Wetherspoons is shutting two of its pub branches including one that was once branded one of “the worst” in the UK – but the company is opening several new pubs
Wetherspoons has been cutting its pub portfolio nationwide, recently shuttering two venues in Birmingham, including one formerly branded as amongst “the worst” in Britain. The chain is now concentrating on launching fresh locations in the coming months.
The latest closures come after significant upheaval impacting branches. Just days ago, it emerged that an east Lancashire credit union will relocate to the former Fitpatricks establishment on Manchester Road, Burnley, whilst The Grey Friar in Preston went on the market last month.
The Atrium, frequently ranked as one of Birmingham’s most disappointing spots, was first to shut. It had just 2.3 out of five stars on Tripadvisor. In 2022, one reviewer branded it “by far the worst Wetherspoons” they had visited.
Recent feedback for The Atrium, located within the NEC, has criticised its inflated prices, poor service standards, and lengthy food delays. Customers started raising the alarm over the venue’s future last week when it disappeared from the Wetherspoons app.
Birmingham Live reports the establishment suddenly stopped trading on August 6. This was confirmed by management.
Another Wetherspoons situated in the NEC’s Piazza has likewise shut down, though it’s due to relaunch under different management. As part of catering company Levy’s broader takeover of the indoor arena’s dining outlets, this location will undergo a short-term closure.
Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon has announced that the Piazza branch will be revamped into a Levy-franchised Wetherspoon pub, with its grand reopening set for 1 September. He said the changes would not result in any job losses.
“There will not be any redundancies with staff being given the opportunity to transfer to the new owners or offered a job at a Wetherspoon pub in the region. Wetherspoon has also closed The Atrium site,” he stated.
New branches on the horizon
Despite the closures, Wetherspoons is forging ahead with its plans for new branch openings by 2025. Three new branches have already thrown open their doors – the Conister Arms in the Isle of Man, the Walham Green in southwest London, and the Dictum of Kenilworth in Warwickshire.
Four more confirmed branches are due to open within the next three months. These are the Sun Wharf in London Bridge, set to open on September 16, the Sir Alexander Fleming, also in the capital, opening on September 23, the Sigered King of Essex in Basildon, welcoming customers from September 30, and the Chiltern in Beaconsfield, ready to serve guests from December 2.