Holidaymakers at the largest caravan park operator in the UK have enjoyed over one million meals from Wetherspoons. Haven recently celebrated this achievement, just two years after the first Wetherspoons opened at its Primrose Valley location near Filey in North Yorkshire, with the total number now reaching nine.
Simon Palethorpe, the CEO of Haven, expressed the success of the partnership, stating that they aim to introduce Wetherspoons to most of their 39 parks. He highlighted the rapid growth and positive reception of Wetherspoons among guests.
The collaboration between Haven and Wetherspoons began as an experiment, but it has exceeded expectations, with plans for further expansion across Haven’s estate. Tim Martin, the founder of JD Wetherspoon, expressed his delight at the success of the venture.
Since the first Wetherspoons opened at Haven in spring 2024, customers have consumed a significant number of meals, including 365,000 breakfasts, 57,000 lunches, and 578,000 dinners. The popular dishes include the Wetherspoons’ big breakfast and classic fish and chips.
Haven’s Wetherspoons operate on a franchise basis, offering the same menu as other Wetherspoon pubs. The success of this model has led to further openings, including the first Wetherspoons pub outside the UK and Ireland at Spain’s Alicante airport.
The one millionth meal was served to the Deang family, emphasizing the popularity of Wetherspoons at Haven parks. The affordability of Haven’s stays, starting from £49 for a three or four-night term time stay, has attracted cost-conscious customers amidst a staycation boom.
Celebrities like Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash have endorsed caravan holidays, with Stacey Solomon having a pitch at Haven’s Kent park. Mr. Palethorpe prefers to refer to their holiday homes as an improvement over traditional caravans, emphasizing the advancements in accommodation.
Haven, under the ownership of US private equity firm Blackstone, has invested £700 million in its parks over the last five years, with significant upgrades like the £50 million renovation of Kent Coast. The company experienced a 10% increase in customers in 2024, reaching 3.9 million, and anticipates surpassing four million customers this year.
Despite rising costs, Haven has managed to keep prices stable, with summer rates similar to or lower than the previous year. However, the increasing costs have impacted staff numbers, leading to a reduction in the recruitment of seasonal workers compared to previous years.