Wetherspoons Unveils 2026 January Sale: Pints for 99p and Meals Under £5 at 600 Pubs

For many, the start of January is a time to tighten belts after the indulgences of the festive season. But for Wetherspoons regulars—and perhaps even those who’ve never stepped inside—a major sale is making that pinch a little less painful. From January 2 to January 15, 2026, more than 600 Wetherspoons pubs across the UK are slashing the price of a pint to just 99p, with a wide selection of meals under £5, in what is being called one of the chain’s biggest ever promotions.

Scottish locations will kick off the sale a day later, beginning January 3. This is more than just a chance for a cheap pint; it’s a deliberate move by Wetherspoons to boost footfall and offer a bit of relief to cash-strapped customers at the start of the year. The chain, famous for its competitive pricing and sprawling venues, is leaning into its reputation for affordability—and expanding its appeal with a broader menu than ever.

Among the headline deals, a pint of Worthington’s beer drops to 99p—a price point not seen for years. Wine drinkers can pick up a 250ml glass of Coldwater Creek for £2.99, while spirits like Johnnie Walker Black Label and Tanqueray gin, served with a mixer, will be available for just £1.99. For those participating in ‘Dry January’, the sale includes an array of low and no-alcohol options: Guinness 0.0, Corona Cero, Brewdog Punk AF, Stella Artois Alcohol Free, Erdinger Isotonic, Thatchers Zero, Kopparberg Alcohol Free, and Gordons 0.0 Pink Gin, all for £1.69. Beck’s Blue and San Pellegrino Aranciata Rossa are offered at the headline 99p price.

The food menu is getting a refresh, too. Customers can snag an 11-inch Margherita pizza or a Crunchy Chicken Burger with chips or salad for £4.99, including a soft drink. Those who fancy pairing their meal with an alcoholic drink will pay £6.42. Jacket potatoes—long a staple—now come in six classic varieties and three new gourmet options. The basics (tuna mayo, cheese, baked beans, and more) are £4.99 with a soft drink, £6.52 with an alcoholic one. Gourmet spuds, like the Loaded Spud (cheese, maple-cured bacon, garlic butter, sour cream), the Mexican Spud (vegetarian, topped with chili bean non-carne, guacamole, cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sliced chillies, coriander), and the Smoky Spud (pulled BBQ beef brisket, chipotle mayo, cheese, sliced chillies) run £6.49 with a soft drink or £8.02 with alcohol. Extra fillings and sides are 99p each.

Wetherspoons founder and chairman Tim Martin told The Sun that the sale is designed to suit “a wide variety of tastes,” noting the expanded selection of non-alcoholic drinks. “I believe that the January Sale will prove popular with our customers,” Martin said. The move is also a strategic one—January is traditionally a slow month for pubs, and this promotion is likely to bring in both regulars and curious newcomers.

For those hoping to maximize their savings, Wetherspoons offers several tips. Free refills are available with £1.50 tea, coffee, or hot chocolate—all day, every day. Prices can vary between venues, so a quick check of nearby locations might yield an even better bargain. Theme nights, such as the Thursday Curry Club, offer further discounts on meals and drinks. Students can often find voucher books near universities, adding another layer of savings. And, for the tech-savvy, the Wetherspoons app allows customers to order and pay from their table—or even remotely, as some have discovered by asking friends to send drinks via social media. The app is free on major platforms.

Wetherspoons also holds annual events like Tax Equality Day in September and the Real Ale Festival in autumn, giving regulars a calendar of discounts to look forward to throughout the year.

The sale comes at a time when many UK consumers are feeling the pinch from rising living costs. The hospitality sector, too, has faced challenges, with inflation and staffing pressures driving up prices elsewhere. Against this backdrop, Wetherspoons’ aggressive pricing strategy is likely to stand out, especially as the chain remains committed to opening its doors early (most pubs from 8am) and maintaining normal closing times—often well past midnight.

While the full list of participating pubs isn’t yet published, most Wetherspoons locations are expected to take part. Prices may vary between venues, so customers are advised to check locally. The sale does not extend to Christmas Day food service, which remains paused following the holiday.

What does this mean for the wider UK pub industry? Wetherspoons’ January sale is both a bold marketing play and a nod to the brand’s roots: low prices, broad appeal, and a willingness to adapt to changing consumer habits. As the chain throws open its doors to anyone seeking a budget-friendly meal or drink, the rest of the sector will be watching closely—and perhaps feeling the pressure to respond.

Wetherspoons’ January sale is more than just a promotional event; it’s a strategic gesture that reflects both consumer demand and economic realities. By dramatically lowering prices, the chain is making itself accessible to a wider audience and setting the tone for the hospitality sector in 2026. If the crowds come, it will be a sign that affordability is still king in the UK’s evolving pub landscape.