
Small ‘paradise' island off the coast of the UK to get first ever Wetherspoons pub
Plus, the other Wetherspoon pubs in the UK set to open in 2025
NEW BOOZER Small 'paradise' island off the coast of the UK to get first ever Wetherspoons pub
WETHERSPOONS is opening its very first branch on the Isle of Man.
The chain of pubs, which is one of the largest in the UK, has confirmed it will open the Conister Arms on the site on 14 May.
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A Wetherspoons will open in a former bar and grill restaurant
Credit: Alamy
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The Wetherspoons will open on Regent Street in Douglas
Credit: Alamy
The Conister Arms will open on Regent Street in Douglas, the capital town of the Isle of Man.
In a statement confirming the takeover, the chain said its pubs had "proven popular" in the UK and Ireland.
And it was "confident that the new pub will appeal to a wide range of customers and be an asset to the social scene in Douglas."
Currently, the site is occupied by 1886 Bar and Grill. The four-storey venue, which sits just off the main shopping street and has a capacity of 725.
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Chief executive of Thompson Holdings, which owns 1886, James Thompson told the BBC that existing staff had been offered roles at the new pub and about 120 other staff would also be recruited.
Mr Thompson said the move was "about the future of our high street" as the island's hospitality sector was "on its knees".
Hospitality had become "unaffordable for too many" and the "only real solution" was to "get prices down and keep them down".
The island's very first 'Spoons will open its doors to customers for the first time next week.
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To mark the occasion, the pub will be officially opened by the Mayor of Douglas at 8am.
The Isle of Man has been called 'paradise' thanks to its white sandy beaches and amazing wildlife.
One of the UK's prettiest Wetherspoons is in an up-and-coming seaside town
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Six new Wetherspoons pub are set to open in the UK this year
Credit: Market hall
Known as the UK British Isles Galapagos, the island is home to seals, porpoises, whales, dolphins, basking sharks, and wallabies.
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But this isn't the only Wetherspoons opening this year
Another Wetherspoons pub set to open is in one of the former entrances of Fulham Broadway tube station, that closed in 2003.
The site currently includes the original Edwardian ticket office, including a vintage 'To The Trains' sign.
It is thought the original features will be kept and the pub will include a new beer garden roof terrace.
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The pub will be named Walham Green and is set to open on June 17.
A total of 15 new Wetherspoons pubs will be coming to the UK, with two new pubs already unveiled this year in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, and at London Waterloo station.
Six locations have opening dates already and a further nine sites will open by July 2026.
The Sun's Kara Godfrey went to prettiest Wetherspoons in the UK – it's right by the beach with huge stained glass windows
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Plus, the UK's 11 prettiest Wetherspoons from former opera halls to Victorian bath houses.
New Wetherspoons Pubs Coming To The UK
WETHERSPOONS is gearing up to open pubs in six brand-new locations, with the first set to welcome the public in just a few days. Douglas, Isle of Man - May 14
Fulham, SW London - June 17
Kenilworth, Warwickshire - July 30
Tooley Street, London Bridge - August 28
Basildon, Essex - September 23
Merchant Square, Paddington - late summer

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Wales Online
19 hours ago
- Wales Online
Winner of the best bathroom in Wales 2025 revealed
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Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Millions of families on Universal Credit can claim £1,000 summer cost of living cash now – check if you qualify
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Hull Eligible pensioners will be given £200 to help them out after the Government made cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment. Low income families will also be eligible for a £40 school uniform grant, as well as food vouchers in school holidays for those eligible for school meal Hull City Council has not yet opened applications for payments, but updates will be posted on the council's website. Leeds Struggling families in Leeds can get payments of up to £150. All claimants must be in receipt of Council Tax Support, a scheme where those on a low income or benefits including Universal Credit can get money off the bill. The council said those who are eligible for the support will receive the payment in the autumn and winter. A qualifying date for when you need to have been in receipt of Council Tax Support to be eligible for the support has not yet been set. So if you think you may be eligible for the support it might be worth submitting an application. You can find out more by vising North Somerset North Somerset Council has also announced it will provide food vouchers worth up to £100 to those in need. This will be automatically given to families eligible for free school meals. The council is also distributing £50 food vouchers to support other vulnerable residents, including: Those on council tax reduction (CTR) which can be accessed through those on benefits including UC Pensioners People with severe mental impairments Care leavers Housing benefit claimants not already receiving CTR. Portsmouth Residents in Portsmouth in financial hardship and struggling to afford essentials, can apply for an exceptional hardship payment worth up to £1,000 as part of the Household Support Fund. Those on Universal Credit and other benefits can apply but you don't need to be. However the city is closing applications in just days on June 12 so you'll need to move quickly. You'll need to provide evidence of your income and bank accounts. 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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Huge fashion chain with 20 Scottish stores at risk of collapse as thousands of jobs in danger
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