The first Wetherspoon pub on the island will be recruiting 120+ additional people for various positions.
It was confirmed last night, amongst much speculation of an ill-timed April Fools joke, that 1886 will soon be home to ‘The Conister Arms’.
All current staff have been offered a role in the new structure, and a full four-week training programme will be given to ensure staff are fully trained on the Wetherspoons service model before it opens on May 14.
Wetherspoon
The development will see the four-storey venue offering 725 capacity, plus outdoor seats on Douglas’ Regent Street.
James Thompson owner of 1886 Bar and Restaurant said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be able to further invest long term in the island, enabling Wetherspoon to finally come here.
“The 1886 building is the best location and best-sized venue in Douglas, and we’re proud to be opening The Conister Arms right in the heart of our capital city.
“This isn’t just a new pub — it’s about the future of our high street. The Isle of Man’s hospitality sector is on its knees, unfortunately businesses are closing.
James Thompson owner of 1886 Bar and Restaurant.
“The Government can’t afford to help us. Douglas City Council can help us to make the street look amazing, and we can now price it to attract customers.
“The only real solution is to get prices down and keep them down, making it affordable again for everyone, for young families, pensioners, people with mortgages, everyone who just wants a meal out without worrying about the cost.”
Affordability
Thompson added: “The key to regenerating our high street is affordability and hospitality has become unaffordable for too many.
“That’s why, investing in this long-term project, we’ve cut out the middlemen, removed unnecessary overheads, and made sure the savings go directly to the customer.
“Wetherspoon’s famously low prices will apply here in Douglas, with no compromise on quality whilst improving the service and speed.”
James Thompson owner of 1886 Bar and Restaurant.
“The Conister Arms will bring reliable, quick service, with food and drink delivered in under 10 minutes, and prices that genuinely make a socialising or a family meal possible again.”
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