1. Croydonites Festival

Because it brings the best of experimental theatre from across the UK to Croydon’s doorstep.

2. David Lean Cinema

Because independent and world cinema deserves more than multiplexes.

3. Turf Projects

Because it continues to redefine what a community-led art space can be.

4. Stanley Arts

Because this radically inclusive venue champions underrepresented voices and bold programming.

5. The BRIT School

Because it has helped launch world-class musicians, actors and performers – from Adele, Amy Winehouse and Tom Holland to RAYE, Olivia Dean and Lola Young.

6. BOXPARK Croydon

Because this shipping-container concept became a national food and event institution (and put Croydon on the map as the go-to place for football screenings!)

7. Surrey Street Market

Because one of London’s oldest market remains full of life and character and is getting a major cash injection for its next chapter.

8. Parks and green spaces

Because, as one of London’s greenest boroughs, Croydon boasts over 120 green spaces, including Happy Valley, Riddlesdown Common and Selsdon Woods.

9. Crystal Palace FC

Because the Eagles’ historic FA Cup triumph gave Croydon another reason to celebrate.

10. Croydon’s independent coffee scene

Because from the early players like Crushed Bean, Filtr and Bob’s Your Uncle to newer arrivals such as Tao, Aera and Grumpy Goose, Croydon has built a café culture that keeps the borough well caffeinated.

11. Croydon Minster

Because few buildings have witnessed as much of Croydon’s impressive history.

12. Fairfield Halls

Because South London’s biggest arts centre is too important not to be in the conversation – and when the right show lands, there is nowhere else in Croydon quite like it.

13. Casa Argentina

Because authentic steaks, empanadas and dulce de leche should not require a flight to Argentina.

14. Tramlink

Because how many other London neighbourhoods can boast their own tram service?

15. Talawa Theatre Company

Because it has spent nearly four decades championing Black stories, artists and audiences.

16. Allders Parade

Because new outlets like Miniso, Isle of Flowers and Coco & Nut, offer early signs of URW’s plans to regenerate the town centre and breathe new life into the historic Allders building.

17. Croydon’s historic independent businesses

Because House of Reeves, Hewitts of Croydon and Rawlings Opticians have been serving generations of Croydonians for well over a century – proving that some of the borough’s best-loved institutions are still proudly independent.

18. No. 1 Croydon

Because whatever you call this building, it will always be iconically Croydon.

19. Croydon’s record shops

Because the spirit of Beanos lives on through places such as 3 Piece Suite, DnR Vinyl and Tenpin Records.

20. The Vanguard Way

Because one of the South East’s great long-distance walks begins at East Croydon station, taking you 66 miles from the suburbs to the Sussex coast.

21. Croydon Chocolate

Because whether it’s Cocoa Jones in Purley (known for its handmade chocolates and tasting experiences), or Monty Bojangles, (the nationally recognised truffle brand headquartered in Croydon), there’s plenty to satisfy sweet tooths.

22. Croydon Film Office

Because, in partnership with FilmFixer, it has helped put the borough (aka “Crollywood”) on the map as a global film set for major productions.

23. The Ludoquist

Because South London’s award-winning board-game café has turned rolling dice into a serious social scene.

24. Local brewing scene

Because beer is best when brewed locally at Signal, Coalition and Anspach & Hobday.

25. Croydon Airport Visitor Centre

Because Britain’s first major international airport still tells a great story – with monthly tours to go behind the scenes.

26. Zoo Co

Because it makes immersive theatre accessible and exciting, putting disabled and non-disabled artists at the heart of the experience.

27. International food supermarkets

Because from Abad, Mleczko and Wing Yip to Freshfields Market and Saveways, everyday grocery shopping becomes a global food tour.

28. Croydon Pride

Because it brings Croydon together for a joyful, inclusive celebration of LGBTQ+ pride – from the parade to the party, and everything in between.

29. Heart of Gaming and Pinball Republic

Because they’ve given retro gaming culture a physical home.

30. Croydon’s OG restaurants

Because Bagatti’s, Little Bay and Galicia deserve credit for building loyal followings through character, consistency and decades of dependable service.

31. Croydon’s new dining scene

Because restaurants like Fern, Maple and Truro reflect a new wave of Croydon dining – design-led, all-day neighbourhood spots serving ambitious menus in relaxed, modern spaces.

32. East Croydon Station

Because it makes Croydon the perfect place to call home: central London is just a short journey away, while Brighton, the South Downs and Gatwick are all within easy reach for work, leisure and spontaneous adventures.

33. Croydon Urban Mushrooms

Because it uses waste coffee grounds from local cafés to grow gourmet oyster mushrooms (aka CR’Oysters!)

34. Open House Festival

Because it opens up Croydon’s historic and hidden buildings, including Shirley Windmill, the Whitgift Almshouses and the Norman Fisher Observatory.

35. Costa del Croydon

Because it turns Centrale rooftop into a free urban beach with sand, splash zones and summer vibes right in the heart of the town centre.

36. Delicious delis

Because everyday shopping can still feel special at La Spezia, Little Mouse Cheese and Dirty Crunch.

37. London Mozart Players

Because the UK’s longest-established chamber orchestra ensures world-class music on our doorstep.

38. The Hive Design Studio

Because its gloriously packed programme of courses and workshops gives people of all ages somewhere to make, learn, connect – and acquire at least one new craft-related personality trait.

39. Tokia Square

Because this Asian food court brings 12 iconic cuisines into one (robot enhanced) space.

40. CODA in the Park

Because it brings open-air theatre to Wandle Park each summer, turning the bandstand into one of Croydon’s loveliest stages.

41. Merky FC

Because this Stormzy and Adidas partnership is creating sports, music and gaming opportunities for the next generation.

42. Just Flutes

Because this world-leading flute specialist has made its home in a listed 16th century Tudor building on South End – with instruments, repairs, sheet music and serious musician energy under one (very old) roof.

43. Cult bakeries

Because Croydon’s bakeries have queues of loyal fans to prove their popularity, with Julians bringing artisan bakes to Surrey Street Market, Chatsworth Bakehouse growing from its East Croydon roots to its Crystal Palace home, and Bread & Butter serving up treats from an idyllic pavilion setting in Lloyd Park.

44. Reel Talk

Because this neighbourhood film club at David Lean Cinema brings locals together for bold films and big conversations (with added input from BAFTA award winner Joanna Scanlan).

45. Chicken shop debate

Because Morley’s set the South London blueprint, and today it sits alongside the likes of Dave’s Hot Chicken, Popeyes and Poor Boys – ensuring fried chicken remains one of Croydon’s most iconic (and debated) food options.

46. The Switch Off

Because phone-free, silent events for women exhausted by modern life have never been more necessary.

47. Cockneys of Croydon

Because the borough’s last pie and mash shop keeps a slice of old London alive with traditional pie, mash and jellied eels.

48. The breakfast scene

Because whether it’s a proper fry-up at Surrey Street Café, a leisurely brunch at Anna’s in Addiscombe or a Moroccan feast at Le Bon Cafe, Croydon knows how to start the day right.

49. The Mum Club Croydon

Because it gives local mums a place to find friendship, support and a social life that doesn’t disappear after having children.

50. Proper pubs

Because sometimes only traditional boozers like The Green Dragon, The Spread Eagle and The Oval Tavern can hit the spot.

51. Conditions Studio

Because it proves world-class contemporary art can happen in a Croydon shopping centre.

52. Curry Culture

Because from Crown & Pepper, Spiceland and Honeymoon to Tindli, Cult of Curry and Croydon Curry Club, curry in Croydon is a social ritual that brings people together across restaurants, pop-ups and communities.

53. Creative Croydon

Because Croydon’s creativity isn’t confined to galleries – it’s right here on the streets, with Croydon BID, Croydonist and 31% Wool joining forces each year to transform town centre lampposts into an open-air gallery showcasing the work of local artists.

54. Croydon Natural History & Scientific Society

Because Croydon’s oldest scientific society has brought the borough’s wildlife, geology and archaeology to life through talks, walks and fieldwork since 1870.

55. The bar scene

Because from cocktails on tap at Trickle to wine tasting at Basil & Grape and the vast menu at Memory Box, Croydon’s drinking spots cover everything from casual after-work drinks to curated tastings and late-night cocktails.

56. The Event Rooms

Because its flexible three-floor format gives Croydon somewhere adaptable and genuinely local to celebrate everything from weddings and birthdays to business launches and community events.

57. Home-grown music talent

Because beyond the BRIT School, Croydon has long produced artists with global influence – from Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Kirsty MacColl to Stormzy, Benga and Skream.

58. Oree Mart

Because founder Amber-Rose turned this Surrey Street Asian supermarket into a TikTok favourite – and took its story national on The Apprentice.

59. Clip ’n Climb and Flip Out

Because sometimes the best way to move your body is to climb, bounce, scramble and play like nobody’s watching.

60. Croydon FM

Because it gives the borough its own soundtrack, platforming local music, voices and culture around the clock.

61. The Village Table

Because Croydon’s new third space is bringing communities together over coffee and conversation.

62. Barbershop cuts

Because in a borough with a serious beauty and grooming pedigree, Tony’s, Valentino’s, 808 Barbers et al prove a great barbershop is about far more than a haircut.

63. Cro Cro Land Festival

Because it champions diverse and boundary-pushing music line-ups.

64. Croydon Central Library

Because it’s more than just a library – boasting a digital zone, historical archives, a study space, and the Clocktower café.

65. Anatomy of a Jam

Because sometimes the best music nights aren’t tightly programmed – they’re monthly jam sessions at The Dog pub.

66. The beauty scene

Because, as the UK’s beauty capital, Croydon does self-care well – from cocktails with your manicure at Atara Nail Bar and Japanese head-spa treatments at The Scalp Reset Studio to subtle, doctor-led treatments at Aesthetics by Dr Rhea.

67. Reformer Pilates

Because Pilates hits harder on a bed at Reformer Club, Everybody Reformer and The Method Room.

68. Museum of Croydon

Because it brings the town’s story to life through interactive exhibits, local archives and real voices from the community.

69. Croydon’s new residential scene

Because developments such as Ten Degrees, Altura 50 and The Blossoms are adding new ways to live in the heart of CR0.

70. Croydon’s park cafés

Because a park walk is not complete without coffee and cake – and key areas are covered by Coach House Cafe at Coombe Wood, Lloyd Park Lounge Café, Wandle Park Café and The Kiosk at South Norwood Country Park.

71. Disauthority

Because this Croydon-born, artist-led studio is proving feature-grade post-production, VFX and finishing do not have to happen in Soho.

72. Croydon Whisky Festival

Because it gives craft whisky distilleries and independent bottlers a chance to shine.

73. CALAT

Because it offers adult courses in everything from jewellery-making and dressmaking to bookkeeping and Spanish – proving it is never too late to learn something new.

74. Riff Raffs

Because the quiz nights led by Adam Pearson are as legendary as the DJ nights that bring dubstep royalty back to the town centre.

75. Croydon’s local storytellers

Because creators such as @RhysStroulger and @Shonelise, alongside @EastCroydonCool’s Raving Reporters, are using social media to make Croydon go viral for the right reasons.

76. Coffee Roasters

Because Mr Tinto and 80 Stone Coffee Roasters roast speciality coffee in Croydon, bringing fresh beans, barista know-how and serious coffee craft to the borough.

77. The Arc Centre

Because up close experiences with meercats and capybaras are educational, fun and good for the soul.

78. Croydon Makers & Creators

Because it gives the borough’s creatives a collective voice – and the connections, support and solidarity to thrive.

79. Art & Craft

Because craft beer culture has a strong local home.

80. Studio at 39

Because it brings movement, making and wellbeing together in a South Croydon space surrounded by nature.

81. Social Connection

Because whether it’s Cross Culture by BeatsnEats, The Listening Room by Reconnect or South Wing Sessions by The Detail, a new generation of community-led events are giving locals more reasons to meet and mingle – creating a social scene to rival East London.

82. Gym life

Because from independent training spaces such as MyPT, BFT and Tiro Fitness to nationwide names including The Gym Group and Nuffield Health, Croydon has a gym for every kind of goal – and every kind of gym-goer.

83. Forbidden Planet

Because it gives comics, manga, collectibles and cult fandoms a proper home in the town centre.

84. Croydon’s competitive grassroots clubs

Because from The Trams and The Rams to the Striders and Harriers via Croydon RFC and Croydon Women’s FC, the borough has teams and clubs for people who want to train, compete and represent their community across all sports.

85. Yoga in Croydon

Because what is modern life without a downward dog at MoreYoga, Croydon Yoga Hub and Yoga Mela?

86. LSBU Croydon Campus

Because its state-of-the-art clinical simulation facilities are helping train the nurses, midwives and healthcare professionals London needs.

87. Connecting Croydon

Because every month it brings together local businesses and charities to share knowledge, build relationships and champion the borough together.

88. Croydon’s community-growing spaces

Because from council run allotments and independent growing spaces to community gardens and private allotment schemes, places like Soul Food Garden, Roots Allotments and Birdhurst Community Garden give people the chance to grow food, get outdoors and turn shared spaces into something good

89. Croydon’s artisan hot sauce makers

Because Captain Chippies, Lazy Scientist and Moi Moi prove Croydon can take the heat.

90. Culture Croydon

Because it brings London’s cultural heavyweights – including partnerships with the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery – into Croydon, while creating a bigger stage for local talent.

91. Croydon Creative Enterprise Zone

Because it gives Croydon’s creative entrepreneurs space, skills, networks and support to grow.

92. Lit Nights

Because this modern literary salon brings best-selling authors (including Yomi Adegoke, Nussaibah Younis and Emma Gannon) to the Braithwaite Hall stage to discuss societal hot topics with an award-winning journalist.

93. IKEA Croydon

Because affordable Scandi design and meatballs should always be easy to access.

94. Croydon’s architectural writers

Because John Grindrod’s ‘Outskirts’ and Will Noble’s ‘Croydonopolis’ prove that the borough’s history and architecture make for page-turning reading.

95. Croydon’s podcast studios

Because White Hut Studios, Eden Studios and Studio 88 Live give important conversations the space, kit and support to be heard.

96. Croydon’s place-led artists

Because Scene in London, Local Art Print, and The Town That Love Built turn Croydon’s streets, landmarks and everyday details into art that helps us see home differently.

97. Peep Show Marathon

Because the Dobby Club turns cult TV humour into a 26-mile run from Croydon to Windsor (giving locals the last laugh).

98. Hidden Talents at The Dark Horse

Because this open mic night, led by JC Recording Studios (and hosted by the inimitable Phoebe Wagner) gives grassroots talent a stage to shine.

99. Croydon’s flexible workspaces

Because places like TBXH, Collaborative One and UP give freelancers, founders and growing teams somewhere to work, meet and build – with breakout spaces and regular events proving that co-working is about far more than a desk.

100. East Croydon Cool

Because it has been championing Croydon and helping locals to “meet, explore and feel proud to be home” for nearly a decade.