Wetherspoon has revealed its intentions to launch a new pub at a university campus. The popular pub chain will set up Joe’s at the University of Birmingham through a freshly forged partnership. Named after the university’s iconic clock tower, Joe’s will remain under the management of the Guild of Students.
Scheduled to debut in Easter 2026 after undergoing a significant renovation, the new establishment will offer the complete Wetherspoon food and beverage selection, featuring weekly specials like the Thursday Curry Club. Wetherspoon, boasting nearly 800 pubs across the UK, previously inaugurated its initial university pub at Hull University in 2022.
Expressing enthusiasm for the collaboration, John Hutson, Wetherspoon’s CEO, stated, “We are excited about our partnership with the Guild of Students and are eager to work together to ensure the success of Joe’s Bar.”
Antonia Listrat, President of the University of Birmingham Guild of Students, emphasized the benefits students will gain from the deal, including affordable dining options and increased job opportunities within the bar. She highlighted the charitable aspect of the partnership, with any profits reinvested to support student activities, fortifying commercial efforts for the Guild’s future sustainability and enhancing the student experience.
Wetherspoon is set to launch six additional pubs by mid-January, expanding its presence further. This announcement follows the recent introduction of Wetherspoon’s Christmas menu, featuring the return of its popular turkey dinner package. The festive feast, priced at £13.99 with a soft drink or £15.52 with an alcoholic beverage, includes turkey slices, stuffing, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, pigs-in-blankets, peas, cranberry sauce, and gravy. Notably, this year’s prices show a slight increase compared to last year.
The Christmas menu will be available until December 31, offering customers a seasonal dining experience. Despite reporting strong sales and profits, Wetherspoon’s founder, Tim Martin, emphasized the company’s commitment to minimizing price hikes amidst potential tax increases affecting the pub industry. Martin assured that Wetherspoon will strive to keep price adjustments at a minimum, prioritizing affordability for its customers.