First 'Spoons in Spain will target British travellers flying home

JD Wetherspoon is to open its first pub outside the UK and Ireland. It will serve alcohol from 6am every day and target British passengers in the departure lounge at Alicante airport.

- Rob Davies

The opening in Spain, scheduled for January, is likely to be followed by others, according the chain.

The move on to the continent comes nearly a decade after Wetherspoon's outspoken founder and chair, Tim Martin, celebrated Britain's vote to leave the European Union - a policy he vocally backed.

Named after Castell de Santa Bàrbera a medieval coastal fortress in Alicante, the new outlet is expected to cater to holidaymakers travelling home from the Costa Blanca.

Alongside its usual dining fare, such as fry-ups, burgers and pizzas, the pub will also serve traditional local dishes such as garlic prawns and Spanish omelette.