More details on first Isle of Man Wetherspoons

'The Conister Arms' to open on 14 May

More details have been announced as the Isle of Man's first ever Wetherspoon's pub prepares to open its doors.

'The Conister Arms' will open in the 1886 building on Regent Street in Douglas on 14 May.

Thompson Holdings, the company behind 1886, says the new Wetherspoons will be a four-storey venue offering 725 capacity and outdoor seating.

Its CEO, James Thompson, says: "I am absolutely thrilled to be able to further invest long term in the Island, enabling Wetherspoon to finally come here. The 1886 building is the best location and best-sized venue in Douglas, and we’re proud to be opening The Conister Arms right in the heart of our capital city.

"This isn’t just a new pub — it’s about the future of our high street. The Isle of Man’s hospitality sector is on its knees, unfortunately businesses are closing. The Government can’t afford to help us. Douglas City Council can help us to make the street look amazing, and we can now price it to attract customers. The only real solution is to get prices down and keep them down, making it affordable again for everyone, for young families, pensioners, people with mortgages, everyone who just wants a meal out without worrying about the cost.

"The key to regenerating our high street is affordability and hospitality has become unaffordable for too many. That’s why, investing in this long-term project, we’ve cut out the middlemen, removed unnecessary overheads, and made sure the savings go directly to the customer. Wetherspoon’s famously low prices will apply here in Douglas, with no compromise on quality whilst improving the service and speed.

"The Conister Arms will bring reliable, quick service, with food and drink delivered in under 10 minutes, and prices that genuinely make a socialising or a family meal possible again.

"This announcement is 100% real, this is not an April Fools’ joke, JD Wetherspoon at The Conister Arms is coming to Douglas, and it will be open 14 May. We are proud to bring this iconic brand to the Isle of Man."

The Chair of the Licensed Victuallers Association, Andy Gibb, says: "Personally, it doesn’t bother me too much. Competition makes you up your game. If things need to be adjusted, we adapt. We’re a resilient crew here on the Isle of Man, and a lot of our patrons are loyal. They’ll go and try it, but many will come back to us."

The company has confirmed all current staff have been offered a role in the new venue, and it's hoping to recruit more than 120 additional staff members.