Pre-close Statement

Wetherspoon (JD) PLC
21 January 2008


22 January 2008




                               JD Wetherspoon PLC

                              Pre-Close Statement


JD Wetherspoon plc ('JD Wetherspoon' or the 'Company') announces an update on
current trading prior to entering its close period for its interim results for
the six months ending 27 January 2008, which are expected to be announced on 7
March 2008.


Current Trading

For the first 11 weeks of the second quarter (to 13 January 2008), like for like
sales decreased by 3.2%. with the anticipated pattern of strong food sales
growth combined with a decrease in bar sales. In the year to date (24 weeks to
13 January) like for like sales decreased by 2.0% and overall Company sales
increased by 0.4%.

A strong trend within our business has been a reduction in sales of premium
lagers and spirits and an upturn in sales of real ale, food and coffee, with
sales, for example, of a million coffees and teas in the Christmas fortnight.

We reported for the first quarter that operating margins declined by 0.6%. We
expect the outcome for the half year to be slightly favourable to this primarily
as a result of lower energy and repairs costs.


Property

The financial year so far has seen the opening of 10 new pubs and it is
anticipated that around 25 new pubs will open in the full year. This is slightly
lower than previously indicated, with some openings now likely to take place in
the next financial year.


Outlook

In recent statements, we and other pub companies have emphasised an element of
uncertainty and caution resulting from the smoking bans introduced in England,
Wales and Northern Ireland in 2007. We continue to remain cautious regarding the
outlook for this financial year. We are confident that a non-smoking environment
will result in growth in both bar and food categories in the medium and long
term.


Enquiries:

John Hutson              Chief Executive           01923 477777
Keith Down               Finance Director          01923 477777
Eddie Gershon            Company Spokesman         0208 352 5012 / 07956 392234



Visit our web site at www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk


Notes to editors

1. JD Wetherspoon owns and operates pubs throughout the UK. The Company aims 
   to provide customers with good-quality food and drink, served by well-trained
   and friendly staff, at reasonable prices. The pubs are individually
   designed and the Company aims to maintain them in excellent condition.



2. Visit our website at www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk.



3. This announcement has been prepared solely to provide additional information 
   to the shareholders of JD Wetherspoon, in order to meet the requirements of 
   the UK Listing Authority's Disclosure and Transparency Rules. It should not 
   be relied on by any other party, for other purposes. Forward-looking
   statements have been made by the directors in good faith using information
   available up until the date that they approved this statement. 
   Forward-looking statements should be regarded with caution because of the 
   inherent uncertainties in economic trends and business risks.


End

                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange