Wetherspoons to close ‘best of all pubs’ within weeks – but fans will love the reason

WETHERSPOONS is set to pull the shutters down on its “best” pub in weeks – but it’s not all bad news.

Punters were saddened to hear their favourite boozer, The Holland Tringham, in Streatham, London, will be calling last orders on March 10.

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However, the closure is only temporary, with pints set to be pulled again by April 30.

It is understood The Holland Tringham is closing to allow some refurbishments and renovations.

The ‘Spoons has been hailed for its welcoming staff, excellent service and tasty food, by customers.

“It’s a really nice pub. The staff is extremely friendly and very attentive, making sure we were enjoying our meals. Good selection of ales,” wrote one fan.

Another penned: “Lovely pub typical spoons but a bit cheaper than in the city. Great variety of ales and wine good polite friendly and knowledgeable staff. Food all hot and tasty.”

Someone else, who had been a regular at the pub for years dubbed it “the best Spoons”, and “Spoons at its finest”.

“Probably best Wethersons I’ve been in for chilled friendlyatmosphere, and very clean and tidy,” agreed a fourth.

“Great pub, nice staff, decent food. One of my regular spots with my mates,” another added.

The move comes as a beloved boozer in Paignton, Devon, turned away punters as the weekend kicked off, much to their disappointment.

But it’s not all bad news, the local – named Talk of the Town – is only closed until May as a £2.1million renovation gets underway.

A spokesman for the chain confirmed last week: “The Talk of the Town closes this Saturday, February 3, for extensive refurbishment and expansion work to be carried out, at a cost of approximately £2.1 million.

“The scheme is set to extend the pub into the next door premises and refurbish the current pub building.”

Wetherspoons expansion

Despite more permanent closures across the UK, the much-loved chain is still aiming to claim 1,000 venues.

Boss Sir Tim Martin is determined to build on his current 814 strong fleet – a decrease from 951 in 2015.

As reported by The Times, he said: “We’ve sold a number of pubs over the years, especially where we’ve opened two pubs close to each other in small or medium-sized towns.

“We’ve also surrendered a number of leasehold pubs to the landlord, where leases have come to the end.

“We have 814 pubs today and estimate there is potential for about 1,000.

“Although there have been some disposals, sales are nearly a billion pounds higher than ten or 11 years ago.”

Just recently, the chain has told the Sun that one of its Poole pubs will be put on the market.

And, The Percy Shaw in Halifax called last orders on January 7 after Wetherspoon sold the venue to a new owner.

It comes as a number of UK pubs have closed their doors for good amid a turbulent economic backdrop.

Increased energy and wage costs are piling further pressure on businesses.

Wetherspoons’ boss Tim Martin also said far more people now drink in their homes rather than in pubs.

The chain has even been forced to hike up prices for the second time in just six months.

Bosses have confirmed food and drink prices have been ratcheted up by almost 4% – after the previous rise last August.

Pub company J D Wetherspoon said: “Most prices in Wetherspoon pubs have increased by 3.95% from Thursday, February 1.

 “Some prices have increased by less. Ruddles Bitter has increased by 1%. Bud Light lager, Stowford Press Cider and Doom Bar bitter have increased by 2%. Draught Pepsi has not increased.

 “The average increase, across all bar and food products is 3%.”

Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin said: “Wetherspoon, like most pub companies, has seen some big increases in costs.

“We believe that our prices remain competitive, even after these changes.”

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk