Lisburn Square welcomes UK pub chain expansion

The UK pub chain JD Wetherspoon is set to expand its existing premises with the opening of a new outlet in Lisburn, County Antrim.

The JD Wetherspoon pub, which will open on Monday January 14, was built at a cost of £1.2 million and will be the chain’s fifth pub to open in Northern Ireland.

The pub which is famous for its music-free environment and value for money for customers is located in the new multi-million pound Lisburn Square residential and business complex in the heart of Lisburn.

Andrew Halden, Manager of JD Wetherspoon in Lisburn said: “We’re looking forward to opening next week and having our first customers. JD Wetherspoon’s has a unique culture and we believe that many people will appreciate our approach. We place emphasis on value for money, good food and, famously, our music-free atmosphere which means customers will never be distracted from enjoying their drink or meal by the sounds of piped music or a loud jukebox. Our training in customer service is important in helping us to create a family-friendly policy. We will also have some special introductory offers on our menus from Monday.”

Wetherspoon’s other outlets include Coleraine, Carrickfergus, Derry and Ballymena with another three outlets planned for Enniskillen, Newtownards and Belfast.

In addition a new Subway sandwich restaurant outlet, located in the Haslem’s Lane area of the Square, also opens its first Lisburn outlet on Monday 14.

Subway and JD Wetherspoon are the most recent additions to the £23 million retail, residential and commercial development. Developed by urban regeneration specialists Cusp, Lisburn Square is the latest major shopping complex to open in Northern Ireland.

Ellen Hillen, Manager of Lisburn Square announced more good news from the development by confirming that all of the 45 residential apartments located on the Square have now been sold, with the first residents expected to take possession early next month.

Speaking about the new openings Ellen Hillen said: “Lisburn Square has become the heart of the town, giving people from Lisburn and further afield a place to live, work, shop, eat and relax. The addition of well-known names such as JD Wetherspoon and Subway will enhance the Square even more.

“The growing population in Lisburn has created a demand for top-name retailers and quality food outlets. Lisburn Square has been created to meet that demand and since opening the Square has been even busier than expected. I’m also happy to report that the apartments around the Square have now been sold, and we are looking forward to welcoming residents very soon. As the first mixed-use development of its kind in Northern Ireland, Lisburn Square is shaping up very nicely indeed.” (AMcE)