60 High Street,
Croydon,
London,
CR0 1NA
(020) 8667 0684
The ViewLondon Review
Taking up a corner plot, adjacent to Croydon’s famous Surrey Street market, you will find an eclectic clientele at The Green Dragon. This is definitely more than just a pub.
The Venue
With a slightly ecclesiastical feel, this period building has a bar resembling a church pulpit and gothic-looking wine racks. It still has a bit of the olde pub feel but without the obligatory stale ale aroma and sticky tables. There’s a generous amount of seating, and some squashy banquette-style booths to cosy up in. Upstairs, there’s an area designated for live events and entertainment ranging from acoustic and open mic sessions to a children’s entertainer on Saturday afternoons with story telling and puppetry. Local artists are invited to display their work, board games are stacked in a corner and a book swap scheme operates.
The Atmosphere
It very quickly becomes evident that this is not just somewhere to wet your whistle. The staff are welcoming and give the impression that they actually enjoy working here, a feeling that engulfs the pub, giving a really nice vibe. The age range is 25-30s and, at the weekend, a DJ plays a selection of tunes ranging from funk, rock and indie, which is a refreshing change from other local haunts.
The Food
This is not a gastro pub, and nor does it pretend to be. Traditional, good-quality pub fayre is reasonably priced and very appetising. Bangers and mash is £5.75 unless you take up the offer of two dishes for £6.95. The all-day breakfast is £4.45, and a free kids’ menu (when adults eat, of course) makes it an appealing and affordable place to visit for parents.
The Drink
The Green Dragon are strong on their ales, offering between 8 and 11 different choices of lager and beer at any time, with all the usual suspects like Leffe, Fosters and Kronenbourg but also a few surprises like Brothers on draft, Liefmens fruit beer, Boxing Dog cider and Cheeky Kriek. There are also at least 6 bottled beers. Wines are not forgotten, and all bottles are under a tenner; the cheapest being a ridiculously cheap £6.95. Piper-Heidsieck champagne is £24.99 and the rose version is £29.99.
The Last Word
This is a cracking pub with a real community feel, which is rare in a large town. Welcoming everyone from the very young to the not-so-young, the Green Dragon provides for all.