First opening its doors in 1853, The Surrey Cricketers in West Street has been part of Croydon life for generations.
A short way from Croydon’s town centre, the pub takes its name from Surrey’s strong historical links to cricket, with many public houses across the borough reflecting the sport’s importance to the area.
The pub recently won an award, being named among the list of Interiors of the Year by Instagram account Dead Pubs (@londondeadpubs), which has more than 84,000 followers and documents notable and historic pub interiors across London.
The Surrey Cricketers appeared on a list alongside venues including The Wheatsheaf in Romford, The Nineteen Club in Queensbury, and The Ancient Foresters in Bermondsey.
Its interior reflects its Victorian roots, with a distinctive triangular layout and a traditional feel.
CAMRA describes the pub as a “friendly community local”, with trophies and noticeboards highlighting its strong ties to local sports teams and events.
According to Layers of London, The Surrey Cricketers originally operated not only as a pub but also as a carpenters and furniture dealers when it opened in the mid-19th century, before embarking on a new journey as a pub when it was run by landlord W. Chuter in 1859.
Today, the pub merges tradition with modernity, showcasing a range of live sports events on its multiple televisions.
Traditional pub games such as darts and pool are also on offer at the pub, alongside its calendar of events like bingo and karaoke. It’s also dog-friendly.
When it comes to drinks, the pub offers a selection of cask ale, alongside a wider range of beers and lagers.
The pub has recently entered a new chapter under new management, who say they are focused on maintaining the standards and atmosphere that regulars value.
