The Jack Fairman (JD Wetherspoon), Horley

Official site of The Jack Fairman (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

Official site of The Jack Fairman (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

A large Wetherspoons conversion in a former garage, named after a local racing driver and situated close to Horley station. The pub occupies a vaguely triangular unit, with the bar running along one side and large bi-fold windows along another. The interior is standard Wetherspoons fare, with patterned carpets, dark red upper walls over smart wood panelling, and a mix of seating across a large open space. There are tables and chairs throughout, including beside a couple of empty display units near the entrance, as well as banquette booths on a raised section to the left and high stools opposite the bar. The long bar counter is wood-panelled with a polished stone top, while the bar back features a prominent central lightbox bearing the pub's name. Decor includes local history panels and some more contemporary motor racing-themed artwork.  Three regular beers were double clipped and only one guest was available, with three more pumps not in use. I tried the Hook Norton Double Stout, which was in good condition, but the choice was limited by 'Spoons' standards, especially considering it was the weekend. The pub was under considerable pressure on a Saturday lunchtime, with friendly bar staff unable to keep up with the volume of customers and online orders, whilst many tables were left uncleared. I don't know if I just timed my visit here badly, but this otherwise quite pleasant and quirky branch of the 'Spoons empire seemed to be struggling and didn't leave a great impression. I really like the converted garage and nods to the venue's motor racing credentials, but that only gets you so far and the lack of decent service or guest ales was a real disappointment and remains my abiding memory of the place. Maybe one for a revisit the next time I'm in town, this certainly didn't impress first time around. Date of visit: 22nd February 2025

A tidy Art Deco building originally built as a car showroom (I assumed it was a cinema but perhaps not) and converted in 2007. Slightly odd and jarring interior; bits are done quite nicely and the raised side area has character but the dark red ceiling allied to the industrial ducting and piping feels a bit oppressive – the refurb team need to visit and draw-up a plan. Three guest cask, my Wantsum Thunderbolt was pretty good (NBSS 3.5) and that plus my grub came with very swift service via the app so clearly a well-run JDW. GBG listed as well. One grumble was the apparent lack of smoking/vaping tables out front – I just went ahead and indulged anyway… 6.5

A slightly different Spoons, as mentioned below in an old garage with motor sport connections which provides the general theme. I am not quite sure how the prominent shelves of books come in, but I quite liked the overall feel of the place, with completely different styles in different areas. Service seemed a little patchy but the beers were fine. Guest ales were Flack's Black Jack, By The Horns Stiff Upper Lip and Oakham JHB.