WETHERSPOON has confirmed that the General Sir Redvers Buller in Crediton is "Under Offer", but also that 20 across the country are at risk of closing down.

The chain announced in September 2022 that it was selling 32 of its pubs after a “commercial decision” as business struggled due to the higher food and energy costs across the UK.

However, JD Wetherspoon has denied that the closure of the 22 pubs this year is part of a "money-raising exercise" amid difficult trading conditions. It insists "almost all" of its sales are in areas where it owns another pub nearby.

In its latest update, JD Wetherspoon said it was a "misinterpretation" to suggest the move to sell some of its pubs was down to difficult trading conditions.

It said: “In fact, the disposals have raised relatively modest amounts (although every little helps) and almost all are related to circumstances … where there is another Wetherspoon pub nearby."

Tim Martin, the company chairman, confirmed: “As a result of a continued improvement in sales and a slightly reduced expectation for cost increases, for example energy costs, the company anticipates an improved outcome for the next financial year, and anticipates an outcome for the first half of 2023-24 approximately in line with the second half of 2022-23.”

The company listed the General Sir Redvers Buller among 14 from across the country it said were "Under Offer", also listing 28 which it has sold and another eight which are "available" for sale.

The company added: "Wetherspoon put pubs up for sale around nine months ago and the 22 are those which have not yet been sold and continue to operate as Wetherspoon pubs."