The past five years have seen the emergence of two established corporations on Newcastle University’s campus: Co-op in 2019 and JD Wetherspoon last September.
The collaboration between Luther’s Bar and JD Wetherspoon particularly serves as an exemplary move that has not only revitalised the social scene amongst students but equally raised questions about the changing dynamics of student life amidst the cost-of-living crisis.
Whilst the business has thrived since its transformation, a recent report from the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) shows how a higher percentage of brewery closures have occurred throughout the North East in recent years, a trend which is expected to continue for some time.
So why is it that Luther’s were keen to adopt Wetherspoon in this period of declining breweries? And perhaps more importantly, are all students happy to have bigger companies taking over their campuses?
What is Luther’s Bar?
Luther’s Bar has been a staple venue on Newcastle University grounds since the 1960s. Formerly known as Mensbar, it was only in 2017 that students voted to change the bar’s name.
It now serves as a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who received an honorary doctorate from the university in 1967. The name change coincided with the commemoration of the event’s 50th anniversary.
According to the NUSU website, Luther’s provides a space to relax between lectures, enjoy drinks, and socialise with friends.
“Luther’s is run by students, and we have lots of job opportunities each year for you to join the team.
“The space is on 2 floors, with the main restaurant and bar on the top level, and further seating and booths downstairs.”
Why Wetherspoon?
Fifty years of being open and a couple short-lived partnerships with both Starbucks and the local Meatstack later, Wetherspoon arrived on the premises. The alliance between the student union bar and national pub organisation was announced in September 2023 before launching on Friday 15 September for the 2023/24 academic year.
Following in the steps of Hull University a year prior, a visit to their student bar by NUSU directors got the ball rolling.
JD Wetherspoon People Director, Tom Ball, said: “The original partnership at Hull came about after the Students Union approached the company as they wanted to run a Wetherspoon style pub on campus. Newcastle then followed after they visited Hull and conversations developed from there.
“Newcastle were particularly keen to adopt the drinks range and food menu for the choice, quality and value they could offer all day, every day.”
Is this commercialisation a nationwide trend?
As far as Wetherspoon goes, it is yet to be a custom feature of university campuses. The Newcastle and Hull bars are currently the first of their kind.
With regard to the potential of student unions losing their individuality to established companies, Ball added: “We’ve been conscious that it is still a student union bar, so been happy to keep things that are important in that regard, such as the existing pub names.”
A Dominos, Co-op store and Wetherspoon pub all in one student union building leaves little room for individuality. This is something that University College London boasts with regard to their independent Pool Street Shop:
“The Pool Street Shop works as a social enterprise, meaning that every penny of profit goes straight back into growing the student community and helping to fund all the exciting activities that make student-life at UCL what it is.”
Students’ Union, UCL
The on-campus presence of Starbucks, as seen in the previous Luther’s bar, notably sparks debate. Albeit an exceptionally prominent outlet across UK university campuses, the coffee brand’s alignment with poor ethical standards has stirred questions among student bodies.
A recent debate at University of Central Lancashire resulted in the pass of the motion to cease serving Starbucks and replace the site with a moral company. Their Board of Trustees will now meet during the week commencing 20 May and discuss further legal stages of the policy.
Back in 2018, a similar movement was initiated by students at University of the West of England. Despite being unsuccessful due to lack of votes, these demands to replace Starbucks reflect a growing pressure for university partnerships to align with socially responsible and ethical values.
Students care about what is on their grounds.
Lutherspoons: cheap and cheerful or distasteful?
It is clear that Luther’s Bar is doing something right. This year’s partnership with Wetherspoon has improved the daily consistency of business and overall profit.
Image credit: Graham Hattam
Addressing recent years of hardship, NUSU Commercial and Operations Director, Graham Hattam, said: “It is very evident is that the bar’s business has been on a steady decline in the last few years, probably being accelerated after Covid.”
Whilst things have certainly picked up thanks to the arrival of cheap chips and hot drink refills, concerns amongst students are still prevalent.
Katie Alice Galvin-Keay, a second-year student at the university, adds: “Putting a Wetherspoons on campus takes away a lot of character from the union and the University itself.
“The SU bar should align with the University’s values and history. Adding Wetherspoons into the picture just commercialises it.”
Katie Alice Galvin-Keay, student
Who knows, perhaps when Dr. Martin Luther King said he had a dream, it was really about Thursday night Curry Club.