duque, from Dublin, were delighted with the expanded menu, with Andrea noting, “I'm delighted as we don't normally go for the food there is at the airport here. I like the variety of what's on the menu.”
The Castell de Santa Bàrbera isn’t just another airport pub; it’s a landmark for Wetherspoon’s international ambitions. The chain, which peaked at 955 outlets in 2015 before retrenching to just under 800 across the UK and Ireland, is now embarking on its largest expansion in a decade. According to The Mirror, around 30 new pubs are planned over the next year, with half run by the company and the rest by franchisees, potentially creating 1,800 jobs.
Despite its sometimes polarizing reputation—due in part to Tim Martin’s vocal Brexit support—Wetherspoon remains a mainstay for millions of customers who value its affordability, convenience, and unpretentious atmosphere. As spokesperson Eddie Gershon told The Independent, “Wetherspoon was never anti-Europe. We will continue to open pubs across Europe. Why not, there is a market for it, no doubt people will want to come to the pubs.”
For now, sun-kissed Brits can enjoy a taste of home at Alicante Airport before boarding their flights, while Wetherspoon eyes new horizons across the continent. The Castell de Santa Bàrbera may be just the beginning of a new chapter for this iconic British brand.