Wetherspoons is opening its first ever pub in mainland Europe

Anyone with a European holiday on the cards can rest easy knowing Wetherspoons is finally spreading its wings and branching out across the continent.

Love it or loathe it, JD Wetherspoon is an absolute hospitality titan, operating around 800 pubs across the United Kingdom.

Famed for its budget-friendly eats, delicious cask ales, and range of premium draught lagers, the Watford-based company offers everything from classic cocktails to Irish-inspired spice bags in its establishments.

After opening in converted banks, cinemas, and heritage sites across Britain and the Republic of Ireland, the company has announced plans for its first European pub.

The eatery, set to command a 1,000sq ft space, will feature a stunning outdoor terrace, and sell standard breakfast options, as well as burgers, pizzas, and dishes such as omelettes and garlic prawns.

It's the first Wetherspoons abroad, but probably not the last (JD Wetherspoon)

The new Wetherspoons is set to open this February in Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, Spain.

According to founder Sir Tim Martin, the business is ‘looking forward’ to opening its first Spanish tavern on 9 February.

The pub will be situated in the departures lounge and is expected to be open seven days a week from 6am to 9pm, with food served all day until the last hour before closing, according to The Sun.

Martin, 71, told the outlet that he thinks the restaurant - serving up Spanish-inspired drinks - will be ‘popular with a wide range of customers, including those travelling home to the UK and those using the terminal for other destinations’.

If the airport Spoons is a success, then we may have a rapid expansion on the cards.

“We aim to open a number of pubs overseas in the coming months and years, including those at airports," Martin said.

The Alicante airport branch will be open from 9 February (JD Wetherspoon)

He added that this could be as many as 200, with branches opening in busy airports such as Benidorm and Majorca.

Wetherspoon’s first pub in continental Europe will be called Castell de Santa Bàrbera.

According to the chain’s website, it takes its moniker from the 9th century castle of the same name.

Situated atop Mount Benacantil, Castell de Santa Bàrbera was once a look-out, military fortress, and a prison.

UK-based revellers can take advantage of Wetherspoons limited-time Burns’ Week celebrations from Wednesday 21 January.

There's even a terrace (JD Wetherspoon)

To commemorate the life of renowned Scottish poet Robert Burns, the chain is serving up Scottish haggis, neeps and tatties, as well as a Caledonian Burger.

On draught you’ll find Auld Acquaintance, a Scottish golden ale with light floral and citrus notes in aroma and flavour.

Speaking about the special event, which is set to conclude on 27 January, Wetherspoon Marketing Executive, James Vaughan, said: “The seven-day celebration is a great opportunity for our customers to enjoy some traditional Scottish food and drink and to celebrate for Burns’ Week.”

It’s worth checking out if your local pub is participating in the Burns’ Week programme before heading down.