Non 0 visa back in 4 days from London embassy

[usual suspect]

Hello you lot..
Just gonna mention that I'm a little stunned at the fact my passport was back at my door only 4 days after posting it (c/w my application form & evidence etc) to the London Embassy!
Now for many years this proceedure could have taken up to 5 weeks when I posted it to Hull..the staff there advising us to allow plenty of time for processing due to the busy time of year & their limited staff-numbers.
Now does this mean my visa application was dealt with quickly due to a big reduction in folk now wanting visas for Thailand..?? Or has London always been way quicker than their 'Northern Branch'..?

[Big Boy]

I only ever used the postal service to Hull once in 2012. Even with initial rejection (notified by phone, and additional evidence provided) my passport was back within a week.

[robcar]

I had the same timeframe back in August for my non 'O' retirement visa but they didn't send me any paperwork back. Had to call the Pensions Dept to get a duplicate statement. Excellent service all the same.