Hi Croydoners,
It’s been 9 months since we put this baby on pause – so now seems a good time for an update.
In short, we’ve had a few chats with some organisations but unfortunately, still haven’t found a way to make East Croydon Cool viable. YET.
So, for the foreseeable we’ll (I’ll) be focusing on freelance PR.
Cue shameless plug:
As Make the News, we help London’s small, independent businesses get headlines.
We have a particular soft spot for those that are based South of the River. We also love businesses that are personal. Sibling run? Couple owned? Founded by Friends? We love seeing the impact our work can have on a family business.
So, if you know a small, independent business who might be looking to increase awareness about their products and services, please send them our way. We’re based at @BirchCommunity in Selsdon* (if an IRL chat in the Croydon countryside is of interest).
Shameless plug now over.
But while we’re (temporarily) back online, this seems a good opportunity to shout out some cool local news:
PAY DAY PARTIES AT SIGNAL BREWERY
Charlie and the gang down at Signal Brewery are launching a series of ‘Pay Day Parties’ which will see the Taproom extend out onto the forecourt to become the go-to place for an affordable, quality, outdoor drinking experience this summer. Tickets are just £5 and include a free pint and slice of pizza on arrival as well as free Beer Tastings, DJ and Beer Pong competitions throughout the day. Happy Hours will see pints for just £4 (and 25% off wines, spirits and cocktails). The first event is Saturday 29th July. To buy a ticket, CLICK HERE.
THE CRONX TAP FRESHENS UP CROYDON HIGH STREET
In other local brewery news – the Mark and Simon from The Cronx Brewery (who have been blessing the Borough with their award-winning brews since 2012) now have their own premises. Located on the High Street, The Cronx Tap is open on Wednesday to Friday from 3pm and on Saturday and Sunday from midday. Where better to enjoy a pint of Cronx Lager* than in the centre of town? (*other IPAs, Porters, Pales, Blondes and Pilsners also available). For more info, CLICK HERE.
TEAM STORMZY AND ZAHA
We love a local partnership and @Stormzy teaming up with @WilfriedZaha to buy non-league club @AFC.Croydonath, is next level stuff. The music artist and Crystal Palace forward both grew up in the borough and are part of a three-man consortium (alongside former Palace head of player care Danny Young). Move over Ryan and Rob – there’s some new kids in town 😉 For more info, CLICK HERE.
THE COCKTAIL BAR MOVES TO SOUTH NORWOOD
Last weekend saw the return of South Norwood’s Pavement Party – where a great group of local businesses once again joined forces to bring Londoners to their part of town. Special deals and discounts were available from @TheYogaMela, @littleMouseCheese, @four_boroughs, @mammadough, @walnutsandhoney and @brownandgreencafe. It was the perfect opportunity for new kid on the block, @CocktailBarCroydon, to showcase his wares. Scott recently moved his cocktail pop-up experience into @No241Norwood. He’s run bars within some of London’s fanciest hotels, and the (scratch card!) menu offers drinkers high quality cocktails at great value prices. For more info, CLICK HERE.
DIRTY CRUNCH GETS ARTY
@DirtyCrunch_ has gone from strength to strength since opening one year ago. Alongside the deli, sisters Santa and Evita are now serving up tasty small plates and quality booze. They also run regular Supper Clubs bringing diners together for themed evenings. Located in Addiscombe, the interior of this social eatery is as tasty as the menu – with new artwork from South London designer @Nephthysillustrated now adorning the walls. For more info, CLICK HERE.
BEYONCE INVESTS IN CROYDON
We’ll jump on any tenuous link between @Beyonce and Croydon (!) but this news has additional legacy and benefit to the Borough. Last month, Croydon resident Dee Miller, was awarded $10,000 from Beyoncé’s BeyGood Foundation as part of her Black Parade Small Business Impact Luncheon. The event aims to ‘celebrate people, communities, and small businesses impacted by economic inequities worldwide’ and Beyoncé had committed $1million to support those businesses. Dee’s company, @SiegeIndustry, develops business tools for small and medium-sized enterprises. Since his win, he has been made a Trustee of @StartUpCroydon, the charitable organisation that supports local start-ups and small businesses. Perfect timing given Start Up Croydon’s upcoming launch of a Creative Digital Lab on the Purley Way (in partnership with @BigSouthLondon). For more info, CLICK HERE.
PERMACULTURE CULTURE
Gardening has seen a big shift over recent years. Having been regarded as more of a “retirement hobby”, lockdown, the nation’s plant obsession and a new interest in nature and the environment have all played a role in bringing a new generation to the activity. Local resident Emily (aka @Permiemmy) is an urban and suburban gardening expert. Often found up at Addiscombe Railway Park community garden, her Instagram is full of tips for beginner gardeners (including her latest series which focuses on ways to save money in your garden). As a Permaculture (Google it 😉) Mentor, Emily also teaches a range of workshops. For more info, CLICK HERE.
FERN FANS
The much-anticipated opening of @FernCroydon happened after we’d put ECC on pause. Which was a big blow because the interiors, dishes and cocktails that Andy, Aiste and the team have created are excellent Insta fodder. The Dawn til Dusk concept means all your daily meals are covered – but the Plant/Sea/Land small plates make for a particularly great shared evening dining experience. Over at the bar, grab a signature Margarita Verde before settling in (on a Sunday night) to some live acoustic music (heads up – song requests are taken). For more info, CLICK HERE.
HAVE YOU HERD?
After the much talked about Monster Inflatables project it ran last year, the Croydon BID (aka @CheckOutCroydon) is now embracing Giraffes. A whole herd of them. The Croydon Stands Tall campaign officially kicks off on 21st August but work has been going on behind the scenes for months. 60 (plain white) giraffes arrived in Croydon earlier this year – and are now being individually decorated by local artists, children and community groups. The finished herd will go on display in venues across the town centre to form part of an art trail that locals can go searching for. When the public art project ends in October, the giraffes will be auctioned off to raise money for homeless charity, Crisis. For more info, CLICK HERE.
BOROUGH OF CULTURE
Croydon’s status as London’s Borough of Culture officially kicked off in April, with the announcement of a year long programme of events that celebrate talent and community pride through, art, food, music, performance and theatre. Head to the website or follow @CultureCroydon to see what’s coming up over the coming months…
EAST CROYDON COOL 