Wetherspoons has announced it will continue its foray into franchising, with the announcement that family-owned hospitality and leisure conglomerate the Papas Group will soon open 15 new sites under Spoons branding. 

Under the terms of the new agreement, the Scunthorpe-based, family-operated Papas Group, whose restaurant ventures such as Papas Fish & Chips and Wendy’s are mostly concentrated in the north of England, will open their first Wetherspoons pub in Hykeham Manor, Lincoln, on the site of a former Gateway Park Brewers Fayre.

Meanwhile, a further three Spoons pubs in Annitsford Northumberland, Stockton-on-Tees and Emersons Green in Bristol will all welcome punters by the end of November. 

Having spent almost the entirety of its 40-year history maintaining direct ownership of its entire portfolio, Spoons has only recently dipped its toe into the world of franchising: with agreements with Haven Holiday Parks as well as Newcastle and Hull Universities inked last year. 

Of its latest venture, Wetherspoons’ commercial director Michael Barron said the company was “delighted to have signed agreements with the Papas Group,” adding that it was “looking at further opportunities and are confident that more franchise agreements will be signed.” 

Meanwhile, Papas Group director Andrew Papas said: “We’re proud to be breathing new life into some fantastic venues, creating hundreds of jobs, and offering unbeatable value, welcoming surroundings and the exceptional service that people expect from Wetherspoon.”