There is no doubting that it is nice to have something named after you – a discovery, an invention, or even a pub – but you would hope whatever the item that it is well-liked.

On the one side, the Earl of Sandwich should be posthumously chuffed with the bready thing while Nelson Mandela less so with the tower block in Only Fools and Horses.

Would Richmal Crompton, the author of the Just William books and taught at Bromley High School, be delighted with the Wetherspoons by Bromley South station? Since she died in 1969 no-one knows, but I’d wager she’d be proud without necessarily feeling the need to carry its picture in her wallet.

For this is a pub that is entirely adequate, relatively pleasant even, but largely characterless.

On a concrete concourse opposite the station, it’s the sort of cheap and reliable place that’s good for an after work pint or a spot of lunch after shopping but won’t be adored like a great local.

Outside is modest while inside is wide open and devoid of soul. It feels like an airport bar and the dingy lighting doesn’t help.

A bookcase in the back hints at the literary allusions in its name, which are spelt out on the menu, but as a theme it fails to take off.

Being a ‘Spoons, it’s got a good menu, a reasonable standard of food and capable staff.

There’s a large drinks selection and it’s almost scandalously cheap – Brewdog’s This.Is.Lager was selling for £1.49 a pint when we went in.

The Richmal Crompton, Westmoreland Road, Bromley

How it rated:

Decor ** Bland but clean

Atmosphere ** Vanilla

Staff *** OK

Food *** Pretty good

Drink **** Decent range

Price ***** Great value