Wetherspoons has been slimming down its pub estate nationwide, recently shuttering two outlets in Birmingham, including one formerly branded as amongst "the worst" in Britain. The firm is now concentrating on opening fresh locations in the coming months. The latest closures come after significant developments impacting venues in Lancashire.

Just days ago, it emerged that an east Lancashire credit union will relocate into the former Fitpatricks establishment on Manchester Road, Burnley, whilst last month The Grey Friar in Preston was placed on the market. The Atrium, frequently ranked as one of Birmingham's most disappointing destinations, was the first to shut, boasting a dismal 2.3 out of five stars on Tripadvisor, reports Lancs Live.

In 2022, one reviewer branded it "by far the worst Wetherspoons" they had visited. Recent assessments of The Atrium, located within the NEC, have criticised its inflated prices, poor service standards, and lengthy food delays.

Customers started voicing worries about the pub's future last week when it disappeared from the Wetherspoons application. Birmingham Live reports that the venue stopped trading suddenly on August 6, as verified by bosses. Another Wetherspoons positioned in the NEC's Piazza has likewise shut down, though it's scheduled to relaunch under different management.

As part of a broader takeover of the indoor arena's dining establishments by catering company Levy, this location will experience a temporary shutdown. Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon disclosed that the Piazza branch will be transformed into a Levy-franchised Wetherspoon pub, with doors reopening on September 1.

He also assured that no job losses will occur from these alterations.

"There will not be any redundancies with staff being given the opportunity to transfer to the new owners or offered a job at a Wetherspoon pub in the region. Wetherspoon has also closed The Atrium site," he said. New outlets on the cards. Despite the shutdowns, Wetherspoons is forging ahead with its schedule of fresh branch launches for 2025.

Drinkers in Lancashire will need to remain patient for new establishments as none appear to be planned for the area in the immediate future.

Three new outlets have already begun welcoming patrons - the Conister Arms in the Isle of Man, the Walham Green in southwest London, and the Dictum of Kenilworth in Warwickshire.

Moreover, four additional confirmed venues are due to launch within the coming three months.

These comprise the Sun Wharf in London Bridge, which is due to open on September 16, the Sir Alexander Fleming in the capital, launching on September 23, the Sigered King of Essex in Basildon, greeting customers from September 30, and the Chiltern in Beaconsfield, scheduled to begin serving punters from December 2.