First Quarter Sales

Wetherspoon (JD) PLC
9 November 2000

                         JD Wetherspoon
                                
              First Quarter Sales and Pub Openings

Sales in the 13 weeks to 29 October 2000 rose by £26.5 million to
£110.3 million, an increase of 32% compared to the previous year.
Like-for-like sales increased by 6%, following an increase of 18%
in the comparative period in 1999, helped by mild weather this
autumn.

In line with expectations, 20 pubs opened in the 13 weeks. A
further two pubs have opened since, bringing the total number to
450. During the period, we opened our first two pubs in Northern
Ireland with a further four pubs expected to open in the
remainder of the financial year.

Sales in all areas have been strong, reflecting high levels of
service and standards.  For example, 375 of our pubs have been
awarded a 'Certificate of Excellence' for the standard of their
ales by Cask Marque, an independent organisation set up to
promote good quality cask conditioned beers in pubs.  In
addition, more than one in four of our eligible pubs has been
included in the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA)'s recently
published Good Beer Guide 2001, a far higher percentage than any
of our major competitors.

As a result of the dedicated efforts of our employees the
financial year has had an encouraging start.

Enquiries:

     Tim Martin          Chairman                 01923 477777
     John Hutson         Managing Director        01923 477777
     Jim Clarke          Finance Director         01923 477777
     Eddie Gershon       Press Officer            0956 392234

www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk