The launch of a highly anticipated new Wetherspoons pub in Croydon has been postponed at the last minute, the chain has confirmed. The Coombe Lodge, a £1 million development within a famous former Beefeater restaurant, will now open its doors two days later than planned.
Revised Opening Date and Reason for Delay
Originally scheduled to welcome its first customers on the morning of Wednesday, December 17, the pub's opening has been rescheduled. Patrons will now have to wait until 8am on Friday, December 19. A company spokesperson attributed the shift to requiring a "bit more time" to ensure the project is "100 per cent ready" for the public.
Despite the short delay, the establishment is still set to open in time for the crucial Christmas trading period. The development marks a significant moment for the area, as it is the first new Wetherspoons to open in Croydon for 25 years.
Inside The Coombe Lodge: Jobs, Ales and History
The conversion of the site on Coombe Road has generated a substantial 80 new full-time and part-time positions for the local community. The pub promises a strong focus on drinks, with management stating it will specialise in real ales, traditional ciders, and a wide range of craft and world beers. This will include draught ales and bottled beers from both local and regional breweries.
The venue's layout includes:
- Two ground-floor bars.
- A large front beer garden for use in the summer months.
- Full wheelchair accessibility and a specially adapted toilet.
- Family-friendly service, with accompanied children welcome any day of the week.
Food will be served from opening until 11pm daily. The building itself is steeped in local history. Originally part of the Coombe Estate, it is believed to date back to the mid-1700s and was known as Coombe Gate House before being listed as Coombe Lodge in 1851. The pub's interior will feature historical photographs and artwork reflecting this past.
Manager's Confidence and Other Openings
Manager Connor Joyce expressed his team's enthusiasm for the launch. "Myself and my team are looking forward to welcoming customers into Coombe Lodge," he said. "We are confident that the pub will be a great addition to the local social scene."
Wetherspoons is proceeding with other openings across the UK this winter. Notable launches include:
- The Black Bear in Glasgow (December 17).
- The Angel Inn in Wetherby (December 23).
- The Chiltern in Beaconsfield (January 13).
The arrival of The Coombe Lodge represents a major investment in Croydon's hospitality sector, transforming a well-known historic site into a new community hub focused on affordable drinks and food.
