JD Wetherspoon and Newcastle University Students' Union have joined forces for a campus bar collaboration. Specifically, JD Wetherspoon will provide support in terms of systems and training for Luther bar, situated on the university campus.
While the day-to-day management of the bar will remain under the control of Newcastle University Students' Union, they will gain access to JD Wetherspoon's established business model used throughout its UK network.
After a planned renovation and the introduction of catering services, it is anticipated that this partnership will result in the creation of approximately 70 job opportunities tailored for students. These teams will continue to be recruited and overseen by the Students' Union, and they will undergo the same training and orientation as JD Wetherspoon's regular staff.
This collaboration marks JD Wetherspoon's second such venture, following their partnership with Hull University's Sanctuary bar, which commenced operations in January 2022.
Wetherspoon chief executive, John Hutson said: 'We are delighted to have entered into this partnership with the students' union and look forward to working with them to make Luther's bar a great success.'
Newcastle University Students' Union president, Shah Yaseen Ali, added: 'Through our partnership with Wetherspoon, our students will benefit not only from their value for money food and drink offering, but also the expansion of job opportunities within the bar.
'These will be welcomed by many of our students impacted by the current cost of living crisis. The partnership will also strengthen our commercial endeavours and enhance the overall student experience.'