I'm torn over the new Weatherspoons "The Watchman" pub opening next year. Part of me thinks, this is great, they are using the old Police Station and preventing it from decaying, also we get a new pub in the area. The other side of me worries that the cheap booze will attract the "wrong-sort".

I hope the Fountain remains after Weatherspoons open. There is only so many pubs which punters need in an area!

Having said that; Weatherspoons are providing employment and opportunity for the area and preserving the old Police Station so its not all bad.

By nsmith5266 at 18:18 on 07/12/11

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Interesting comments nsmith5266. I'm not overly keen on another chain on our high street, but like you say bringing jobs in tot the area has to be a good thing.

By BeckyCreative at 22:23 on 07/12/11
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I personally would have liked to see that building turn into affordable housing, but if it does produce employment opportunities and does not negatively affect the villagey appeal of New Malden high street then I guess that's better than nothing!

By RebWright at 11:54 on 10/12/11
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@ nsmith5266 If by the "wrong-sort" you mean those eligible for a free bus pass then yes you are right. I just popped in this morning on my way past it to have a look around and the combined average age must have been close to 70 years old, all swilling back their half pints and gorging them selves on the cheap food. I don't think you have too much to worry about...

By Metroman67 at 16:13 on 10/04/12
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@Metroman67 - was thinking more about Fri/Sat pre-club/party dwellers rather than the morning/afternoon regulars!

Having said all of this - in the words of Brucie "Haven't they done well!?". Whetherspoons should be proud on their new pub. Turning this sad old building into something really useful - its a great addition to the New Malden scene.

I remember all those people who said "no, no no" when Whetherspoons submitted their plans to develop this site. This building could have so easily been demolished and turned into a sterile block of flats. The finished product is a tasteful and sympathetic development of a historic building, whilst recognising past police officers who served there AND giving New Malden something new with employment opportunities.

win-win for everyone.

By nigel_RLS at 17:40 on 10/04/12
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I agree, what they've done to mark and respect the history of the local area gets the thumbs up from me - it's worth popping in just to check out some of the famous New Maldeners up on the walls, including actress Diana Rigg and sculptor Anthony Caro.

By RABarnes at 14:01 on 15/04/12
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