Following a successful trial run at Haven Primrose Valley Holiday Park in Filey last year, Wetherspoons is expanding its presence in Haven holiday parks across the UK. Four new pubs are slated to open in March 2024 at Haven’s Cleethorpes Beach in Lincolnshire, Devon Cliffs in Devon, Kent Coast in Kent, and Haggerston Castle in Northumberland. This expansion represents a significant investment of approximately £6.7 million and is part of Haven’s broader £8.3 million strategy to enhance its food and beverage offerings. The names and precise opening dates of the new pubs are yet to be announced. This partnership signifies a growing trend of integrating established brands into holiday park facilities, providing guests with familiar dining options alongside existing chains like Burger King, Papa Johns, and Millie’s Cookies. The move has been lauded by both Haven and Wetherspoons CEOs, citing the success of the first venture, The Five Stones, at Primrose Valley as a strong indicator of future positive outcomes.
The Five Stones pub, which opened in March 2023, has already proven to be a popular addition to the Primrose Valley Holiday Park. Featuring the recognizable Wetherspoons carpets and a capacity of 250 seats, the pub provides a familiar and affordable dining and drinking experience for holidaymakers. While the pub opens early at 8am, alcoholic beverages are not served until 10am. However, its extended opening hours, stretching until 1am during the summer months, offer ample opportunity for guests to enjoy the facilities. The success of this initial venture paved the way for the current expansion and further solidifies the partnership between Haven and Wetherspoons. Additionally, a new Wetherspoons pub, The Boathouse, is also confirmed to open later this year at Haven Presthaven in North Wales, further demonstrating the commitment of both companies to this collaborative approach.
Wetherspoons’ expansion within Haven holiday parks is part of the pub chain’s wider growth strategy. With over 816 pubs across the UK, Wetherspoons offers a diverse range of locations and experiences. From its largest pub in Ramsgate, boasting a beachside terrace, to the aesthetically unique pub housed in a former church in Folkestone, Wetherspoons continues to adapt its offerings to various settings. The recent opening of a Wetherspoons pub in one of the UK’s busiest train stations further illustrates the company’s focus on accessibility and convenience. The new Haven locations align with this strategy, providing holidaymakers with easy access to a well-known and affordable pub experience within their holiday park environment.
For budget-conscious customers, Wetherspoons provides several money-saving options. Unlimited refills on hot drinks like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are available for a modest price. Checking prices at nearby locations can also help find the best deals, as prices can vary even between pubs in close proximity. Themed food nights, such as Thursday’s Curry Club, offer discounted meals and drinks. Students can often benefit from voucher books offering discounts, and the Wetherspoons app allows for convenient ordering and payment directly from the table, even before arriving at the pub. Furthermore, annual events like Tax Equality Day and the Real Ale and Spring Festivals provide further opportunities for discounted food and drinks.
The continuing expansion of Wetherspoons demonstrates its adaptable business model, catering to diverse locations and customer needs. The partnership with Haven holiday parks provides a captive audience of holidaymakers seeking convenient and affordable dining and drinking options. The success of The Five Stones, the first Wetherspoons within a Haven park, has clearly demonstrated the viability of this collaboration. This expansion represents a strategic move for both companies, leveraging each other’s strengths to enhance the holiday experience for guests and provide a profitable venture for both Wetherspoons and Haven.
The investment in new Wetherspoon pubs within Haven parks not only benefits holidaymakers but also contributes to the local economies of the areas where the parks are located. Creating jobs and supporting local suppliers, the expansion signifies a positive economic impact. Furthermore, the integration of well-known brands like Wetherspoons adds to the overall appeal of Haven holiday parks, potentially attracting new visitors and bolstering the UK’s domestic tourism industry. This mutually beneficial partnership is a testament to the evolving landscape of the hospitality sector and the growing demand for diverse and accessible dining options within holiday settings.
This expansion is not limited to Haven holiday parks alone. Wetherspoons continues to invest in new locations and concepts, such as the upcoming “Super Spoons” in the North East, a £5 million project boasting 26 rooms and what is purported to be the country’s largest beer garden. This demonstrates the company’s ambitious growth strategy and its commitment to innovation within the pub industry. The combination of traditional pub offerings with accommodation and enhanced outdoor spaces further diversifies Wetherspoons’ portfolio and caters to a broader range of customer preferences. The ongoing development of new concepts and locations solidifies Wetherspoons’ position as a major player in the UK hospitality sector.
