Case study: University of Hull students’ union

In January 2022, the University of Hull students’ union converted its existing bar and nightclub into a Wetherspoon franchise.

The work, which was carried out using Wetherspoon-approved architects, contractors and suppliers, involved converting the bar and kitchen’s layout, equipment, IT systems and front-of-house furniture.

As a franchise, the bar has adopted Wetherspoon’s business model, supported by its training, operating procedures, pricing, products, marketing and customer app. In its first year of trading as a Wetherspoon, sales across the bar, restaurant and late-night venue grew by 75%. Sales increased by a further 5% the following year.

Trade has evened out, both across the different parts of the day and throughout the year, with students and customers from the local community visiting more frequently at weekends and outside of term time (eg during the summer holiday period).

Since adopting Wetherspoon’s sales prices and cost prices, which have provided a more competitive offer for students and other customers, the bar’s gross margins have improved by around 6%.

Overall profits for the first year were up by more than £100k, or 65%, compared with trading before the franchise was introduced. Operating statistics, measured against Wetherspoon’s standards, demonstrate a strong performance – comparable with, or ahead of, averages for Wetherspoon’s managed estate.

Over 100 additional student jobs have been created through the increase in trading. In addition, central overheads and administration costs have been reduced through leveraging Wetherspoon’s menu development, procurement, training programmes and allergen/data management, along with its IT, marketing and operational support.

Footfall to the students’ union building as a whole has increased by an estimated 200%, with sales increases seen in other retail units as a result. SPAR, the franchised retail outlet located near Wetherspoon, is now performing at record sales levels.

The pub has been well received by students, staff and the local community, with positive comments noted and a 4.1-star (out of 5) average rating on Google reviews.

A representative of the Students’ Union said: “Simply, the partnership with Wetherspoon is the best thing we’ve ever done!”

Case study: University of Newcastle students’ union

In September 2023, Newcastle University students’ union converted its existing bar and nightclub into a Wetherspoon franchise.

The bar retained its original name, Luther’s Bar. Wetherspoon’s full food and drink menu was made available to students, staff and the public. The setting encompasses many of Wetherspoon’s design principles, including a bespoke carpet.

The bar features beers from the university’s own student-led microbrewery, Stu Brew. Since the partnership began, these beers have also been stocked at other Wetherspoon pubs in the city and have even featured in the company-wide Wetherspoon beer festival. The students’ union had its real-ale efforts further recognised by inclusion in the Good Beer Guide 2025, produced by the Campaign for Real Ale (known as CAMRA).

Graham Hattam, Deputy CEO Commercial and Franchise Operations said: “Since partnering with Wetherspoon’s franchise framework, the transformation in our performance has been remarkable. The collaboration has brought a clear structure, strong brand alignment and an enhanced customer experience which has resonated incredibly well with our audience.

We have seen a 150% increase in sales, which reflects not only the strength of the Wetherspoon model but also the effective support, engagement and collaborative working arrangement that the partnership provides. This combined approach has enabled us to streamline operations, improve service delivery and create a welcoming environment which consistently attracts both new and returning customers. Importantly, the bar is now significantly more popular with our student community, becoming a vibrant and well-loved part of campus life. This uplift in engagement highlights the success of the partnership and the improved offer we are now able to provide.

This partnership has proven to be a powerful driver of growth, and we are excited about the continued opportunities ahead.”

Case study: University of Birmingham guild of students

The University of Birmingham guild of students opened its own Wetherspoon franchise, through the refurbishment of its original bar, Joe’s, in May 2026.

The new pub retains the bar’s original name, which was inspired by an important symbol of the university – the Jospeh Chamberlain memorial clock tower within its grounds.

The new-look Joe’s delivers an enhanced food and drinks menu to the university’s student community. It offers a range of high-quality dishes, with a focus on affordable prices. This includes popular weekly deals, such as the Thursday Curry Club.

The refurbishment, with its accompanying new menu, has created more job openings for students, providing the opportunity to earn money and develop skills alongside study. Staff working at Joe’s continue to be employed and managed by the guild of students.

Wetherspoon’s chief executive, John Hutson, said: “We are delighted to have entered into the partnership with the guild of students and look forward to working with it to make Joe’s Bar a great success.”

Initial sales at the franchise have been very strong, exceeding initial expectations. A high proportion of the sales has come through food and soft drinks.

Adam Sheridan, Director of Engagement said: “Through our partnership with Wetherspoon, students will benefit from not only its value-for-money food and drinks offering but also the expansion of job opportunities within the bar. As a charity, and the students’ union for over 36,000 students, any surplus we make gets invested back into supporting student activities. This partnership will strengthen our commercial endeavours to support a vibrant future for the guild of students and enhance the overall student experience.”