Pub giant Wetherspoons has confirmed a major expansion, announcing plans to open a brand-new pub in partnership with a student union bar at the University of Birmingham.
A Unique Partnership in Birmingham
The new venture will see Wetherspoons collaborate with Joe's Bar, a popular student venue run by the university's Guild of Students. This unique location is scheduled to open its doors in Easter 2026.
While the bar will feature a brand-new menu from Wetherspoons, the day-to-day management will remain with the Guild of Students. This arrangement ensures that existing staff at Joe's Bar will keep their jobs, with the partnership also expected to create new employment opportunities ideally suited for University of Birmingham students.
Expansion Across the UK
The Birmingham announcement marks the eighth new location confirmed by Wetherspoons for opening in 2026. The pub chain has recently unveiled ambitions to grow its footprint across Britain, with new sites planned for towns including Bristol, Croydon, Stockton-on-Tees, Beaconsfield, and Wetherby.
A spokesperson for the company emphasised its commitment to unique design, stating that each new pub is "inspired by local history" and will have its own distinct character and personality.
Leadership and Future Prospects
John Hutson, Wetherspoons' chief executive, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. He told The Sun: "We are delighted to have entered into the partnership with the Guild of Students and look forward to working with it to make Joe's Bar a great success."
The company has confirmed it continues to actively seek further sites for expansion across the UK, signalling a robust growth strategy for the coming years.
