Wetherspoons is set to open a huge new pub in Edinburgh as part of its expansion plans this year. The pub is expected to replace the sprawling 485-capacity Revolution bar, which closed in 2024, near the University of Edinburgh on Chambers Street.
The bargain boozer is yet to confirm the opening, but licensing board papers revealed that Wetherspoon applied for permission to sell alcohol between 9am and 1am from Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 1am on Sundays, as reported by Edinburgh Live. The licence was approved on Monday (January 19).
The pub chain is known for redesigning old buildings with nods to local history, so customers could expect a completely new look inside the old Revolution, which occupies the ground and basement floors.
It comes amid a year of growth for the chain, which has opened six pubs in this financial year, at London Bridge station, Merchant Square in Paddington, Kenilworth, Basildon, Wetherby and Beaconsfield.
Wetherspoon has sights on opening a further nine boozers before July 2026, as revealed in its latest trading update. The company freed up a net cash inflow of £3.3million by selling six pubs.
The bold expansion plans follow a successful Christmas period, with sales more than 8% higher than in 2024. In the 25 weeks to January 18, 2026, bar sales were up by 6.9%, food sales increased by 1.3% and slot machines were up by 9.1%.
However, Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin warned that sales were likely to be lower than the previous year, after costs were “higher than anticipated”.
He said: “We are pleased with the sales growth in the financial year, and with the increased momentum in the second quarter.
“Costs have been higher than anticipated, with energy, wages, repairs and business rates, for example, increasing by £45 million in the first 25 weeks.
“Profits in the first half are likely to be lower than the comparable period in the previous financial year. If the current sales momentum continues, the company currently anticipates a full year trading outcome slightly below that achieved in FY25.”
JD Wetherspoon currently operates 794 pubs, as well as 16 franchised locations on university campuses, at holiday parks, and at airports.
These locations could be key targets for growth, with the chain confirming that eight franchised pubs have opened this year and a further 10 to 15 are expected to open by July, including at Alicante Airport.