Essential Tips for Business Travellers in Croydon
Considered a major shopping hub in South London, Croydon is one of the largest commercial districts in the area. It is seen, by many, to be a commuter town. However, in recent years it has been undergoing significant development, with venues like Fairfield Halls being renovated to encourage a growing arts scene and continued plans in place to improve shopping amenities with the development of a new shopping centre.
A Unique Shopping Experience in Croydon
Croydon is a fantastic location for shopping. Whether you want to find the latest bestseller to read on a free afternoon, or need a new outfit for a meeting, there are plenty of options for you to choose from.
With over 120 stores across two buildings and five floors, chances are you’ll be able to find whatever you need at Centrale & Whitgift. These two locations are home to multiple fashion, homeware, craft and beauty stores, amongst other things. You can find everything from designer fashion in House of Fraser, to sports gear at Sports Direct or JD Sports. If you want to make it a full day out, then there are plenty of eateries where you can stop and take a break for breakfast or lunch.
At present, talks are happening to rebuild Whitgift, replacing it with a mixed-use area containing public spaces, cultural venues, shops and new homes. However, plans are still in the proposal stage.
At the Valley Retail Park you won’t just find shops, you’ll also find TheGym, an 8-screen Vue cinema showing the latest releases, and a bowling alley, and a number of restaurants. Home to a few larger stores, such as Dunelm and Boots, it’s more of an entertainment complex, the perfect spot for a night out.
Croydon’s Culinary Excellence
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to pick up a quick coffee and croissant before headed to a meeting, you fancy a burger with the works for lunch, or you’re entertaining clients and want a place with the right ambiance to discuss business, Croydon has a location for every occasion. From fast food at Popeyes Louisiana Chicken to a sit down three course meal at Fern, you won’t be short of venues to choose from.
For Important Business Dinners
- Fern is a restaurant that serves modern European cuisine in a relaxed and elegant setting
- If you’re looking for a place serving tasty Indo-African fusion then head to The Truro Croydon, a vibrant and friendly restaurant
- Have a taste for a wide array of traditional Indian dishes prepared by a chef with over 30 years of experience then you should try Tindli by Chef Karnavar
For Quick Business Lunches
- Want to enjoy some bao buns or other traditional Taiwanese street food? Head to Bao Bao, a bright and lively restaurant close to East Croydon Station
- Of course, if you’re craving some Spanish tapas try Galicia a modern restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere
For Morning Coffee Meetings
- For a quiet coffee or a full lunch, served by a friendly team, Central Coffee Shop is a great option
- Earthy Coffee is located in the popular Whitgift Centre. In this small café they serve fresh pastries and organic coffee
- Looking for somewhere that serves nothing but traditional British then head to Adam’s Café: a traditional British café
Keeping Up Your Active Lifestyle While in Croydon
If you’re travelling for work, it can be something of a trial keeping to your regular fitness routine. Staying at Charles Hope London Croydon you have full access to a gym and fitness centre on site, but if you have a membership to a chain gym, or want to go somewhere with a pool, there are other options available close by.
- The Gym Group London East Croydon 24/7 gym
- PureGym London Croydon 24/7 gym
- Wadden Leisure Centre (swimming pool and gym)
Weekend Explorations In and Around Croydon
One of the greatest things about travelling for business can be the opportunity it gives you to get to know a new location. Whether you’re visiting a new part of the country, or somewhere just a few hours away from home, there’s nothing like spending a bit of free time wandering around and learning about your temporary residence.
Staying at a Charles Hope apartment you always have the option to stay at home and relax in front of the TV and enjoying a home-cooked meal, or you can head out and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
If you’re looking for a way to spend an afternoon and love history, then the Museum of Croydon is the perfect place to head for. Sharing a history of the South London suburb through music, culture and the people of the area as well as being home to more than 2,000 years of artefacts. During the school holidays the museum hosts various crafting workshops.
What better way to spend a sunny day than a picnic, and Wandle Park is the place to go. A beautiful park right in the centre of Croydon, its separated by the River Wandle and is the perfect place to spend a warm afternoon. With landscaped ornamental gardens, a skate park and children’s playground it’s got something for everyone. If you’re a runner, then the clearly marked trail is perfect for you.
Of course, you’re also only 15 minutes from central London by train, so you could head into the city for a show, or to visit the Science Museum, British Museum or the Natural History Museum, all of which are free to enter.
Why Staying at Charles Hope Croydon Makes a Difference
When you’re considering where to stay for a business trip, whether it’s a few weeks or a couple of nights, making sure you choose the right accommodation is vital. It can make the difference between getting up feeling well-rested every morning or starting the day needing an additional caffeine boost. A stay in Charles Hope London Croydon can offer you:
- Spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments up to 915 sqft
- Only a 2-minute walk away from multiple transport links (including train, tram and bus)
- Conveniently close to shops, cafes and restaurants
- Fitted with fully equipped kitchens for when you’re craving a home-cooked meal
- Close to several gyms but there is also a full fitness centre on site
- Bring your pets, they can enjoy a pampering in our pet spa
- Enjoy warmer evenings on the roof terrace
- Make the most of our high-speed WiFi connection, perfect for business meetings and calling home when you’re away
Making Your Business Trip to Croydon an Experience
When you’re travelling for business it’s important to find accommodation that provides a balance between efficiency and comfort. Croydon, with its many corporate offices and proximity to Central London, as well as its green spaces, museums and shopping centres, can give you the ideal balance of work and play.
Whether you’re staying for a few nights or a few months, a Charles Hope apartment is the perfect location for you to enjoy everything that Croydon and its environs have to offer.
If you’re looking for things to do in your downtime or perhaps find the best restaurant for entertaining a client, our guest services team can help you, with personalised recommendations. We can help ensure your stay is everything you need it to be. We’re here to ensure you experience a smooth and successful business stay.
Ready to experience all that Croydon can offer? Get in touch with our team on +44 (0)203 983 6300 or email reservations@charleshope.co.uk to find out how we can make your business stay amazing.
