Secret Drinker - Crown and Sceptre, South Croydon

On a recent expedition into South Croydon, SD escaped into a decent looking pub for lunch. Void of the usually frantic Croydon-dwelling drinkers, SD found the pub to be a peaceful escape.

The Crown & Sceptre is located down a side road opposite Whitgift School, joining on to the Selsdon Road so it's pretty easy to get to. This makes it a bit secluded from the vigorous South End road and South Croydon High Street, which may contribute to the chilled out atmosphere found inside.

SD noticed the bar was just the right size, nobody waited long for their drinks and the quality of the beer far outweighed the price - the bartenders really knew their stuff.

Strolling through the pub, SD found out there was a Sky TV for sports, live music every fortnight, a selection of pub games, and log fires in the winter. As SD pottered outside, he noticed a canopy over the benches in the patio and an outside heater to keep any nicotine addicts satisfied.

SD got chatting to some friendly regulars and a few lunch-time visitors, finding quite a lively mix of drinkers. SD gazed at the specials menu and, after serious mental debate, decided on a large portion of steaming steak and kidney pudding.

SD, now feeling warm, happy, and full, admired the wide range of choices available at the bar, ranging from stouts, ales, bitters, lagers and a vast collection of spirits to suit any drinker's need.

The pub also has a good selection of things to eat. It has high-quality, pub-style food with delicious specials that change regularly.

Truly a great pub to visit, whether it's for a lunch meal, a night out away from hectic Croydon, or for relaxing outside in the summer sun with a cold one.

The Lowdown

Style: Traditional

Cost of a pint: From £2.80

Cost of a glass of wine: From £2.80

On tap: Guinness, ESB, London Pride, Chiswick Bitter, Carling, Strongbow, Stella Artois, Okells Bitter

Parking: Small car park at the back

Verdict: Friendly and peaceful with a nice outdoor area

Crown and Sceptre

32 Junction Road, South Croydon, Surrey.

CR2 6RB

020 8688 8037