JD Wetherspoon to Close 61 Pubs by 2024

JD Wetherspoon is closing 61 pubs by the end of 2024, including 16 in London, despite reporting record sales and a 7.7% increase in like-for-like sales year-to-date. The pub chain, which peaked at 950 venues in 2015, now operates 801 pubs, having sold or surrendered leases on 26 pubs this year. The closures target smaller, older venues or those near other Wetherspoon sites. Chairman Tim Martin remains optimistic, aiming to open 1,000 pubs in the long term, with new locations planned in London and Buckinghamshire. Wetherspoon's financial strategy includes reducing debt to £670 million by year-end and advocating for tax equality between pubs and supermarkets. The company continues to thrive due to competitive pricing and strong consumer demand, even amid rising operational costs.