Restaurant destinations by Paloma Lacy

Pubs aren’t having an easy time of it currently.

Those with a good food offering are able to offer punters something extra to encourage longer stays and keep them coming back.

And nowhere is this further evidenced than in Croydon or as it’ll soon be known, London Borough of Culture 2023.

When Mr Fox swept into town a few years ago, people marvelled at this central London offering in South London.

Surrey Street Market wasn’t known as a restaurant destination but Mr Fox changed all that.

The team, which also promises the opening of a second place, Fern, opposite East Croydon railway station, before too long has been busy creating an events diary that’ll keep visitors’ curious.

Happy hour from 5pm-7pm on Wednesday has been matched with Burger Night or as it’s known here, Butchers Night.

Cocktails are 2-4-1, taking Pornstar Martini, Aperol Spritz and Espresso Martini from £12 to £6.

After a few of these, it’ll probably be time for a burger, the thickness of which you’re unlikely to have seen for, well, ever.

Burger, a portion of fries and a drink (wine, beer and a cocktail) will set you back £18.

Thursday Night, its steak night, Saturday – Disco Brunch, Sunday – roast and that’s how Mr Fox rolls into the next week.

Up the road in South End Croydon, also known as Restaurant Quarter, The Store is turning up the heat, alleviating the boredom of homeworkers every Friday afternoon from noon-5pm.

The Store’s clever design team has softened its trademark industrial chic by bringing the outdoors, indoors.

Beautiful hanging plants adorn the central area, with everything needed to motivate you – plugs to connect to someone else’s energy bill, and food and drinks.

Grab a dish and bottomless Americano or tea for £13. Add £3 and you’ll be served bottomless coffees of any other kind all afternoon.

What’s on the menu? Choose between Croque Monsieur, Winter Berry Waffle, and French Toast.

Feeling super healthy, then a Nourish Bowl is sure to satisfy – a combination of pickled kohlrabi, avocado, blueberries, arugula salad, quinoa and lemon vinaigrette.

Add sides of truffle and parmesan fries, smoked salt fries, 72-hour marinated crispy chicken, buttered spinach and avocado.

When the working day is done, it would be rude not to take part in Martini Hour from 5pm-7pm Wednesday to Friday.

When the weekend rolls round, it’s bottomless brunch time on Saturday from noon-4pm, on Sunday, roasts loom large all day and for those looking for evening entertainment, a quiz began last week. Entry is £2.50 so swat up and you might just win a prize – first place will get you £50.

Jacuzzi is he latest offering from Big Mamma Group of restaurants, and is likely, as the name suggests, to leave you feeling warm and bubbly after your visit.

For those who’ve visited their other outposts – Gloria, Cicolo Popolare and Ave Mario, will know that design is considered a work of art by this lot and this newest spot is no exception.

Floor-to-ceiling trees adorn the interior, creating a fresh atmosphere, only to be matched by the bling of chandeliers, too many for the naked eye to count.
There are tables for large groups and for those who like to be seen or at least be in a position to be nosy about other diners.

It seems the kind of space that attracts celebs. For those looking for a little privacy, the tables beyond the archway offer just that and perhaps creating a romantic ambience.

The menu nods at the classier Italian classics, lobster linguine, seafood risotto, truffled spaghetti and of course caviar.

Another one to watch is the February 1 opening of Hawthorn in the heart of Kew Village.

Running the kitchen is Joshua Hunter, with solid Michelin-starred experience at restaurants such as Kitchen W8, Murano by Angela Hartnett and La Trompette.

He’s also worked as private chef to the Beckham family and Tom Cruise.

Front of house, Patra Panas will make sure everything goes like clockwork.

The restaurant is focused on modern European dining, working with the best UK suppliers to provide the high quality meat and fish.

There is no menu available to the public as yet but all will soon be revealed.

 

Picture: The Store, South Croydon