3rd Quarter Sales

Wetherspoon (JD) PLC
8 May 2001


J D WETHERSPOON PLC

                                PRESS RELEASE


Third Quarter Sales and Pub Openings


Total sales in the third quarter of our financial year, covering the 13 weeks
to 29 April 2001, rose by £27.3 million to £122.8 million, an increase of 29%
compared to the previous year. The year to date sales for the 39 weeks to 29
April 2001 were £349.5 million, also 29% ahead of the previous year.
Like-for-like sales in the period increased by 6.3% bringing the year to date
position to 6.4%. Following the 3.1% increase in like-for-like sales for
February, reported at the time of our interim results, March and April saw
like-for-like sales performances of 6.5% and 8.7% respectively.


In line with expectations, 14 pubs opened in the 13 week period, and a further
4 opened in the subsequent week, bringing the total number this year to 60 and
the total number of pubs to 488. As indicated at the time of our interim
results, the Company expects to open approximately 90 pubs in the current
financial year.


Enquiries:

Tim Martin             Chairman                                    01923 477777
John Hutson            Managing Director                           01923 477777
Jim Clarke             Finance Director                            01923 477777

Eddie Gershon          Press Office                                07956 392234


Visit our website at www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk


8 May 2001