Wetherspoon is set to establish a new pub at the University of Birmingham in collaboration with the Guild of Students. Named Joe’s after the university’s famous clock tower, the pub will undergo a refurbishment and open its doors in Easter 2026. It will offer the complete Wetherspoon food and beverage menu, including specials like the Thursday Curry Club.
With almost 800 pubs nationwide, Wetherspoon previously launched its first university pub at Hull University in 2022. CEO John Hutson expressed excitement about the partnership with the Guild of Students, aiming to ensure the success of Joe’s Bar.
The University of Birmingham Guild of Students President, Antonia Listrat, highlighted the benefits for students, emphasizing the value-for-money offerings and increased job opportunities. The surplus generated from operations will be reinvested in supporting student activities, enhancing the student experience and commercial initiatives of the Guild.
Wetherspoon is on track to open six new pubs by mid-January, following the recent launch of its Christmas menu featuring the popular turkey dinner. The festive feast includes turkey slices, stuffing, vegetables, pigs-in-blankets, cranberry sauce, and gravy, priced at £13.99 with a soft drink or £15.52 with an alcoholic beverage. Despite slight price increases from the previous year, the Christmas menu will be available until December 31.
Company chairman Tim Martin emphasized efforts to minimize price hikes despite industry challenges, aiming to maintain affordability for customers. Martin acknowledged the impact of tax increases on pricing but assured a commitment to keeping price adjustments to a minimum at Wetherspoon.