I know I should branch out and try new places from time to time, but deep down I’m a creature of habit – so I’ve decided to revisit an old favourite in New Cross this week, after three years away.

The Rose on New Cross Road is a great little boozer. Comfortable, warm and perfectly located opposite New Cross Gate station so you can stumble straight across the road and onto a train at closing time.

The last time I was here, in November 2015, punters were enjoying their work Christmas parties (an insufferable social occasion which I have always avoided like the plague) and wrapped themselves up in jumpers and coats.

But in true British spirit, a September visit saw customers desperately clinging on to a last glimmer of summer in the packed out beer garden. Still dressed in jumpers and coats, mind.

It’s a funny old crowd in the Rose, which I’ve always found fascinating. A mix between trendy students with nose piercings and furious Millwall fans gearing up for a game they will probably lose.

I tend to steer clear of both, to be honest. Never was a ‘people person’.

Luckily, the beer selection is large enough to serve both groups – with Amstel for the football fans and Red Stripe for the quirky youngsters.

Although I would usually take a pint, I was absolutely delighted to see a fridge fully stocked with bottles of Boston-brewed Samuel Adams. I rarely see it stocked in London pubs, so had to seize my opportunity.

Mind you, at £4.50 a pop, I expected it to be served with a plane ticket across the pond and a trip to the brewery.

On this day I joined the naively optimistic sun-worshippers and took my expensive lager into the chilly beer garden.

Through chattering teeth, I sipped on my beverage in the lovely setting and enjoyed the buzz around me until the pizza I had ordered was ready.

Good pizza, that. More reasonably priced than the beer at £9 for a margherita, and it warmed me up nicely, given that I could see my breath by this point.

On my last visit, I distinctly remember being impressed by the staff at The Rose. It can fill up quickly in there, but they never seem fazed by it, and get to work to make sure no one has to wait for long.

And they didn’t let me down this time – efficient, friendly and a pleasure to speak to. That’s always important to me, as I rarely plan on speaking to anyone other than staff members when I visit a boozer.

I left The Rose a satisfied customer, as I had three years before. It’s still a winner and a favourite for me, even if my toes were numb by the time I left.

But I’m afraid, fellow Brits, I must break some devastating news to you all: Beer garden season is over.

Atmosphere: ***** Watching Millwall fans and quirky students navigate each other is simply hilarious

Food: **** Tasty and piping hot, which is all I’m looking for

Drink: **** Granted, I didn’t go for a pint this time and literally paid the price for it, but Sam Adams is a treat I can’t say no to.

Price: *** The cheap pizza saved it

Staff: ***** A great team that looks after you well

Overall: ****