Holidaymakers at the largest caravan park operator in the UK have consumed one million meals from Wetherspoons. This milestone was reached just two years after the initial Wetherspoons establishment opened at Haven’s Primrose Valley location near Filey in North Yorkshire, which has now expanded to nine sites.
Simon Palethorpe, the CEO of Haven, expressed the tremendous success of the partnership with Wetherspoons, stating the desire to introduce Wetherspoons to most of their 39 parks. He highlighted the unexpected success among guests and emphasized plans for further growth of the concept across their estate.
Tim Martin, the founder of JD Wetherspoon, expressed his delight at the achievement. Haven’s Wetherspoons operate on a franchise basis, offering the same menu as other Wetherspoon pubs. This model has been replicated in various other openings, including the first Wetherspoons pub outside the UK and Ireland at Spain’s Alicante airport.
Since the first Wetherspoons at Haven launched in spring 2024, customers have consumed 365,000 breakfasts, 57,000 lunches, and 578,000 dinners. The most popular dish across the nine sites is the Wetherspoons’ big breakfast, followed by the classic fish and chips. The best-selling drinks include Pepsi and Stella Artois lager, except for cider which is popular in the parks in southwest England.
The one millionth meal was enjoyed by Matthew Deang, 40, his wife Dawn, 37, and their sons Leo, 11, and Jaxon, four. Mr. Palethorpe attributed the company’s success to the rise in staycations and the budget-conscious consumer base. Prices start from £49 for a three or four-night stay in a caravan.
Celebrities like Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash have praised caravan holidays, with Stacey Solomon owning a pitch at Haven’s Kent park. Mr. Palethorpe preferred to refer to the holiday homes as “holiday homes” to avoid the negative perception associated with caravans, acknowledging the significant improvements in accommodations over the past few decades.
Haven, owned by the US private equity firm Blackstone, has invested £700 million in its parks over the last five years, including a £50 million renovation of Kent Coast. The company served 3.9 million customers last year, a 10% increase from 2024, and anticipates surpassing four million customers this year.
Despite escalating costs, Haven has managed to keep price hikes minimal in recent years. However, the company anticipates a reduction in staff recruitment numbers due to the increased costs. Around 14,000 seasonal workers are expected to be recruited, a decrease compared to previous years.
