PUB chain Wetherspoons will open in Hamilton creating 90 jobs.

The popular hospitality firm is taking over the former Bairds unit in the Regent Shopping Centre in the South Lanarkshire town.

Wetherspoons was founded in 1979 by Tim Martin. The company operates nearly 900 pubs, including the chain of Lloyds No.1 bars, and a growing number of Wetherspoons hotels.

With its headquarters in Watford, Wetherspoons is known for converting unconventional premises into pubs.

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Glasgow Times:

Ryan Kee, director of retail agency at LSH, said: “This will be very welcome news for Hamilton town and Regent Shopping Centre.

"Wetherspoons is an excellent brand to introduce to the area and we have no doubt that it will prove to be a popular addition to our food and beverage offering at the scheme.

"The company will be investing significantly to redevelop the former Bairds’ unit, an important and prominent building in the town centre, and with the creation of 90 jobs this will have a major positive impact on the local economy.”

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Glasgow Times:

Bill Reid, centre manager at Regent Shopping Centre, said: “We are delighted to be making this announcement today, the latest in a series of exciting changes at the centre.

"Last year Card Factory relocated into the scheme, Holland & Barrett relocated within the centre and upsized, Hays Travel converted the Thomas Cook unit and The Works opened a new store here as well.

"Wetherspoons is trailblazing with its modern offering, excellent food, and high tech customer service approach and we look forward to working with the team as they prepare for an opening date later this year.”

Regent Shopping Centre sits in the centre of Hamilton and was built in the 1970s.