The UK venue was given an average rating of just 2.3 out of five stars on Tripadvisor
14:57, 08 Aug 2025Updated 15:49, 08 Aug 2025
The Atrium Wetherspoons at Birmingham’s NEC
A Wetherspoons pub, previously ranked as one UK city’s worst on Tripadvisor, has shut its doors, while another has temporarily closed due to a takeover of all eateries at Birmingham’s NEC.
The Atrium, long considered one of the poorest JD Wetherspoon venues in Birmingham, had an average rating of a mere 2.3 out of five stars on the review platform.
Recent feedback for the pub, situated by hall six at the events complex, criticised the above-average menu prices, customer service quality and lengthy food waiting times.
Regular patrons first voiced their worries about The Atrium’s future last week when the pub was removed from the Wetherspoons app.
Management confirmed that the venue closed immediately on Wednesday, August 6, reports Birmingham Live.
The second Wetherspoons in the NEC’s Piazza has also shut, although plans for its reopening under new management have already been announced.
Wetherspoon spokesperson Eddie Gershon said regarding the Piazza site: “We can confirm that the pub has now closed and that it will reopen on September 1, 2025 as a Levy franchised Wetherspoon pub, trading under the same name.
“There will not be any redundancies with staff being given the opportunity to transfer to the new owners or offered a job at a Wetherspoon pub in the region.”
He added: “Wetherspoon has also closed The Atrium site.”
Levy revealed plans in June to oversee all food and beverage operations across key NEC venues, including the NEC, ICC, Vox, Utilita Arena Birmingham, and bp pulse LIVE.
The company stated that this partnership would ‘ensure better quality, more choice and a greater flexibility of offering, plus improved customer journeys using technologies put in place to elevate the guest experience’.
Part of Levy’s enhancement plans involve revamping many of the NEC estate’s catering outlets, kitchens and hospitality spaces.