Nine Croydon pubs have been recognised in the 2025 edition of CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has released the 52nd edition of its Good Beer Guide, the UK’s best-selling beer and pub directory.

The guide, which features 4,500 of the best pubs nationwide, is a must-have for beer enthusiasts seeking top-quality pints across the UK.

This year’s edition highlights nine popular Croydon pubs that have made the prestigious list.

Despite a challenging economic climate, over 900 new pubs have been added to the 2024 guide, thanks to the hard work of licensees and pub lovers.

Compiled by thousands of CAMRA volunteers, the Good Beer Guide showcases the vibrant pub and social club culture at risk of being lost.

You can buy CAMRA's Good Beer Guide 2025 here.

Here are the nine Croydon pubs that have been recognised in the 2025 edition:

Claret & Ale

This small, privately owned and friendly free house, on 5 Bingham Corner is making its 37th continuous appearance in this Guide.

It is a community pub where conversation is king, although sports are shown on usually silent screens.

The walls have pictures of local scenes and some award certificates, and the pub was also CAMRA’s Sutton Pub of the Year in 2024.

 

Builders Arm

This back-street community local, on 65 Leslie Road, opened in the 1800s, and is now a Fuller’s tenancy serving beers from the brewery’s range.

The two bars each have their character, with the smaller public-style bar having a dartboard, and the larger saloon bar having a mix of comfortable seating types.

Both have large TV screens showing sport.

There is a pleasant garden at the rear and events include family fun days and occasional live music.

 

Cronx Tap

This friendly and welcoming pub, on 71 High Street, opened last year and replaced a former unit in Boxpark.

Two hand pumps serve Cronx beers, sometimes featuring a guest beer like Titsey.

A wide range of craft beers plus five or six ciders are served from 20 taps.

A regular quiz is held, and music and comedy nights feature occasionally, with food available from Thursday to Saturday evenings in a Venezuelan pop-up kitchen

 

The George

The George, on 17 George Street, is the only remaining Wetherspoon pub in the town centre.

There are two bars, with ramp access to the upper one (which may close early).

The changing beers often include ones from local brewers, and the pub partakes in a London beer festival as well as the national chain ones in spring and autumn.

 

The Green Dragon

The Green Dragon, on 58 High Street, is next to Surrey Street Market, and appeals to people of all ages.

The pub serves up to seven cask ales and eight other draught beers from local and national breweries.

The food menu includes vegetarian and vegan options.

There is a function room available for hire and hosts weekly events such as quizzes, poker and live music including jam sessions.

 

The Royal Standard

The Royal Standard, on 1 Sheldon Street, is a friendly street-corner local near the Croydon flyover.

This year marks its 36th appearance in the Guide.

This quiet retreat south of the town centre has a single bar with four different drinking areas, including one with a dartboard.

There are etched windows, wood panelling and owls feature throughout the pub, and a couple of tables outside at the front and a small, secluded garden area across the road.

 

Spread Eagle

The Spread Eagle, on 39 Katharine Street, is a large street-corner pub built towards the end of Queen Victoria’s reign.

The spacious interior has wood panelling, high ceilings, chandelier lighting and an imposing staircase leading up to a function room, occasionally used for events.

As well as the range of cask ale, a good range of other draught and bottled beers is on offer.

Sport is shown on the TV screens and quiz night is Sunday.

 

Golden Ark

The Golden Ark, on 186 Addington Road, is Croydon's first micropub and offers four cask ales plus keg taps and cider.

Small-pack beers and cider are also available for off-sales.

Boards detailing the current beers and ciders are hung on the ceiling beam above the corner bar, and there is also an unusual selection of gins and whiskies.

The pub has won local CAMRA awards in the past and has strong links with the Selsdon community.

 

Crown & Sceptre

The Crown & Sceptre, on 32 Junction Road, is a traditional side-street pub, with its name etched into one of the front windows.

The single L-shaped bar has been extended towards a patio at the rear and its interior has a mix of seating styles as well as a large seating area outside.

The walls carry pictures of old local scenes with a royalty theme, and there is a large brewery mirror.

The pub primarily serves pizzas, and Tuesday is quiz night.