Wetherspoons announces 15 new pubs opening from next month as part of major UK expansion - list of confirmed locations here

The first of these new pubs, The Hykeham Manor, will welcome customers on October 1 at Gateway Park in Lincoln. It's taking over the spot where a Gateway Park Brewers Fayre used to be.

This franchise deal marks a significant moment for the popular chain, which already runs similar partnerships with Haven Holiday Parks and universities in Newcastle and Hull.

The new locations will sit outside traditional high streets, nestled right where people live and work.

Three more pubs are set to open their doors in October and November, with locations planned for Annitsford, Stockton-on-Tees and Emersons Green.

While the exact addresses haven't been revealed yet, these sites promise to bring the chain's affordable drinks and food to even more communities.

Michael Barron, Wetherspoon's commercial director, shared his excitement about the partnership: "We are delighted to have signed agreements with The Papas Group. We are looking at further opportunities and are confident that more franchise agreements will be signed."

Andrew Papas, director of The Papas Group, was equally enthusiastic: "We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with Wetherspoons to bring 15 new pubs to life across the UK.

"These aren't just any pubs they're beloved community spaces, thoughtfully located outside the traditional high street, yet right at the heart of where people live, work, and gather."

The franchise arrangement is just one part of Wetherspoons' growth strategy. The chain has separate plans to open 15 managed pubs alongside these franchise locations, showing the company's commitment to reaching more customers across the UK.

This expansion comes as the chain continues to make headlines with new openings in unexpected places. They're transforming the former London Dungeon site into The Sun Wharf on Tooley Street, and they've already opened a branch in Fulham's old West London tube station.

Other recent additions include The Dictum of Kenilworth in Warwickshire and The Sir Alexander Fleming in Paddington.

Franchise agreements like this one with The Papas Group have become increasingly common in the hospitality industry. They allow independent operators to run established chains using their recognised brand and products.

List of confirmed openings so far:

• Marlow, Buckinghamshire - already open
• London Waterloo Station - already open
• The Conister Arms, Douglas, Isle of Man- already open
• Walham Green, Fulham Broadway - already open
• Dictum of Kenilworth, Warwickshire - already opening
• The Sun Wharf, Tooley Street, London Bridge - opening in September
• The Sir Alexander Fleming, Paddington - opening September 23
• The King of Essex in Basildon - opening September 30
• The Chiltern, Beaconsfield - opening December 2

• The Water Gate - Barnstaple
• The Babington Arms - Derby
• Baxter's Court, Hackney
• Kentish Drovers, Peckham
• The Grey Friar, Preston
• The William Jameson, Sunderland

While the chain celebrates its expansion, it's also streamlining its estate by putting six older pubs up for sale. The venues on the market include The Water Gate in Barnstaple, The Babington Arms in Derby, Baxter's Court in Hackney, Kentish Drovers in Peckham, The Grey Friar in Preston, and The William Jameson in Sunderland.

It's worth noting that these pubs will keep serving customers as usual until new owners take over. This balanced approach shows how Wetherspoons is managing its portfolio - bringing new venues to communities that want them while letting go of some smaller or older locations.

The strategy makes sense for a chain that's clearly focused on growth while ensuring each pub fits perfectly into its local area.