Spotlight on Croydon
Croydon is often overlooked in favour of some of south London’s more obviously pretty boroughs, but honestly, it’s got a lot to offer. Nestled in the London suburbs, Croydon is far from quiet; with its own tram system, it’s bustling high street, and a ton of high-rise buildings that ‘tower’ over you (no pun intended), Croydon is truly a city within a city.
Since lockdown, more people have been exploring the outer London boroughs – places slightly closer to home, where there’s more space to breathe than in zone 1, and you don't have to travel so far at the end of the night. In that spirit, we’ve rounded up the top five watering holes in Croydon to give you some night-out inspo in the heart of zone 5.
1. BOXPARK
(Credit: @hirespace)
Where: 99 George Street, Croydon, CR0 1LD
When: BOXPARK reopens, like the rest of the world, on the 12th April – however, you can get still access all BOXPARK’s yummiest food on Uber Eats, Just Eat, and Deliveroo.
What makes it so great: After BOXPARK conquered Shoreditch and Wembley, they thought – where next? Well, there was only one obvious choice – Croydon, of course! BOXPARK began as the world’s first pop-up shopping and dining destination, but since its explosion in popularity the concept has evolved into the world’s first food-hall-turned-nightclub with huge screens to host film screenings and sports nights. With countless food pop-ups including Chilango, The Breakfast Club, and cult vegan fav What the Pitta, as well it’s very own The Cronx Brewery and Boxpark Bar, make a night of it!
Press here for deets.
2. Art & Craft CR0
(Credit: @beertoday)
Where: 46 Surrey Street Market, Croydon CR0 1RJ
When: Will be reopening for outdoor customers on the 12th April, but is currently serving its loyal customer base via takeaway pints!
What makes it so great: With its monochrome frontage, exposed driftwood décor, and walls covered in the unique offerings of local contemporary artists, Art & Craft CR0 is definitely rocking that hipster vibe. Brought to you by the Inkspot Brewery, Art & Craft CR0 has one of the best selections of craft beer south of the river. If beer isn’t your thing, then fear not! A&C also has an artisan spirit selection sourced from local producers, and a wine list including natural, organic, and biodynamic (we don’t know what that is, but we’re here for it) wines. They don’t like to boast, but A&C won a Time Out Love London Award in 2018, plus their Streatham branch won a Streatham Business Award in 2018.
Check it out for yourself here!
3. Smoothbean!
(Credit: @smoothbean)
Where: 2-3 Dingwall Road, CR0 2NA
When: Smoothbean! are already taking bookings in anticipation of their 12th April reopening.
What makes it so great: A stone’s throw from East Croydon station, Smoothbean! started out as an independent coffee shop but has since expanded to become a thriving cocktail bar and brunching hotspot. With their years of experience in the coffee business, Smoothbean! is well known for their moreish signature Smoothbean! Golden Cappuccino – an elegant balance of their famous roast artisan espresso, vanilla vodka, Galliano liqueur, and cream. Amazing cocktails, fantastic food, and an art deco interior that will make you (almost) believe you’re sipping espresso martinis in 1920’s Manhattan - what more do you want?!
Click here to find out more.
4. Memory Box
(Credit: @designmynight)
Where: 80-88 High Street, CR0 1NA
When: We’re super excited for their reopening on the 12th of this month!
What makes it so great: When you think of Croydon, I doubt cocktails are the first thing that spring to mind. Hopefully Memory Box can change your mind… Memory Box is one of Croydon’s top late-night destinations, offering all your favourite music from old school R'n'B to your club classics into the wee hours. Also, they’re serving up an incredible happy hour, with 2 classic cocktails for £10 and 2 Memory box exclusives for £12 until 10pm every day! (And until midnight on Wednesdays). One of south London’s most reasonably priced cocktail bars they also offer regular karaoke nights if you’re brave enough!
Find out more here.
5. Green Dragon
(Credit: @pexels)
Where: 60 High Street, Croydon, CR0 1NA
When: You’ll have to wait a little longer for Green Dragon to open. They’re throwing their doors open from 17th May.
What makes it so great: You’d be forgiven for walking past Green Dragon without thinking twice. From the outside, it appears to be just your usual south London boozer, but inside it becomes apparent that they offer something quite different… With its quirky décor, walls lined with cult memorabilia, and piles and piles of old-school character, Green Dragon has recently undergone a major refurbishment. This is a pub that will grow on you with each visit. With live music nights, comedy open-mic events, and bottomless brunches almost on the daily, Green Dragon is a little gem of a pub for those ‘in the know’.
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Words by Rebecca Clayton