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Croydon area guide 2018

Croydon area guide

Keep busy in Croydon with our guide to restaurants, bars, pubs and things to do in this now thriving suburb

Written by
Things To Do Editors
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Croydon is still in the midst of a £5.25 billion redevelopment project, which has seen the introduction of a new tech hub and the birth of Boxpark Croydon, the larger sibling of Shoreditch's shipping container food and shopping destination. And now, finally, the London Mayor has confirmed that work on a shiny new Westfield, which will replace the crumbling, much-maligned Whitgift Centre, is to begin. In fact, there are now more reasons to move to Croydon than ever before. 

Before taking the plunge, though, it’s worth having a stroll around. Restaurants, bars and things to do are plentiful - the list of parks is enough to convince any countryphile up sticks and make it their permanent residence. Spots like Surrey Street Market and Matthew’s Yard keep the community spirit alive, while the aforementioned Boxpark has over 80 shipping containers chockablock with vendors, like vegan hotspot CookDaily, offering so much food that you might need help picking out the best ones.

RECOMMENDED: London by area

Restaurants in Croydon

Karnavar

Karnavar

It's all about modern interpretations of traditional Indian dishes at this attractive Indian restaurant in Croydon. 

Meat Liquor

Meat Liquor

  • 4 out of 5 stars

The menu is the same as the W1 flagship, but the decor here is lighter, the music quieter and the vibe more chilled. 

Coqfighter Chicken & Beer

Coqfighter Chicken & Beer

  • 3 out of 5 stars

Previously known as Wingman, pop down for Korean style wings, chicken burgers and Vietnamese bao.   

Things to do in Croydon

Boxpark Croydon

Boxpark Croydon

  • 4 out of 5 stars

A much bigger version than its Shoreditch sibling, with added music, that still retains a warm community feel.

Surrey Street Market

Surrey Street Market

One of the oldest known streets markets in Britain that's now re-opened following a £1.1 million refurbishment. 

Museum of Croydon

Museum of Croydon

A local history museum with digital memory room where visitors can add their own stories to the museum's collection. 

Croydon’s best bits

Bars and pubs in Croydon

The Oval Tavern

The Oval Tavern

It's as much about the entertainment as it is the food and booze at this popular Croydon pub. There's something going on every night, from blues jams, acoustic...

The Cronx Brewery

The Cronx Brewery

  • 3 out of 5 stars

It’s only natural that Croydon’s Boxpark should embrace local artisans – and The Cronx Brewery brings the goods with craft beer and ales. It’s definitely more...