Wetherspoons puts Battersea pub The Asparagus up for sale

A Wetherspoons in South London is being put up for sale. The Asparagus in Battersea is one of 32 Wetherspoons pubs across the UK fresh on the market – with 11 in London alone.

Wetherspoons called the move a 'commercial decision' after previously warning it expected to lose £30 million for the year up to July from spending on repairs and rising staff wages due to recruitment challenges. The company has more than 800 pubs across the UK and Ireland.

The Asparagus opened on Falcon Road in 1998 and will continue to be a Wetherspoons until it is sold. The pub was put on the market by commercial property specialists CBRE and estate agents Savills. The online advert says the venue offers 'significant redevelopment potential'. Its price hasn't been published but its estimated rental value in 2017 was £77,000 a year. 

The Asparagus, Falcon Road, Battersea. Credit: Charlotte Lillywhite/LDRS

Londoners have taken to social media to express disappointment at the announcement. Stephen Beech tweeted: "Saddened to read that The Asparagus in Battersea will be leaving the Spoons fold."

Social media user Maher said the venue is one of the best in Battersea, adding that Wetherspoons pubs have "become a community hub for many people".

Henry Kirk, head brewer at Dark Star Brewery, tweeted: "The Asparagus in Battersea is a classic of the genre!" 

Other social media users called the move a sign of the times and said they expect more closures to come. Paul Butler wrote on Facebook: "If they are having it tough, you can only imagine the other pubs!" Sean McLoughlin added: "Sign of the times I suppose. Happening everywhere." 

Mark Watson commented: "Amongst those who can only afford Wetherspoons' prices are those people who might rely on a pint or two at Wetherspoons as the only social contact they have." David Claris added: "Nobody can afford it anymore." Aruna Niermann got involved in the conversation and said: "What a shame. If I had money I would buy one of them and run it the traditional way with homemade food and good ale."

Eddie Gershon, spokesperson for JD Wetherspoon, said: "On occasion, Wetherspoon does put some of its pubs up for sale. This is a commercial decision. We understand that customers and staff will be disappointed with it. The pubs will continue to operate as Wetherspoon outlets until they are sold."

Toby Hall, senior director at CBRE, said: "The excellent mix of locations in this portfolio is rarely seen in the market. With more than half of the portfolio located in London and the south-east and other strong locations in the south-west, Midlands and the north of England we believe the pubs represent an excellent opportunity for existing pub operators and new entrants."