The Best Bars and Pubs Near Waddon Rail Station

The Best Bars and Pubs Near Waddon Rail Station

If you find yourself near Waddon Rail Station and fancy a tipple, you’re in luck! This area might not be London’s most famous nightlife spot, but it’s home to some cosy pubs and lively bars that are perfect for a casual drink. Whether you’re after a traditional pub with hearty ales or a trendy bar with cocktails, Waddon has a little something for everyone. So, let’s dive into the best spots to unwind after a day on the go!

The Ship

Address: 47 High Street, Croydon, CR0 1QD

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? The Ship is located in the heart of Croydon on the High Street, making it easily accessible from various parts of the town. The pub is nestled near key landmarks like the Museum of Croydon and is just a short walk from East Croydon and Church Street stations.
  • What’s the Vibe? The Ship is known for its alternative and laid-back atmosphere. It stands out from the more typical, trendier bars in the area by offering a welcoming, almost rustic feel with an eclectic mix of music genres from classic rock to heavy metal. It’s a favourite spot for locals who enjoy live music and a more traditional pub setting.

What’s On Offer

  • Live Music Nights: One of the key highlights of The Ship is its regular live music events. The pub often hosts Battle of the Bands competitions and a variety of music nights that range from swing and 80s hits to punk and metal, catering to a wide array of musical tastes.
  • Dog-Friendly Environment: The Ship proudly welcomes dogs, making it an ideal spot for pet owners. The pub not only allows well-behaved dogs throughout but also provides water bowls and treats to ensure your four-legged friends are as comfortable as you are.

Practical Info

  • When Can You Visit? The Ship is open from 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM from Sunday to Thursday, and it extends its hours on Fridays and Saturdays, staying open until 2:00 AM.

This venue offers a unique blend of music, hospitality, and inclusivity, making it a standout choice for a relaxed and enjoyable evening in Croydon.

The Ship

The Wandle Arms

Address: 90 Waddon New Road, Croydon, CR0 4JB

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? The Wandle Arms is located on Waddon New Road, situated in the heart of Croydon. It’s positioned near the bustling Wandle Park and is accessible from major transport links, making it a convenient stop for both locals and visitors.
  • What’s the Vibe? The Wandle Arms offers a traditional pub atmosphere with a cosy, old-school vibe. The interior reflects a classic “brewer’s Tudor” style, featuring dark wooden beams and a rustic charm. Despite its historical look, the pub maintains a warm and welcoming environment, often characterised by its friendly regulars and approachable staff. It’s a spot where you can unwind, whether for a quiet pint or to catch up with friends.

What’s On Offer

  • Drinks Selection: The Wandle Arms is known for its wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits. Although real ales are not a regular feature, the pub makes up for it with a variety of other popular draught options like John Smiths, Carling, and Guinness. The bartenders are skilled and attentive, ensuring that you get a quality drink every time.
  • Events and Entertainment: The pub frequently hosts events such as quiz nights, live music, and themed parties, which are popular among the locals. There is also a dartboard available for those looking to engage in some friendly competition, and the occasional DJ setup indicates that the venue can get lively, particularly on weekends.

Practical Info

  • When Can You Visit? The Wandle Arms opens from 15:00 to 23:30, Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, it opens slightly earlier at 13:00, and on weekends, it welcomes patrons from 12:00 until midnight.

The Wandle Arms

The Green Dragon

Address: 58-60 High Street, Croydon, CR0 1NA

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? The Green Dragon is located on High Street in the heart of Croydon, making it easily accessible from the surrounding areas. The nearest transport links include East Croydon Station and Church Street tram stop, both within a short walking distance.
  • What’s the Vibe? The Green Dragon offers a blend of rustic charm and modern vibrancy. During the day, it has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for a casual meal or a quiet drink. In the evenings, particularly on weekends, the pub transforms with a lively ambiance, featuring eclectic DJ sets and live music that caters to a diverse crowd.

What’s On Offer

  • Quality Pub Grub: The Green Dragon is renowned for its hearty pub food, with a particular emphasis on traditional British fare. Their Sunday roast is especially popular, offering a classic meal with all the trimmings, which has become a local favourite.
  • Live Entertainment: Beyond just food and drink, The Green Dragon is a hub for entertainment. The venue regularly hosts live music nights and DJ sessions on weekends, creating a vibrant nightlife experience. Additionally, it’s equipped with board games, a pool table, and screens for live sports, making it a versatile spot for various social activities.

Practical Info

  • When Can You Visit? The pub is open Monday to Wednesday from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Thursday until midnight, Friday and Saturday until 1:00 AM, and Sunday until 10:00 PM.

The Green Dragon

The Tree House

Address: 78 South End, Croydon, CR0 1DP

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? The Tree House is located in South Croydon, a lively area known for its vibrant pub scene. Positioned on South End, it’s easily accessible and surrounded by various other dining and drinking spots, making it a convenient stop for a night out in Croydon.
  • What’s the Vibe? The Tree House offers a cosy yet bustling atmosphere. With a mix of traditional pub charm and modern touches, it caters to a diverse crowd. Whether you’re there for a quiet weekday meal or a lively weekend gathering, the pub’s warm and welcoming ambiance makes it an ideal spot for all occasions. The pub also features a spacious beer garden, perfect for enjoying the warmer months.

What’s On Offer

  • Delicious Dining: The Tree House is renowned for its extensive and ever-changing menu, which features a range of freshly prepared dishes. From prime cuts of meat sourced from London’s finest markets to a variety of vegetarian options, the food is crafted with care by their executive Head Chef. The Sunday roast, complete with all the trimmings, is a particular highlight that draws in both locals and visitors.
  • Upstairs Club: A unique feature of The Tree House is its Upstairs Club, which comes to life every Friday and Saturday night. Open from 10 PM to 3 AM, the club offers a mix of music genres, including Garage, Hip-Hop, R&B, and House classics. Dine downstairs before heading up for free entry to dance the night away.

Practical Info

  • When Can You Visit? The pub opens from 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM Monday to Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, it opens at 12:00 PM and stays open until 3:00 AM, making it a great spot for both dining and late-night entertainment. On Sundays, the pub is open from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

The Tree House combines a relaxed pub atmosphere with excellent food and a touch of nightlife, making it a standout venue in South Croydon. Whether you’re after a hearty meal, a casual drink, or a night of dancing, this venue has something to offer.

The Tree House

Market Tavern

Address: Surrey House, 1-4 Surrey Street, Croydon, CR0 1RG

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? Market Tavern is centrally located in Croydon, right in the heart of the town centre. Situated on Surrey Street, it is easily accessible and is just a short walk from the East Croydon train station.
  • What’s the Vibe? The pub offers a lively and welcoming atmosphere, catering to a diverse crowd. During the day, it has a relaxed, community feel, perfect for a quiet pint or a casual meal. In the evenings, especially on weekends, the vibe picks up with patrons enjoying the various entertainment options available, making it a popular spot for both pre-club drinks and weekend gatherings.

What’s On Offer

  • Live Sports & Entertainment: Market Tavern is well-equipped for sports enthusiasts, featuring a large projector screen and several HD screens around the venue, ensuring you never miss a match. Whether it’s football, rugby, or other sports, this pub is a go-to spot for catching live events. Additionally, they offer a full-sized pool table and regular entertainment like quizzes and karaoke, making it a vibrant spot for socialising.
  • Great Value Food & Drinks: Known for its affordable offerings, Market Tavern serves classic pub grub with popular deals like two meals for £8.49. The drinks menu is extensive, with a variety of beers, wines, and spirits available at reasonable prices. The pub also boasts some of the best drink deals in town, making it a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality.

Practical Info

  • When Can You Visit? Market Tavern is open every day from 10:00 AM, closing at 11:30 PM from Sunday to Thursday, and at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Market Tavern

Ready to Visit?

If you find yourself near Waddon Rail Station, you’re in for a treat! While it may not be London’s most famous nightlife hub, the area boasts a variety of cosy pubs and lively bars perfect for a casual drink. From the alternative vibe of The Ship, known for its live music and dog-friendly environment, to the traditional charm of The Wandle Arms with its wide selection of drinks and regular events, Waddon offers something for everyone looking to unwind.

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Why not pop into one of these inviting spots and see for yourself? Share this article with your friends, and don’t forget to leave a review after your visit!

Vicky Simmance

Meet Vicky Simmance – The Founder Behind barguide.london Since arriving in London from Birmingham in 2005, Vicky Simmance has immersed herself in the capital’s vibrant pub and bar scene with unmatched passion. What began as a personal journey of discovery has evolved into barguide.london - a go-to digital resource for anyone seeking exceptional drinking spots across the city. Falling in Love with London, One Pub at a Time Vicky’s love affair with London started the moment she stepped off the train. Bright-eyed and newly graduated, she was drawn to the capital by its energy and endless possibilities. It wasn’t long before she realised that her favourite way to explore the city was through its pubs and bars. Each venue told a different story, and each neighbourhood offered a new personality to discover. Her first home in Ealing was a gentle introduction to London life. The North Star pub became her regular haunt - a lively, welcoming place where she’d meet friends after work and soak in the local character. It was here that Vicky first realised how much a great pub could shape her social life and sense of belonging. A Journey Through London’s Neighbourhoods As the years passed, Vicky’s journey through London saw her live in every corner of the city, each move opening the door to new favourites and unforgettable moments. In Tooting, she experienced a different pace and vibe. Living with friends brought laughter and late nights, often centred around The Selkirk. Its spacious beer garden was a summer favourite, ideal for relaxed evenings with good company. Canada Water offered something altogether different - a quieter lifestyle with stunning riverside views. Just down the road was The Mayflower, a historic pub rich in atmosphere. Its low ceilings and flickering candlelight created an intimacy that contrasted beautifully with the modern buzz of the rest of the city. After a year spent living and working in New York, Vicky returned to London with fresh eyes. Settling in Clapham Common, she quickly rediscovered the capital’s charm. The Avalon became her local of choice - spacious, stylish and perfect for both casual catch-ups and lively nights out. Her time in Limehouse brought even more variety. The Grapes, co-owned by Sir Ian McKellen, became a favourite thanks to its waterside setting and timeless charm. Then came Angel in North London, where The Old Queen’s Head provided a party atmosphere and a perfect spot for letting loose with friends. In Marble Arch, she found herself drawn to The Portman - a refined yet welcoming pub that became a regular meeting point for friends in the area. Eventually, Vicky returned to East London for good, with venues like The Gun near Canary Wharf, The Oiler Bar on Royal Victoria Dock, and The Windjammer in Royal Wharf becoming treasured favourites. Now based in Blackheath with her husband and their two dogs, Vicky is enjoying a slower pace of life while still making time for exploration. Though she’s still choosing her favourite local, walks through Greenwich Park often end at The Plume of Feathers - Greenwich’s oldest pub and a firm family favourite. From Personal Passion to Public Platform With so many experiences and venues under her belt, Vicky realised she had something worth sharing. Friends would often ask her for bar recommendations, knowing she had a knack for picking just the right place for any mood or moment. That idea - of helping others find the perfect spot - sparked the creation of barguide.london. The site is a carefully curated guide to the best of London’s pubs and bars, born from Vicky’s lived experience rather than a checklist of trends. It’s designed to cut through the noise and help people find the right setting, whether they’re planning a big night out, a quiet drink after work, or a date somewhere new. Why barguide.london Is Different In a city packed with options, choosing the right bar can be overwhelming. Too many guides focus on what’s trendy rather than what’s actually enjoyable. Vicky saw a gap: a place for honest, personal recommendations grounded in real knowledge of what makes a night out memorable. barguide.london isn’t about following the crowd - it’s about helping people find their own kind of perfect. It’s especially designed for people like the site’s regular users: busy professionals in their 30s and 40s who want their leisure time to count. They’re looking for quality, character and atmosphere - and that’s exactly what the guide delivers. Built for Busy Londoners Like many of the site’s readers, Vicky understands what it’s like to juggle a busy career, an active social life and the desire to unwind. Time is precious, and the last thing anyone wants is to waste it on a mediocre night out. That’s why barguide.london is clear, concise and trustworthy - no gimmicks, just genuinely good suggestions. Whether someone is hunting for a dog-friendly Sunday spot, a hidden cocktail bar, or a networking-friendly wine bar after work, the guide helps them cut through the clutter and get straight to the good stuff. It’s quick to use and built to inspire confidence, whether you're booking ahead or heading out last-minute. Real Knowledge. Real Recommendations. Everything on barguide.london is based on personal experience, both from Vicky and her trusted pub companions. They've visited the venues, tasted the drinks, and felt the atmosphere. There’s no second-hand content or filler here - just genuine recommendations from Vicky et al. who know London’s bar scene inside and out. Vicky also understands the value of variety. The site includes both hidden gems and well-loved institutions, showcasing the full spectrum of what the city has to offer. There’s room for traditional pubs with a story to tell, as well as sleek cocktail bars with creative flair. No matter your taste or mood, there’s something for everyone. A Love Letter to London’s Social Life At its heart, barguide.london is a celebration of London’s rich social scene - the moments, the places, and the people that make this city so special. It’s a tribute to the laughter-filled nights, the spontaneous meet-ups, and the unforgettable celebrations that take place in the pubs and bars that dot every postcode. For Vicky, it’s about more than just drinks. It’s about connection. Every recommendation comes with a story, every venue with a memory. That’s what she hopes to pass on to readers - a sense of discovery, of excitement, and of finding the right place to belong. The Story Continues Vicky’s journey through London is still unfolding, and barguide.london continues to grow with it. As she explores new spots and revisits old favourites, she remains committed to sharing her experiences and helping others make the most of their time in this incredible city. So whether you’re a long-time Londoner or a first-time visitor, Vicky invites you to explore, enjoy and raise a glass to the best the city has to offer. With barguide.london as your guide, a great night out is never far away.

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