Wetherspoons Wetherspoons J D Wetherspoon plc, branded as Wetherspoon, is a pub company in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1979 by Tim Martin, the company operates arond 900 outlets, including the chain of Lloyds No.1 bars and a growing number of Wetherspoon hotels. With its headquarters in Watford, Wetherspoon is known for converting unconventional yet attractive premises into pubs. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. Tim Martin opened his first pub in 1979, in Colney Hatch Lane in Muswell Hill, north London. Many of
Walkabout (pub chain) continued to evolve with the refurbishment of many existing venues now functioning as new concept Walkabouts. They also have continued to acquire a variety of new sites across the UK and close others. The most recent opening was in Chelmsford, where the site transitioned from a Wetherspoons to a new Walkabout bar in under three weeks. In contrast, Walkabout's Liverpool venue closed on New Year's Day 2018 after 20 years. Walkabout has also evolved through innovation. From collaborations with Pieminister and Kilner, to developments in their food offering and stadium seating being added to the Reading venue for watching sports.