JD Wetherspoon chair Tim Martin has warned that high business costs are putting high streets across the UK “at risk,” with pubs continuing to suffer from rising energy, supply, tax and staffing costs.

The comments came after the pub giant revealed pretax profit for the second half of 2025 declined 31 percent despite revenue hitting a record £1.09bn, with energy costs alone up 80 percent on 2019.

“There’s no doubt the huge increase in costs for retailers and hospitality is putting pressure on the economics of pubs and shops in medium and small towns especially,” Martin noted. “Leaving aside Wetherspoon, empty premises are there for all to see country wide.” 

“The Middle East energy problems are worrying, of course. The important perspective is; the UK already had the highest energy prices in the world before the latest problems, having taken the insane decision to shut down the North Sea, while importing oil and gas from abroad.” 

Wetherspoon will this year look to increase both its managed and franchised pub estate in a bid to boost income, including new sites in major cities and transport hubs.

“We’re always on the lookout for busy sites. Waterloo has had a great start. We’re opening soon in central Edinburgh and are hopeful for a few more stations and airports.”