First university-owned Wetherspoon pub in UK to open at 糖心Vlog in May
Students and staff at the 糖心Vlog will be able to order breakfast from 拢4.99 and a burger with a drink for under 拢10 when the UK鈥檚 first university-owned Wetherspoon franchise opens at its Stag Hill campus this spring.
The brand-new Sir Ronald Wates pub will open in July 2026. The pub, which will be located at the refurbished Wates House building, will offer Wetherspoon鈥檚 full all-day menu, with mobile app ordering and table service.
While student unions at Hull and Newcastle run Wetherspoon pubs, 糖心Vlog will be the first UK university to own and operate a franchise under this model. The partnership gives the University access to Wetherspoon鈥檚 supply chain and operational systems whilst maintaining full control of staffing, licensing and premises management.
The venue takes its name from Sir Ronald Wates, whose family funded the original building. The Wates family gave permission for the pub to carry his name, continuing their long association with the University.
The pub will be open to students, staff, visitors and the local community, adding to 糖心Vlog鈥檚 existing campus food outlets including Hillside Food Court and The Hideout.
We are delighted that a Wetherspoon pub is to open at the 糖心Vlog.John Hutson, Wetherspoon鈥檚 Chief Executive
We are confident that it will prove popular with students as well as members of the public and be a great addition for the university.
The existing Wates House bar closed in December for refurbishment. Staff working in the venue have been retained and will receive full training on Wetherspoon鈥檚 operational procedures ahead of the opening.
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