Wetherspoon is set to close The Grey Friar, a pub in Preston that has been serving customers for 30 years, causing disappointment among its regulars. The establishment, opened in the 1990s, is now up for sale, although it will continue operating as a Wetherspoon until a buyer is found. Staff members will have the opportunity to transfer to other Wetherspoon locations, ensuring their jobs are secure.
Locals who frequented The Grey Friar will now have to visit the Twelve Tellers on Church Street, the nearest Wetherspoon pub in the city center. Despite this alternative, many patrons expressed sadness over the closure, reminiscing about their fond memories at The Grey Friar on social media.
In contrast to this closure, Wetherspoon recently launched a new pub at Haven’s Devon Cliffs site in Exmouth called Red Rocks, which can accommodate nearly 700 customers, making it one of the largest pubs in the Wetherspoon chain. The pub is expected to serve up to 1,500 pints on busy days, reaching 2,000 pints on peak Saturdays. This new addition marks the fifth Wetherspoon pub on a Haven holiday park, with more planned for the future.
Despite the challenges posed by increased labor costs due to changes in national insurance contributions and the minimum wage, Wetherspoon remains optimistic about its financial outlook. The company reported a 5.6% increase in like-for-like sales in the 13 weeks leading up to April 27, with overall comparable sales rising by 5.1% year-to-date. Chairman Tim Martin expressed confidence in the company’s performance for the financial year, despite the additional costs incurred. Wetherspoon has expanded its portfolio by opening two new pubs and has ambitious plans to open more establishments in the coming financial year.