British favourite JD Wetherspoon has opened its first pub in continental Europe – the first beyond the UK’s shores – complete with a full English fry-up, pizzas as well as draught beer, wine, craft beer and ale. Castell de Santa Bàrbera, based in Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport in south-eastern Spain, opened its doors for the first time on Monday (February 9).

Featuring an external terrace with seating, it’s located in the non-Schengen zone of the airside departures area. All the classic English dishes, from traditional breakfasts to burgers and pizzas, are on offer. In addition, there will also be Spanish-inspired drinks and dishes, such as garlic prawns and Spanish omelettes. With Alicante airport the primary gateway to the Costa Blanca, serving major tourist hotspots like Benidorm, Alicante city and Torrevieja, the pub is expected to prove a big hit with Brits.

However, for those hoping for a home away from home, decor has been updated. The iconic Wetherspoon carpet has been replaced with Spanish tiles, paired with cream paintwork. The pub is also a lot smaller than the average high street Spoons.

Some of its menu items also differ, with British fish and chips off the menu, due to the lack of a deep-fat fryer. Another firm favourite at home – a Spoons’ curry – is included, but with a twist in the form of two Japanese-style Katsu offerings. The menu also includes several local dishes, such as garlic prawn, Spanish omelette and broken eggs.

However, all is not lost, as around 90% of what you can get in most Spoons is on offer, including a traditional breakfast with fried eggs, bacon, Lincolnshire sausage and baked beans – all for €10.25 (£8.94), almost double the price found in the UK, but less than at most airport branches found here, the firm said. 

When it comes to beer, an Amstel original is €5.95 (£5.18) for 550ml, a 580ml Stella Artois is the same, while a Guinness is €7.50 (£6.53), and a BrewDog Punk IPA is €4.95 (£4.31). Some drinks come in cans, including Greene King Abbot Ale at €5.95, as does John Smith’s Extra Smooth bitter. Those who still want to stay in the holiday mood can opt for a cocktail, with a Godfather, Woo Woo and Sex on the Beach €9.95 (£8.66).

The pub will trade seven days a week, from 6am to 9pm.

As if this were not enough good news, the Castell de Santa Bàrbera looks set to be the first of what could be many Wetherspoons in Europe, with founder and chairman Tim Martin signalling other openings, potentially in the coming months.

Mr Martin said: “We are delighted to have opened in Spain. We believe the pub will be popular with a wide range of customers travelling home from Alicante Airport, including those travelling home to the UK and those using the terminal for trips to England and beyond. We aim to open a number of pubs overseas in the coming months and years, including those at airports.”

Mr Martin previously told the Mirror that it made sense to have offshoots in Benidorm and Majorca.