Wetherspoon's eyes more roadside pubs

It follows the opening of the company’s first pub at a motorway services, the Hope & Champion at the M40 Beaconsfield services.

The company reiterated its aim to open between 40 and 50 pubs this year.

“There will be more on roads. Whether they will be big roads or small roads, I don’t know. I haven’t analysed it but I really don’t know if there will be any more on motorways in the near term.”

Regarding the opportunity for sites on A-roads, he said: “We’ve got pubs in these sort of positions - edge of town-type sites.

“We’ve got one in Leicester that’s a drive-to car park. Mitchells & Butlers have done a lot of pubs like that, so have Greene King and Marston’s.”

Motorway pub​

Martin said he imagined the furore around the country’s first motorway pub would die down. Campaigners have argued that it could encourage drink-driving.

The Wetherspoons chairman pointed out that the company has pubs where food accounts for 75% of sales, and the Hope & Champion is expected to have a big food trade. “I don’t think it’s as big a change as people imagined,” Martin said. “Especially that you can buy alcoholic drinks in Marks & Spencer on the motorway and other places in the motorway, and there are pubs just off it.”

Wetherspoons reported a 6.7% rise in like-for-like sales in the 12 weeks to 19 January and Martin described Christmas trading as “quite strong, in line with the quarter in terms of sales”. The performance of its annual January Sale promotion is also “in line”, he stated.

Ireland openings​

The company recently confirmed that it has secured its second pub in Ireland.

Martin said: “It’s no different from England really. We are hoping to open a dozen or so. I think it will take three to four years in a new market. There are no more imminent openings.”

Asked about the current consumer spending environment, Martin said: “It’s a very competitive market, especially for pubs. You’re having to offer more for less in the pub world, and your hands are very tied by the tax system. It’s possible to make a buck but you have to work.”