Backlash builds against sale of one of 20 JDW pubs up for sale

The pub giant placed the package on the market last month, with many of the properties up for sale for the first time in many years.

However, two unhappy regulars at the William Jolle have set up petition protesting against the sale and vowed to save the pub, describing it as ‘the best pub’ in the local area.

Ray Tucker told a local newspaper: “I’m just amazed they want to sell it. I know they have a list of 20 pubs which are on sale. We’re on the list but I can’t understand why Wetherspoons would want to sell a pub that is so popular and making money when it is so well used.

“Can they afford to ignore the signatures of people who use the pub regularly? That certainly sends a message of “why close a pub that is s0 popular?” It’s a real community pub for people.”

Interest​

In a statement, JDW said: “Wetherspoon has put 20 pubs up for sale, including this one. The pub will continue to trade until it is sold then all staff will be offered the opportunity to move to an existing Wetherspoon pub.

“The pub went on sale in early June and will remain on the market for the foreseeable future.”

The 20 pubs are being considered for sale individually, in small groups or as an entire package. Paul Breen, senior director at CBRE said the quality of the package was ‘extremely rare’ and added he expects strong interest from pub, bar and restaurant groups.