Purley might not be the first place you think of for a night out, but don’t be fooled! Around Purley Rail Station, you’ll find a surprising mix of cosy pubs and lively bars, perfect for grabbing a pint or a cocktail. Whether you’re after a quiet evening with mates or a vibrant spot to kick off the weekend, there’s something for everyone just a short stroll from the station. So, why not start your next night out with a hop off the train and into one of these local gems?
Whispers
Address: 5 High Street, Purley, CR8 2AF
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Whispers is centrally located on High Street in Purley, a convenient spot for locals and visitors alike. It is easily accessible, and its location in the heart of the town adds to its appeal. The venue was previously home to another bar, giving it a touch of local history alongside its modern setup.
- What’s the Vibe? The atmosphere at Whispers is lively yet relaxed. It’s designed to be a social spot, perfect for winding down after a long day or catching up with friends over drinks. The decor is welcoming and stylish, creating a cosy but vibrant environment, with a casual feel that encourages mingling and enjoying the evening.
What’s On Offer
- Diverse Drink Selection: Whispers boasts a wide variety of drinks, including local ales, beers, ciders, and an impressive array of cocktails, wines, and bubbles. Whether you’re after a classic pint or something more adventurous like a bespoke cocktail, there’s something for everyone.
- Live Sports & Music: The bar regularly hosts sports events, showing live matches on large screens, making it a go-to spot for sports fans. Additionally, music events are often part of the mix, contributing to the lively atmosphere, with occasional performances or DJ nights adding to the excitement.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Whispers is open from 12 PM to midnight from Monday to Saturday, and from 12 PM to 11 PM on Sundays.
The Foxley Hatch
Address: 8-9 Russell Hill Parade, Russell Hill Road, CR8 2LE
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Located in Purley, The Foxley Hatch sits on Russell Hill Parade, conveniently close to Purley train station.
- What’s the Vibe? A cosy and casual spot, The Foxley Hatch has long been a staple of Purley, offering a welcoming pub atmosphere. Though part of the Wetherspoon chain until December 2023, it was then taken over by Redhouse Pub Group. It’s known for being a friendly venue, with comfortable indoor seating and a few outdoor tables.
What’s On Offer
- Live Entertainment: The pub regularly hosts live events such as quiz nights on Thursdays, DJ sessions, and live bands, providing a lively social calendar for the local community. It also broadcasts live sports on big screens, adding to its appeal as a go-to for sports fans.
- Real Ale Selection: The Foxley Hatch offers a good range of beers, including Fuller’s London Pride and Morland Old Speckled Hen. It’s known for its well-kept ales, which are recognised by the Cask Marque accreditation, guaranteeing quality for beer enthusiasts.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Monday to Thursday 12:00 to 23:00, Friday and Saturday 12:00 to 01:00, and Sundays 12:00 to 22:30.
The Pear Tree
Address: 908-912 Brighton Rd, Purley, CR8 2LN
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Pear Tree is conveniently located on Brighton Road in Purley, a bustling area just south of Croydon. It’s an easily accessible pub with good transport links.
- What’s the Vibe? The atmosphere at The Pear Tree is warm and welcoming, known for its laid-back vibe and lively community feel. The pub attracts a diverse crowd, with regulars enjoying its friendly service and casual setting. Management changes have been praised for improving the overall ambience, with customers noting a more positive and engaging atmosphere.
What’s On Offer
- Live Sports: The Pear Tree is a go-to destination for sports enthusiasts, offering live screenings of major sporting events, including football, boxing, and rugby. Multiple screens ensure you won’t miss a moment of the action, whether it’s a Premier League match or a big fight night.
- Events & Entertainment: For those who love a bit of entertainment, The Pear Tree hosts regular karaoke nights and quizzes, making it a popular spot for social gatherings. There’s also a pool table and DJ nights.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Pear Tree is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday to Saturday, and from 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM on Sundays.
The Jolly Farmers
Address: 7 Purley Rd, Purley, CR8 2HA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Jolly Farmers is situated in the heart of Purley, on Purley Road, and is a short walk from Purley station.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub offers a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Known for its spacious bar and lovely garden, it’s a place where both families and friends can gather for a relaxed experience. The vibe is lively, with regular live music events creating an enjoyable, upbeat environment.
What’s On Offer
- Authentic Indian Cuisine: A standout feature of The Jolly Farmers is its Indian-inspired food menu. Diners can enjoy a variety of authentic curries, such as tandoori fish and lamb biryani, which come highly recommended by patrons. The pub also caters to dietary needs, offering a variety of gluten-free options.
- Live Music: The venue is known for hosting a range of live music events, from rock bands to themed tribute nights. Events have included performances by bands like Ten Tonne Ska and ABBA Tribute, adding to the pub’s lively and engaging atmosphere.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Jolly Farmers is open daily, and meals are served from 5 PM onwards. Regular live events often start in the evening, typically around 9 PM.
Zen Lounge
Address: 725 Brighton Road, Purley, CR8 2PG
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Located on Brighton Road in Purley, Zen Lounge is easily accessible, nestled within a bustling area surrounded by shops and eateries.
- What’s the Vibe? The venue exudes a serene yet vibrant ambiance, blending modern decor with traditional Asian aesthetics. With therapeutic water features, unique lighting, and a galaxy-themed ceiling, it’s an immersive experience that balances elegance and tranquillity.
What’s On Offer
- Pan-Asian Cuisine: Zen Lounge serves an extensive Halal Pan-Asian menu, crafted by experienced chefs, blending traditional and modern Asian flavours.
- Shisha & Mocktails: Guests can enjoy a variety of Shisha options and an exclusive mocktails menu created by renowned mixologists, including unique offerings like 24K Gold Emotion.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 4 pm – 1 am
- Friday: 4 pm – 2 am
- Saturday: 12 pm – 2 am
- Sunday: 12 pm – 1 am
Ready to Visit?
Purley may not immediately come to mind for a night out, but its lively bar scene around Purley Rail Station offers plenty of surprises. With a great mix of cosy pubs and vibrant venues, there’s something to suit all tastes. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed evening at Whispers, with its welcoming decor and wide range of cocktails, or prefer the buzzing atmosphere at The Foxley Hatch with its live music and real ales, Purley has you covered.
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Why not give one of these local gems, like Whispers or The Foxley Hatch, a try on your next night out? Don’t forget to share this article with friends and let us know what you think by leaving a review after your visit!