Croydon's oldest licensed venue is a Grade II-listed Young's pub that's been pouring pints on Surrey Street since the days when it was known as Butcher's Row. You'll find real cask ales, solid pub grub, and a proper beer garden out back — the kind of no-frills local boozer that's increasingly rare in central Croydon. It had a £125k refurb in 2025 with new sound systems for DJ sessions in the garden, so expect a bit more energy than your average heritage pub.
Croydon's oldest licensed venue — a Grade II-listed Young's pub with real ales, a proper beer garden, and DJ sessions in the heart of Surrey Street.
Go on a Surrey Street Market day for the best atmosphere — the market brings the street to life and the beer garden is the perfect spot to take a break.
Croydon's oldest pub, and probably its best
The Dog & Bull is the kind of pub that reminds you why traditional boozers matter. Sitting on Surrey Street — once known as Butcher's Row — this Grade II-listed building has been serving since the 1830s and holds the title of Croydon's oldest licensed venue. Step inside and you'll find a characterful interior with a couple of cask ales on tap alongside some craft options, friendly staff who actually remember your order, and the sort of unpretentious atmosphere that makes you want to stay for one more.
The beer garden is a real draw, especially in warmer months. It was converted from the pub's old animal pound yard back in the 1990s when the adjacent grocery at number 25 was merged in, and after a £125,000 refurb in 2025 it now sports a new sound system with DJ sessions. The food is your standard Young's pub grub — nothing to write home about, but honest portions that do the job when you're a few pints in. At nearly six quid a pint it's not the cheapest, but for a historic pub in central Croydon with a proper garden, it's worth it.
It's not perfect — some locals have noted quieter nights and the new high-security measures feel a sign of the changing times in Croydon. But with a 4.26 average across over a thousand reviews and a loyal following, the Dog & Bull remains easily the best pub in central Croydon. Pop in on a Surrey Street Market day for the full experience.