South London living that takes you higher

More than 25 delectable street food restaurants and bars – just a stone’s throw from your door. Well-known favourites Breakfast Club and MEATliquor rub shoulders with thriving independents, while a 2,000-capacity venue has played host to the likes of Stormzy and Tim Westwood.

Croydon is set to receive £1.35 million in funding to celebrate diversity, inclusion, nature and growth. The borough will host a calendar of community events throughout the year, from art commissions to a music festival and fashion show.

There’s plenty of green space in Croydon to get out and stretch your legs. From Wandle Park, with its skate park, trim trail and café, to the wilder 125-acre South Norwood Country Park, complete with wildflower meadow and wetland. There’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re on the hunt for that killer black dress or browsing for vinyl, Croydon’s town centre is bursting with retail options. Choose from two shopping malls for your high-street staples, independent stores or pop-ups galore. And with plans for a new Westfield in the works, why go anywhere else?

Take a stroll through Croydon’s town centre and you can’t fail to notice the vibrant street art brightening up walls and buildings. Starting in an area now known as Croydon’s Arts Quarter, RISE Gallery’s Mural Project has even attracted world-famous graffiti artist Banksy to the area.

From mouth-watering street food in Surrey Street Market to craft beer from The Bronx or Signal Breweries, you’re spoilt for choice in Croydon. Every summer Croydon’s Food and Music Festival attracts thousands of visitors to the South End restaurant quarter to sample the best international cuisine.