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and then you had to arrange a date. Combine this with a want to meet new people and the Croydon Dinner Club was born. Once a month I booked a restaurant out and filled the tables with anyone who wanted to come. After booking out entire restaurants with entirely new people to the group, I knew it was something that Croydon wanted. Now events are regularly fully booked within three days of the event being posted – that’s usually one or two months in advance.


I then received questions about people wanting to do something at the weekend who were unable to attend midweek, so the Croydon Brunch Club was formed with a similar format.


Soon I will be introducing a monthly business networking event to Croydon as well with another exciting food theme.


Dinner Club is the last Tuesday of the month and Brunch club is the second Saturday of the month.


HM: It seems you’re very much pro Croydon. With Croydon receiving such bad press of late how important are events like this and your Croydon Eats Out brand in rebuilding a sense of community? Croydon is seen as a limp bag on the floor for bored journalists to kick every now and then – but actually being here as a resident who is active in the community, you see a different side of the place. Croydon’s problems are shared with all other suburbs, there’s nothing special about Croydon’s bad points. What is special though is the amount of events being put on by normal people in this borough. People are beginning to realize that waiting for top down change is a waste of time when we can do it ourselves in no time at all.


The community of Croydon is waiting to be directed. That’s the case simply. People look for more reasons to love their mini-city every


day and when they find it they guard it – especially since the riots. That is the best thing about Croydonites and that is why Croydon is only on the up.


HM: As Croydon’s resident foodie (at least we think so), what are your top 5 Croydon eateries and why?


Ah, a top 5 opportunity! Ok they go like this:


1. The Glamorgan – on the corner of Cherry Orchard Road in Addiscombe. South African inspired food, large portions and fantastically cooked. This place is such a gem. Booking is essential! 2. Bagatti’s – in South Croydon’s restaurant quarter. Their service and Italian food are equally great they are very accommodating and attentive to customers too. 3. Matthews Yard – On exchange square just off Surrey Street Market. Their mid-week offering of light lunch isn’t what you go for. You go for the excellent brunches on weekends and the beautifully minimalist, industrial café surroundings


4. Little Bay – On the roundabout near South Croydon Station. This place has been there for years and often gets forgotten about. The quality of their food is very good and their prices are even better. The restaurant itself has boxes as you would find at a theatre as the place is designed to resemble an opera house – perfect meal out with friends.


5. Aqua Brasserie – also in South Croydon’s restaurant quarter. This restaurant serves great portions of tasty meals with great service. The décor is very chilled too – perfect first date restaurant.


HM: If local Croydonites want to get involved in The Great Croydon Bake Off, can they? How? They can by e-mailing me at contact@christopm.com. I am still looking for bakers in the other events throughout the year but will also like some really enthusiastic, great people to help out on the day, moving things, helping guests with


questions and selling the bake off art.


The community of Croydon is waiting to be directed. That’s the case simply. People look for more reasons to love their mini-city every day and when they find it they guard it – especially since the riots. That is the best thing about Croydonites and that is why Croydon is only on the up.


HM: Lastly, this is usually targeted to London BUT, what do you think makes Croydon HOT? Croydon has so much going on all the time. The arts play a massive part in the community – from live music to theatre, there is so much going on all the time. Great restaurants, great pubs and bars, massive green spaces and the best transport links anywhere in London. We have it all! Trams, buses, cycle lanes, trains. 15 minutes to 2 major central London train stations. 40 minutes to the best sea side party town (Brighton). 20 minutes to Gatwick airport. It’s perfect!


Head down to Matthews Yard Croydon on Saturday 16 February from 12.00 – 6.00pm to witness the first event.


http://www.croydonbakeoff.com


• Interview: Enam G Images: Christo Matthews


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