Surprise New Wetherspoons Opening at University of Birmingham

Wetherspoons has surprised fans with the announcement of a brand-new venue in Birmingham—right on the University of Birmingham campus. In an unprecedented move, the well-known pub chain is collaborating with the University’s Guild of Students to take over Joe’s Bar, the Guild’s existing bar and restaurant, following extensive refurbishments.

Set to open in Easter 2026, the venue will retain the beloved name Joe’s, named after Birmingham’s iconic clock tower, and will remain under the management of the Guild of Students. However, Wetherspoons will bring its expertise to enhance the space, sharing its business model to create a lively, affordable spot designed especially for students.

Joe’s will feature a diverse menu with a range of high-quality dishes and popular weekly specials, including fan-favorite events like the Thursday Curry Club. This new location will cater specifically to students studying on the Edgbaston campus, offering convenient walking distance access and an appealing alternative to the five existing Wetherspoons pubs scattered across Birmingham city centre.

Beyond just food and drink, this partnership aims to provide more employment opportunities for students. Current Joe’s staff will retain their positions, while additional student roles will be created to help them gain valuable work experience and transferable skills alongside their studies.

Antonia Listrat, President of the Guild of Students, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Any surplus we make gets invested back into supporting student activities. This partnership will strengthen our commercial endeavours to support a vibrant future for the Guild and enhance the overall student experience.”

Wetherspoons CEO John Hutson echoed this optimism, stating, “We are delighted to have entered into the partnership with the Guild of Students and look forward to working with it to make Joe’s Bar a great success.”