Looking for a great spot to grab a drink near Sanderstead Rail Station? You’re in luck! This area may feel quiet, but it’s hiding some real gems when it comes to pubs and bars. Whether you’re after a cosy pint in a traditional pub or a trendy cocktail bar, there’s something for every taste. Let’s dive into the top spots where locals and visitors alike go to unwind after a train ride or a long day. Cheers!
The Purley Arms
Address: 345 Brighton Rd, South Croydon, CR2 6ER
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Purley Arms is situated on the main Brighton Road in South Croydon, easily accessible from nearby areas like Purley and Sanderstead. Its prominent location makes it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub offers a traditional yet relaxed atmosphere with cosy, dark wood interiors. The layout features a U-shaped room with a mix of casual and lounge-style seating. It’s a community-focused space, often bustling with regulars enjoying a drink while catching sports on the many TV screens. There’s also a small patio garden for outdoor seating during warmer months.
What’s On Offer
- Live Sports & Games: With multiple TV screens showing live sports, including football and horse racing, the Purley Arms is a hotspot for sports enthusiasts. The pub also features two dartboards and a pool table, making it a hub for those who enjoy pub games.
- Karaoke and Live Music: Karaoke nights on Sundays are a big hit with the locals, adding to the lively weekend atmosphere. Additionally, there’s occasional live music on Fridays and Saturdays, which contributes to its vibrant community feel.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Purley Arms is open Monday to Thursday from 12:00 to 23:00, Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 to midnight, and Sundays from 12:00 to 23:00.
Whispers Bar
Address: 5 High Street, Purley, CR8 2AF
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Located on Purley’s High Street, Whispers Bar is situated right in the heart of this suburban area. It’s conveniently accessible, making it a go-to spot for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed or lively evening.
- What’s the Vibe? Whispers is a modern, dynamic bar that offers a laid-back yet upbeat atmosphere. It’s an ideal venue for unwinding after a long day, catching up with friends, or enjoying live sports. With its friendly staff, a large screen for sports events, and regular live music, Whispers has become a popular nightlife destination in Purley.
What’s On Offer
- Great Drinks Selection: Whispers boasts a wide variety of drinks, including popular beers, ciders, cocktails, and bubbles. Whether you fancy a cold pint or a fruity cocktail, their drinks menu caters to all tastes, making it a versatile option for different preferences.
- Events: A key highlight at Whispers is its vibrant event schedule. Every Friday, the bar features DJ nights with genres like house, garage, and hip-hop to keep the crowd dancing. The venue also hosts live sports screenings, making it a great spot to watch football matches with friends.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Whispers is open Monday to Saturday from 12:00 to 00:00, and on Sundays from 12:00 to 23:00.
The Foxley Hatch
Address: 8-9 Russell Hill Place, Russell Hill Road, Purley, CR8 2LE
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Foxley Hatch is located on Russell Hill Road, just a short walk from Purley Station. It sits near the town’s one-way system, making it easily accessible from the surrounding areas.
- What’s the Vibe? Originally a Wetherspoon’s, the pub was taken over by the Redhouse Pub Group in late 2023. The venue retains its cosy, casual feel, with a mix of local regulars and visitors enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. The interior features an L-shaped layout, which gives it a somewhat smaller, more intimate feel compared to typical chain pubs. Expect a traditional pub experience with a modern touch, as the venue is progressively adding more events and offerings.
What’s On Offer
- Live Entertainment & Events: The Foxley Hatch hosts regular quiz nights on Thursdays, as well as live DJ events and bands, creating a lively atmosphere for social evenings. The pub also plans to show major sporting events on its large screens, appealing to sports fans.
- Bring Your Own Food: While the kitchen is being refurbished, the pub has introduced an inviting “bring your own food” policy. This temporary arrangement allows guests to enjoy their drinks while bringing in their own meals, which is appreciated by the local community.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Opening hours are Monday to Thursday from 12:00 to 23:00, Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 to 01:00, and Sundays from 12:00 to 22:30.
The Jolly Farmers
Address: 7 Purley Road, Purley, CR8 2HA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Jolly Farmers is located on Purley Road, right in the heart of Purley.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub has a welcoming, family-friendly environment, often described as warm and inclusive. It has a spacious bar area, a spectacular garden, and regularly hosts live music, giving it a lively yet relaxed vibe. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual drink or a celebration, the Jolly Farmers promises a fun time with its friendly staff and vibrant atmosphere.
What’s On Offer
- Authentic Indian Cuisine: A standout feature of The Jolly Farmers is its authentic Indian food offerings. From aromatic curries to tandoori dishes, the pub provides a varied menu that caters to all tastes. It’s particularly known for its gluten-free options, making it accessible for those with dietary needs. The meals are available from 5 PM daily, with specials featured regularly.
- Live Music & Events: The Jolly Farmers is also a hub for live music and entertainment, with regular performances from local bands, DJs, and tribute acts. From classic rock to tribute nights, there’s always something exciting on. Events like Elvis tribute nights and performances by bands such as “Randy & the Rockets” are just some of the highlights, offering great entertainment to accompany your evening.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Sun-Tues 12:00-22:00, Wed & Thurs 12:00-23:00, Fri & Sat 12:00-00:00.
The Pear Tree
Address: 908-912 Brighton Road, Purley, CR8 2LN
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Pear Tree is situated on Brighton Road in the heart of Purley. It’s easily accessible and close to public transport, making it convenient for both locals and visitors alike.
- What’s the Vibe? The Pear Tree offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, blending a traditional pub feel with modern touches. It’s a community-focused venue known for its friendly vibe, making it a popular spot for sports fans and casual social gatherings. The pub features cosy indoor seating as well as a beer garden for outdoor enjoyment.
What’s On Offer
- Live Sports: A key attraction at The Pear Tree is its extensive live sports coverage. Whether it’s football, rugby, or boxing, the pub shows a wide range of sports events on large screens, drawing in fans for popular matches and tournaments. With Sky Sports and TNT Sports, you won’t miss any action here.
- Quiz Nights and Games: For those looking for more interactive entertainment, The Pear Tree hosts regular quiz nights, typically on Wednesdays. You can also enjoy casual fun with a variety of board games, a dartboard, and a pool table available in the pub, making it a lively hub for friendly competition.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The pub is open Monday to Saturday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM and on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
Ready to Visit?
The area around Sanderstead Rail Station may seem quiet, but it offers a variety of great pubs and bars perfect for relaxing after a long day or a train journey. Whether you’re looking for a classic pub or a more modern bar experience, there’s something for everyone. For instance, The Purley Arms offers a cosy, traditional pub atmosphere with live sports and karaoke nights, while Whispers Bar in Purley provides a vibrant, modern setting with live DJ events and an extensive drinks menu.
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