JD Wetherspoon lists 32 pubs for sale

JD Wetherspoon has put 32 pubs across England on the market, with CBRE and Savills appointed to market the pubs. 

The group, which operates around 800 pubs in the UK and Ireland, said it was a “commercial decision” with more than half located in London and the south-east.

The sites are a mix of 10 freehold and 22 leasehold units and are being considered for sale either individually, in small packages or as a portfolio. 

The pubs have existing planning and licensing consents mean the units can be occupied quickly and with fixtures and fittings that will remain which will “significantly reduce ingoing operators’ fit out costs”.

Wetherspoon warned earlier this year that it could plunge to a loss of around £30m after raising staff wages and investing in repairs.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “On occasion Wetherspoon does put some of its pubs up for sale. This is a commercial decision. We understand that customers and staff will be disappointed with it. The pubs will continue to operate as Wetherspoon outlets until they are sold.”

Toby Hall, senior director at CBRE, added: “The excellent mix of locations in this portfolio is rarely seen in the market. With more than half of the portfolio located in London and the south-east and other strong locations in the south-west, Midlands and [north of England] we believe the pubs represent an excellent opportunity for existing pub operators and new entrants.” 

Some of the pubs for sale are Bexleyheath – Wrong ‘Un, Bournemouth – Christopher, Creeke, Cheltenham – Bank House, Durham – Water House, Harrow – Moon on the Hill, Hove – Cliftonville Inn, London Battersea – Asparagus, and London East Ham – Miller’s Well.