JD Wetherspoons owner Tim Martin has 827 pubs across the UK though some will soon disappear from the chain’s estate.
The popular pub brand warned in September 2022 that it was putting dozens of its pubs up for sale.
In the tail-end of 2023, 11 sites were earmarked for closure but some managed to stay open. That is, until now.
Three Wetherspoons pubs are expected to close this March in a move that has saddened local punters.
West Yorkshire pubgoers will be hit with a double closure with The White Hart in Todmorden and Sir Norman Rae in Market Street, Shipley both set to cease trading.
The White Hart will go first on Friday, March 15 when it transfers to a new owner.
Complete with three storeys, a beer patio to the front and back and a license to sell alcohol until 1am on weekends, the pub listing was quickly snapped up after being put on the market last year.
JD Wetherspoon’s opened the site in July 2011 but the building was originally known as the New Inn, which was established in 1728 within a farm.
The longstanding pub has been a pillar of the local community and was branded a “sad loss” by locals.
Plus, The Sir Norman Rae in Market Street, Shipley, West Yorkshire, will call last orders on March 24 after finding a buyer.
Wetherspoons is also set to close The Holland Tringham in Streatham, London, on March 10.
One loyal customer shared their reaction on X, formerly Twitter, writing: “Very sad that The White Hart Wetherspoons in Todmorden (my home town) is one of over a dozen closing around the country.
“It is a beautiful, family-friendly pub with great views, located in the dead centre of the town. Lots of memories there. I hope it will reopen.”
In nearby Shipley, punters will face the loss of their local “spoons” known as The Sir Norman Rae in Market Street, on March 24.
The Bradford district pub recently found a buyer one year after the business put 32 pubs up for sale, many of which have now closed.
Wetherspoon spokesperson Eddie Gershon confirmed the news to the Telegraph & Argus though wouldn’t disclose who it has been sold to.
A third pub, The Holland Tringham in Streatham, London, is also expected to shut on March 10. However, this is only a temporary move as the site is expecting to be pouring cheap pints again by April 30 following a renovation period.
Despite closures, Wetherspoons fans should be reassured that the beloved chain is expected to claim some 1,000 new venues.
