The founder of the JD Wetherspoon pub chain and its chairman Tim Martin has been knighted in the New Year Honours list.

Now with more than 800 pubs, ’Spoons is probably the country’s largest retailer of cask ale from more small brewers than any other.

Sir Tim said the news of his knighthood came “out of the blue” and “had never been expected”.

"I always think that, in the pub world, it is a team effort – even if you’ve just got one pub there are many people involved,” he told the PA news agency.

"I think it's the Wetherspoon colleagues and customers who are getting the award really, that's the way I look at it. I'm just the lucky recipient.”

In 1979, his first venue was in Muswell Hill, north London in a former bookies, and was originally called Martin’s Free House, before being renamed JD Wetherspoon the following year.

The chain, which became known for its affordable prices, floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1992.

Responding to the award, British Beer & Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “It is wonderful news that Sir Tim Martin, such a stalwart of the great British pub, has been awarded a knighthood for his amazing contribution and achievements to the pub sector and wider hospitality, especially given the recent challenges of the Covid pandemic and cost of living crisis. Congratulations Sir Tim, a round on you.”