Nadia Rose on Surrey Street, a Free Gaming Festival and a New Afro-Caribbean Kitchen

Hey Croydon! Welcome to the second edition of Croydon Buzz.

Half-term is almost here, and with the clocks going back on Sunday, you’ve got an extra hour to fit all this in. This week, I filmed with Chef Sascha at the new kitchen inside Whelan’s pub, and I’ve never experienced a dessert quite like it.

Also in today’s email: a grand opening on South End, Nadia Rose remaking Skwod on Surrey Street, free half-term workshops and the mural you need to see.

Tonight at the Spread Eagle, there’s a one-man stage adaptation of the classic Victorian gothic thriller, written and performed by award-winning actor Jonathan Goodwin.
When: Thu 22 Oct 7pm (seated by 7pm) · Where: The Spread Eagle, Katharine Street
Reserve on 020 8781 1135

A four-day gaming festival lands at Centrale on Saturday. Think esports and retro gaming, plus an arcade from the BRIT School where you can design your own pixel-art character. Gaming fans can even meet the people who make games for a living!
When: Sat 24 - Tue 27 Oct, 11am-4pm · Where: Upper Mall Centrale
More info here

Ever wondered who lived in your house a century ago, or what your ancestors did for a living? The Museum of Croydon is hosting a drop-in Archives Open Day this Saturday, where you can discover the borough’s hidden stories. No booking needed.
When: Sat 24 Oct, 11am-4:30pm · Where: Croydon Clocktower, Level 0
More info here

Croydon’s own Nadia Rose is remaking her iconic Skwod video in Surrey Street Market for Black History Month and the market’s 750th. At midday, the shoot opens up to the public, so come soak up the buzz and join the workshop!
When: Sun 25 Oct, 12pm · Where: Surrey Street Market
More info here

Croydon’s newest Afro-Caribbean kitchen opens its doors on South End this Saturday. Good food, good people, good vibes, and the first 50 through the door get a free glass of prosecco, so get there early.
When: Sat 24 Oct, 2pm-8pm · Where: Corner House, 1 South End, CR0 1BE
Find on the map

Southern Soul x Whelan’s. I met Chef Sascha at the new kitchen inside Whelan’s pub in South Croydon. Get the sticky rib tips and save room for the sweet potato pie! Book here

Help redesign the town centre. Join two free workshops at Croydon Urban Room: adults on Sat 24 Oct (free breakfast and a £5 voucher), and kids aged 10 to 13 with a grown-up on Tue 27 Oct. Book Saturday · Book the half-term workshop

Save the date. Turf Projects is launching its new art exhibition on Halloween, Sat 31 Oct, 1pm–4pm. It’s all about weird and wonderful handmade art, and there’s free cake and a light drawing activity on the day. More info

Kids eat free at Bella Italia. The Valley Leisure Park branch of Bella Italia is offering kids three courses and a drink free with every adult main, until Sun 1 Nov. Find Out More

Kids play free at PLAYBOX. PLAYBOX at BOXPARK Croydon is letting up to two under-16s play shuffleboard, smart darts or karaoke free with every paying adult, until Fri 30 Oct Find Out More

Kids eat for £1 at Toby Carvery. The South Croydon Toby Carvery on Brighton Road is offering kids a carvery or breakfast for £1, Monday to Friday, until Sun 1 Nov. Just download the Toby Carvery app and show the QR code when you order. Find Out More

Free kids’ workshops at Pets at Home. The Croydon branch is running free Halloween workshops this half-term for kids aged 4 to 10. Spaces are limited, so book early. Find Out More

Up to 50% off toys at Smyths. Smyths is offering up to 50% off toys, including Bluey and Barbie Find Out More

That’s it from me this week. If you’re down Surrey Street on Sunday, come and say hello at the shoot. Did you catch DJ AG at BOXPARK last night? I was there, and the clips are up on our TikTok now.

One question for you: what’s your go-to half term day out in Croydon? Hit reply and tell me. I read every one, and the best tips make next week’s email.

Keep it local,
Nathan x