Pub giant Wetherspoons has opened its first Spanish pub in an attempt to crack the Brits abroad market, but there is one key difference that its core clientele may sniff at. 

Ever since Tim Martin swung open the doors of the first Spoons back on 9 December 1979 in Colney Hatch Lane, Muswell Hill, the hugely recognisable pub chain has stuck to serving warm pints of ale and quadruple-cooked chips in the British Isles.

As of 11am on February 9, Spoons has hit the Continent. Castell de Santa Bàrbera sits on the departure side of Alicante Airport, in prime position for those catching flights from the ‘B Gates’. Which could not have been better for me or Alexander Ellis, a Spoons mega-fan who flew out for the day, just to be there as history was made. After putting the new pub through its paces, we wandered about 10 metres across the terminal from the Spoons to our gate.

Everyone I spoke to at the opening was thrilled by the new pub’s presence (although sub-£5 airport pints might’ve helped with that). 

However, there was one rule that may cause noses to be wrinkled.

“Can I have a glass of water, mate?” one of the first customers through the door asked a member of bar staff. The answer, after a bit of checking with management, was no. Punters were told to buy a bottle of water instead. 

It’s not completely clear what’s behind the policy, which will be hard to swallow for those used to the UK’s 2003 Licensing Act, which requires restaurants, pubs, and bars licensed to sell alcohol to provide free potable tap water to customers upon request.

And given how cheap the booze on offer at Spanish Spoons is, a glass of H2O wouldn’t go amiss. 

How cheap are drinks?

The cheapest glass of plonk on offer is the Viña Lobera Verdejo Ecológico, which can be yours for just €3.65.

In terms of beer, the smallest amount you’ll pay for a pint is €4.95 for a Cruzcampo Especial. If you have come across a cheaper pint in an airport, please email webtravel@reachplc.com and let us know where. I’d be surprised if there were that many entrants, especially in Europe.

An Amstel Original sets you back €5.95, a Stella Artois €5.95, a Guinness €7.50, and a Leffe Blonde, the more airport-typical €7.95.

Those are the only beers on tap. The eagle-eyed, flap-capped among us may have noted that there’s no IPA or ale in the mix. The relatively slight size of the Spoons means there’s room for only six taps, and cold and fizzy was judged more suitable for the warm Spanish weather.

However, there is a big fridge of tins and bottles ready to fill the gap.

Among them are €3.50 bottles of Asahi, Birra Moretti, Corona, Cruzcampo, Radler and San Miguel, as well as Mahou Clásica for €4.95, Cerdos Voladores Pale Ale for €3.95, Mahou Session IPA for €3.95, BrewDog Punk IPA for €4.95, and Greene King Abbot Ale. Greene King Old Speckled Hen and John Smith’s Extra Smooth will set you back €5.95 a piece.

When it comes to spirits and mixers, Spanish Spoons has a fixed-price system (aside from a few fancier options). It charges €6.95 for 25ml and a mixer, €9.95 for a double measure.

If you aren’t planning a trip to Alicante anytime soon, then you might be wondering why all of the fuss about the opening of an airport. For me, there are two reasons why this is significant.

Firstly, whatever you think of the politics of its founder, Mr Martin, or the power the mega chain has when it comes to outcompeting small, independents, it is an undeniable success story from a purely business perspective. I’d wager good money that the Spanish Spoons is not only a success, but for the first of many. Indeed, Spoons HQ bigwigs there at the opening hinted as much.

Secondly, being held captive and ripped off once through the departure gates is one of the worst parts of a holiday. The presence of a Spoons can only make the experience that little bit cheaper.