Wetherspoon is gearing up to launch 15 new pubs in collaboration with the renowned fish and chips chain, Papas. The initial pub, named The Hykeham Manor, is scheduled to debut on October 1 in Gateway Park, Lincoln. Following this, three more pubs will open in Annitsford, Northumberland, Stockton-on-Tees, Co Durham, and Emersons Green in Bristol during October and November.
Under a franchise agreement with The Papas Group, Wetherspoon will oversee the operation of these establishments. Michael Barron, Wetherspoon’s commercial director, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, hinting at the possibility of more franchise deals in the pipeline.
Andrew Papas, director of Papas Group, voiced excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the unique significance of these community-oriented venues in strategic locations. The joint effort aims not only for expansion but also for the rejuvenation and reinvestment in local communities, promising job creation and exceptional service standards synonymous with Wetherspoon.
In a related development, Wetherspoon had previously teamed up with Haven, resulting in five franchised sites, including the first Wetherspoon pub at Primrose Valley. The expansion of the new pubs saw a substantial investment of £6.7 million by Haven. Additionally, Wetherspoon has existing franchise agreements with Newcastle and Hull Universities, as well as Thompson Holdings, which manages a pub in the Isle of Man.
Meanwhile, a Wetherspoon customer, Adam Gale, successfully advocated for the reinstatement of tuna jacket potato on the menu after it was removed. His direct plea to Tim Martin, Wetherspoon’s boss, led to the swift return of the beloved menu item, showcasing the pub chain’s responsiveness to customer feedback.
The ongoing efforts by Wetherspoon and its partners point to a commitment to community engagement, quality service, and continuous improvement in their offerings.
