Mega Wetherspoons to open in UK city centre – space for 485 people | UK | News
Wetherspoons is set to open a major new pub in Edinburgh as part of its expansion plans this year. The bar is expected to replace the 485-capacity Revolution bar, on Chambers Street near the University of Edinburgh, which closes in 2024.
The discount boozer has yet to confirm opening, but licensing board documents reveal Wetherspoon has applied for a permit to sell alcohol from 9am to 1am Monday to Saturday and 11am to 1am on Sundays. Edinburgh Live. The license was approved on Monday, January 19.
The pub chain is known for repurposing old buildings with a nod to local history; so customers can expect a completely new look inside the old Revolution, which occupies the ground and basement floors.
It comes amid a year of growth for the chain, which has opened six pubs this financial year at London Bridge station, Merchant Square in Paddington, Kenilworth, Basildon, Wetherby and Beaconsfield.
Wetherspoon aims to open a further nine distilleries before July 2026, as revealed in its latest trading update. The company sold six pubs, generating a net cash inflow of £3.3 million.
The bold expansion plans follow a successful Christmas period, with sales rising by more than 8% compared to 2024. In the 25 weeks to January 18, 2026, bar sales were up 6.9%, food sales were up 1.3% and slot machines were up 9.1%.
But Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin warned that sales were likely to be lower than the previous year because costs were “higher than expected”.
He said: “We are pleased with the sales growth in the financial year and the increased momentum in the second quarter.
“Costs were higher than expected, for example energy, wages, repairs and business rates increased by £45 million in the first 25 weeks.
“Profits in the first half are likely to be lower than in the comparable period of the previous financial year. If the current sales momentum continues, the company now expects full-year trading results to be slightly below those achieved in FY25.”
JD Wetherspoon currently operates 794 pubs as well as 16 franchise locations on university campuses, holiday parks and airports.
These locations could be key targets for growth, with the chain confirming that eight franchised pubs have opened this year and a further 10 to 15 are expected to open by July, including at Alicante Airport.
