JD Wetherspoon to Open Pub at University of St Andrews in September

JD Wetherspoon will open its first Scottish university franchise pub on September 4 inside the University of St Andrews Students' Association building on St Mary's Place. The venue will have a dedicated entrance and offer the full Wetherspoon menu to students and the public.

The Students' Association will continue to own and operate the space under the franchise agreement, keeping existing bar staff employed by the association.

Students voted in favor of the proposal during a meeting on April 28. 2 million loan to support the project and fund redevelopment. The agreement follows years of financial losses at the existing Main Bar venue. Chris Clarke, the Students' Association's chief operating officer, said the bar had been losing money every year since Covid and described the current model as risky.

The ground-floor bar will undergo refurbishment over the summer, including new carpeting, lighting, artwork, fixtures, and a redesigned bar layout. A new drinks dispense system and upgraded kitchen equipment will also be installed. Students will help choose the pub's name based on St Andrews history and heritage.

Existing student society activities will continue, and student-only nights at the neighboring nightclub 601 will remain protected. Robert Moran, president of student opportunities at the Students' Association, said the partnership brings new opportunities, increased employment, and better value food and drink.

Wetherspoon chief executive John Hutson said the pub will be a great asset for students' social life. The chain already operates similar franchises at universities in Hull and Newcastle, with sites in Birmingham and Surrey due to open in July.