Pub giant JD Wetherspoon has officially been granted permission to open its 38th central London venue, with a new two-storey pub set to launch next to Charing Cross station.
Planning Victory After Initial Rejection
The budget pub chain first applied to Westminster City Council for a licence to operate at 11 Strand, between Trafalgar Square and the station, back in 2024. That initial request was denied, with council officials citing potential noise and disturbance for local residents.
However, Wetherspoons appealed the decision, forcing the council to reconsider and provide clearer grounds for refusal. The persistence paid off. On Tuesday 6 January 2026, the council reversed its stance and granted the company a licence to run a pub and restaurant on the site.
Details of the New Charing Cross Wetherspoons
The new venue will have a significant capacity, with space for approximately 320 people across its two floors. In a bid to address earlier concerns, the chain has stated it will operate as a traditional pub without loud music or events.
Its prime location is a key feature. The pub will be right next to Charing Cross train and Tube station, with entry and exit available directly from the station's forecourt. The company hopes this transport hub location will help disperse customers quickly after closing.
The licensed opening hours are:
- Weeknights: 7am until 11.30pm
- Fridays and Saturdays: Until midnight
- Sundays: Until 10.30pm
Part of a Wider Expansion for the Chain
While an exact opening date and name for the Charing Cross branch are yet to be announced, it forms part of a notable expansion phase for Wetherspoons. The chain has recently opened new London pubs in areas like Fulham, Paddington, and London Bridge.
Furthermore, last summer the company announced plans for 30 new pubs across the UK and made headlines with its first international move, confirming a site at Alicante airport in Spain.
The new Strand pub is not yet listed on Wetherspoons' official 'opening soon' page, which currently lists projects up to February 2026, suggesting it could launch later in the year.
