Wetherspoons is set to close the 'best of all pubs' within weeks – but fans are raving about the reason

WETHERSPOONS will be pulling down the shutters on its 'best' pub in weeks – but it's not all bad news.

Punters were saddened to hear that their favorite pub, The Holland Tringham, in Streatham, London, would be taking last orders on March 10.

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The 'Spoons' is praised by customers for its welcoming staff, excellent service and tasty food.

“It's a really nice pub. The staff are extremely friendly and very attentive and made sure we enjoyed our meals. Good selection of beers,” wrote one fan.

Another wrote: “Nice pub typical spoons but a bit cheaper than in town. Great variety of beers and wine, well polite, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Food all hot and tasty.”

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

“Probably the best Wetherspoons I've ever seen because of the relaxed, friendly atmosphere, and very clean and tidy,” agreed a fourth.

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

But fans will be happy to hear that the closure is temporary, and that pints will be served again on April 30.

It is understood that The Holland Tringham is closing to allow for some conversions and renovations.

It comes as a much-loved pub in Paignton, Devon, turned punters away as the weekend started, much to their disappointment.

But it's not all bad news: the local restaurant, called Talk of the Town, is only closed until May as a £2.1 million renovation gets underway.

A spokesperson for the chain confirmed last week: “The Talk of the Town will close this Saturday, February 3, for extensive renovation and extension work, at a cost of approximately £2.1 million.

“The plan is to extend the pub to the adjacent property and renovate the current pub building.”

Wetherspoons extension

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

Boss Sir Tim Martin is determined to build on his current fleet of 814, down from 951 in 2015.

As reported by The timeshe said: “We have sold a number of pubs over the years, particularly where we have opened two pubs close to each other in small or medium sized towns.

“We have also transferred a number of leasehold cafés to the landlord, whereby the lease agreements have expired.

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

“Although there have been some disposals, turnover is almost a billion pounds higher than it was ten or eleven years ago.”

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

And The Percy Shaw in Halifax called in its last orders on Jan. 7 after Wetherspoon sold the location to a new owner.

It comes at a time when a number of British pubs have closed their doors for good in a turbulent economic context.

Rising energy and labor costs are putting further pressure on companies.

Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin also said many more people are now drinking at home rather than in pubs.

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

Bosses have confirmed that food and drink prices have risen by almost 4% – after the previous increase last August.

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

“Some prices have risen less. Ruddles Bitter is up 1%. Bud Light lager, Stowford Press Cider and Doom Bar bitters are up 2%. Pepsi's appetite has not increased.

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

Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin said: “Wetherspoon, like most pub companies, has seen some major cost increases.

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