Lagardère Travel Retail opens JD Wetherspoon’s first pub in continental Europe at Alicante Airport

Lagardère Travel Retail has opened British pub chain JD Wetherspoon’s first location in continental Europe at Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport. The new venue reflects the company’s ability to work with a wide range of partner brands while tailoring concepts to the needs and expectations of local passengers, bringing together global expertise and on-the-ground insight to deliver a relevant and engaging airport dining experience.

Present at Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport since 2010, Lagardère Travel Retail has built a strong and long-standing presence in Spain and Portugal. The company now operates in more than 25 airports across the two markets, with over 100 stores and close to 40 Dining points of sale, drawing on deep local knowledge and operational expertise to develop and adapt dining concepts aligned with passenger expectations.

Located airside in departures, the newly built pub – named Castell de Santa Bàrbera– opened on Monday 9 February at 11am. Open seven days a week from 6am to 9pm, the venue offers close to 1,000 square feet (93 sqm) of customer space on a single level, complemented by an external terrace. Food is served throughout the day, up to one hour before closing.

Drawing on detailed knowledge of passenger profiles and travel habits, Lagardère Travel Retail has adapted the concept to its environment while preserving the elements that have made Wetherspoon a household name and trusted brand in the UK. The menu combines a selection of Wetherspoon favourites, including breakfast dishes, burgers and pizzas, with Spanish dishes such as garlic prawns and Spanish omelette, reflecting a balanced and locally relevant offer.

The project reflects Lagardère Travel Retail’s broader Dining philosophy, based on empowering local teams, working closely with partner brands and ensuring each concept is aligned with passenger expectations. This locally driven approach underpins the company’s ability to deploy a wide range of brands across its portfolio, adapting them to different markets and travel contexts.

Javier Cagigal, CEO of Lagardère Travel Retail Spain & Portugal, commented : “At Alicante Airport, our team has focused on understanding passenger expectations and translating that insight into a Dining offer that is relevant and appealing. This opening reflects our locally driven approach and the way we work with partner brands across our portfolio.”

Lylian Vignau, Chief Commercial & Digital Officer at Lagardère Travel Retail, added : “This opening reflects our approach to value creation in Dining, based on the strength of our portfolio, disciplined concept selection and the ability to adapt leading brands to each travel environment. By combining global commercial expertise with local market insight, we aim to enhance passenger conversion, drive sales performance and support the long-term competitiveness of our offers.”

Tim Martin, Wetherspoon Founder and Chairman, said : “We are delighted that the first Wetherspoon pub has opened in Spain, in partnership with Lagardere Travel Retail. We believe the pub will be popular with a wide range of customers, including those travelling home to the UK and those using the terminal for other destinations.”