The opening of a new Wetherspoon pub in Croydon has been delayed just days before it was due to welcome its first customers.
The Coombe Lodge, located on Coombe Road, had been scheduled to open at 8am on Wednesday, December 17, following a £1 million redevelopment.
However, the company has now announced that the opening has been pushed back by two days.
Customers will instead be able to visit the pub from 8am on Friday, December 19.
A spokesperson for Wetherspoon said the delay was caused by the business needing additional time to complete final preparations.
They explained that the company wanted the venue to be “100 per cent ready” before opening its doors to the public.
The Coombe Lodge represents a significant milestone for the pub chain in the area.
It is the first new Wetherspoon opening in Croydon for 25 years.
The pub has been developed inside a former Beefeater restaurant, transforming the building into a large hospitality venue.
As part of the project, around 80 full-time and part-time jobs have been created for people in the local area.
The investment forms part of Wetherspoon’s wider strategy to expand its estate across the UK during December and January.
Several other new pubs are also set to open in cities including Glasgow, Wetherby and Beaconsfield.
Wetherspoon has confirmed that the new pub will place a strong emphasis on traditional and craft drinks.
“The new pub will specialise in real ales and traditional ciders, as well as craft and world beers, serving a wide range of different draught ales, as well as bottled beers, including those from local and regional brewers,” the company said.
The venue features two bars on the ground floor, allowing it to cater for high footfall during peak periods.
During the summer months, customers will also be able to make use of a large beer garden located at the front of the property.
Food will be served daily from opening time until 11pm.
Wetherspoon has confirmed that the pub will be family-friendly, with accompanied children welcome throughout the week.
The Coombe Lodge has been designed to be accessible to all customers.
The pub is wheelchair accessible and includes a specially adapted toilet for people with disabilities.
Beyond its modern refurbishments, the building also has a long and notable history.
Coombe Lodge was originally part of the Coombe Estate and is believed to date back to the mid-18th century.
Previously known as Coombe Gate House and Coombe Green House, it was first listed under the name Coombe Lodge in the 1851 Post Office Directory.
Historical photographs, artwork and details of the building’s past will be displayed inside the pub once it opens.
The delay has done little to dampen anticipation among staff and management.
Manager Connor Joyce said: “Myself and my team are looking forward to welcoming customers into Coombe Lodge and we are confident that the pub will be a great addition to the local social scene.”
With final preparations now under way, Wetherspoon says the venue will open fully ready to serve the Croydon community later this week.
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