Pub chain J D Wetherspoon is said to have now secured potential buyers for a selection of sites across the UK, including landmark buildings in Swindon, Edinburgh and St Ives.
As more boozers go under offer, the existing 790 pub portfolio could be reduced by a further 10 as buyers are sought for a selection of properties across Scotland, England and Wales.
Lovingly referred to as ‘Spoons’ by drinking enthusiasts, more than a dozen pubs have already closed, leaving locals looking for somewhere to enjoy the cheap drinks and affordable meals that the chain is so famous for.
The London & Rye Wetherspoon in Catford was the most recent closure for the group, locking its doors for good after 24 years on Sunday, August 25. The pub was put up for sale by letting agent Savills earlier this year with offers starting from £850,000.
Another four pubs are now said to be ‘under offer’ including the Sir Daniel Arms in Swindon and the Hain Line in St Ives.
Some previously listed establishments, however, have been saved from the gavel and will continue to run as Wetherspoons pubs.
The Spa Lane Vaults in Chesterfield was given a reprieve in March when it was withdrawn from the market. Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We can confirm that The Spa Lane Vaults pub in Chesterfield is no longer for sale,” according to Derbyshire Live.
He continued: “It will continue to run as a Wetherspoon pub. We are sure that this news will be welcomed by the pub’s staff and customers.”
Patrons were quick to comment on the pub’s change of fortune, with one regular saying: “Great to see common sense has won the day. We have used the vaults quite a lot over the years, it would have been a great shame to see it turned into a carpet shop or whatever. Here’s to a load more years.”
The chain’s Thomas Drummond site in Fleetwood was first put up for sale in February but has also recently been taken off the market in a win for local drinkers.
The branch’s manager Claire Buxton said the news would be a “delight” for both punters and staff. She added: “We look forward to serving the Fleetwood community for many more years to come.”
Despite concern from punters that the sales could be a sign that the pub chain is facing difficulties, owner Tim Martin said the company has largely closed venues which are “smaller and older”, or where it has another site nearby.
In a show of strength that confirms the company’s ongoing success, an incredible new ‘super Wetherspoons’ opened in Newcastle just this week alongside a further two new pubs are set to open in England next month including The Lion & The Unicorn at London’s Waterloo station.
