Central London could soon welcome a new branch of the budget-friendly pub chain JD Wetherspoon, situated just steps from one of the capital's major transport hubs.
Prime Location and Pub Plans
The company is seeking to take over a vacant two-floor unit at 11 The Strand, directly adjacent to Charing Cross railway station. The proposed venue, which was formerly occupied by a Paul café and a Next shop, would have a substantial capacity for 320 people.
Plans indicate the pub would offer a full food menu until one hour before closing and include a smoking area, though no outdoor seating is proposed. Mirroring the chain's other station-based establishments, it aims for early opening hours: 7am to 11.30pm from Monday to Thursday, with a midnight finish on Fridays and Saturdays, and a 10.30pm closure on Sundays.
Planning Hurdles and Successful Appeal
This is not Wetherspoon's first attempt to open at this address. An initial application was submitted last year but was rejected by Westminster City Council. Council documents cited concerns that the pub's size was 'inappropriate' for the location, could cause a nuisance to residents on nearby Craven Street, and might lead to an over-saturation of drinking venues in the area.
However, the company appealed the decision. In a significant turn, the Planning Inspectorate granted the appeal in June 2025. The inspectorate found no 'material' reasons why the empty unit should not be used as a pub, clearing a major obstacle for the project.
Expansion and Central London Operations
Due to its highly central location—Charing Cross is often considered the focal point of London—the pub's management plans include systems to handle peak times, such as football matchdays. The application notes that the venue is considering employing the same door staff used by the Heaven nightclub, who would be on duty from 6pm onwards.
If approved, this Strand location would join a recent wave of Wetherspoon expansions in London. Recent openings include The Walham Green in Fulham, a pub in the former London Dungeons site at London Bridge, and another in Paddington. Nationally, the chain plans to open 30 new branches across the UK within the next six months.
