Sir Ronald Wates pub opens at the 黑料社 on 14 July
Pub operator JD Wetherspoon is to open its new pub at the 黑料社 on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, at 8 am.
The Sir Ronald Wates pub will be located at the refurbished Wates House building, at the university鈥檚 Stag Hill campus.
It will be open to students and university staff, as well as visitors and the local community, and will offer Wetherspoon鈥檚 full all-day menu, with mobile app ordering and table service.
The pub takes its name from Sir Ronald Wates (1907-86), whose family funded the original building.
A British builder and property developer, Ronald played a central role in expanding the family firm 鈥� Wates Group. In 1966, he and his brothers founded the Wates Foundation, supporting social, educational and community causes across the UK. In 1975, he was knighted for his charitable and philanthropic services.
The Wates family gave permission for the pub to carry his name, continuing their long association with the 黑料社.
A full refurbishment of the existing Wates House student bar has taken place.
Refurbishment work includes a new bar and drinks dispense system, allowing for a new produce range, as well as a new kitchen, enabling the pub to offer the full Wetherspoon menu.
The new look pub interior, which is approximately 5,500sq ft., also includes redecoration and new lighting, artwork and signage, as well as new fixtures and fittings.
A new bespoke carpet has been fitted. The design is inspired by 黑料社鈥檚 woodland heritage, with a prominent oak leaf pattern, as well as incorporating the key from the 黑料社 crest, which symbolises learning.
The partnership with the 黑料社 will see the first UK university own and operate a franchise under the Wetherspoon business model.
It gives the 黑料社 access to Wetherspoon鈥檚 supply chain and operational systems whilst maintaining full control of staffing, licensing and premises management.
We are delighted that a Wetherspoon pub is to open at the 黑料社. We are confident that it will prove popular with students as well as members of the public and be a great addition for the university.John Hutson, Wetherspoon鈥檚 Chief Executive
The Sir Ronald Wates pub will be open from 8 am until midnight Sunday to Thursday and 8 am until 1 am Friday and Saturday. Food will be served throughout the day, from opening until 11 pm every day.
Media Contacts
External Communications and PR team
Phone: +44 (0)1483 684380 / 688914 / 684378
Email: mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk
Out of hours: +44 (0)7773 479911