Wetherspoon has warned that the UK's largest pub chain is facing "substantial increases in costs" that could result in profits falling short of expectations. Chairman and founder Tim Martin stated that this would leave "profits slightly below market expectations."
This warning comes despite the pub chain reporting a 3.4 percent increase in like-for-like sales for the 13 weeks ending April 2026, compared to the same period last year. Additionally, like-for-like sales rose by 4.8 percent over the six months to the end of January.
However, last month, the Babington Arms pub in Derby city center ceased trading on April 12. The pub first opened its doors in 1997 but was listed on the property market last year.
While one pub closes, the chain is expanding internationally. In February, Wetherspoon opened a location at Alicante Airport in the departures area. Following its success, the company plans to open two more pubs at Barcelona-El Prat Airport in the capital city. The first will be in Terminal 1, set to open by September 2026.
Mr. Martin commented: "The company has a strong pipeline of new pubs and planned openings include Manchester Airport, Heathrow Airport, Paddington station, Charing Cross station and Shaftesbury Ave in central London."
