Sunday 1st March 2026

 Meteorological boffins would have us believe Spring starts today as they split the seasons into 3 month groups.

March 20th is the actual date of the Spring equinox.

Anyway it's same old, same old as regards the weather - light rain & mildish.

I joined Dave, Niall, Tony, Simon, Diane & Chris at Squires, Long Ditton....later to be joined by Steph & Brenda.

Six set off towards East Surrey CTC territory which are still going strong with the section meeting at Purley.....today they had 11's at Tanhouse Farm & lunch at Warnham.

They appear to avoid Wetherspoons (judging by the list of pubs on their website).

Unlike C&M who today are riding to a 'new' aquisition just beyond Croydon called Coombe Lodge.

I chose a north-easterly route along quiet suburban streets, briefly losing Steph & Brenda who had gone to see the sights of Mitcham Eastfields.

Holmsdale Road takes you past the towering stand at Selhurst Park where shortly after Dave left us & after the best part of 2½ hours we arrived at this 'out of town' pub.

Online reviews point to 'teething problems' - it opened in December 2025 after a million pound refurbishment having previously traded as a Beefeater.

I sat in the conservatory whilst the others went to order food.

Quite quickly I sensed several meal & drink options were not available (run out I assume) which is not something we're normally used to in Wetherspoons.

Anyway other choices were made & served without any problem indeed at one point some chips & something breaded was plonked on our table only to be swiftly removed after realising the error.

The toilets were tiny by 'Spoons standard & the pub is run as a franchisee so whether that has anything to do with its failings, I've no idea.

There were brief glimpses of the sun on the way to tea at the Honeywood Museum, Carshalton.

Thanks to Steph for backmarking & everyone else for your company.