community/cultural
Croydon Clocktower, Croydon, CR9 1ET
Drink in the hidden histories of Croydon’s historic pubs with Pub Historian Charo Havermans. This Open House, we’re letting you into the secrets and fascinating stories of some of Croydon’s most iconic and historic Public Houses. Join Pub Historian and tour guide Charo Havermans as she takes you to four historic pubs in the heart of Croydon.
East Croydon
109, 119, 154, 166, 197, 403, 405, 407, 466, 468, 50, 60
The starting point will be outside Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, CR9 1ET
This is a walking tour, and includes some pubs with uneven flooring and steps. Where possible, the tour will aim to be accessible.
Walking tour
19:00–22:30
How to book
Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then. You'll need to log into your account before you book.
Walking tour
19:00–22:30
End time is approximate.
How to book
Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then. You'll need to log into your account before you book.
This Open House, we’re letting you into the secrets and fascinating stories of some of Croydon’s most iconic and historic Public Houses. Join Pub Historian and tour guide Charo Havermans as she takes you to four historic pubs in the heart of Croydon. Discover the tales of landladies, the importance of diverse community spaces, and pub history in places where you’d least expect it.
Based on original research, this is a unique opportunity to learn about Croydon's pub history with a pint in hand.
Come along and drink in the history!
History can be fun, immersive, and diverse. Charo Havermans is a Public Historian and Tour Guide focused on the hidden politics of everyday life. She specialises in the history of pubs and public toilets, with a particular focus on the role of women and marginalised communities. She works as ‘The Pub(lic) Historian,’ creating and giving tours and talks in London and beyond. She specialises in heritage consulting and develops custom tours, and she is currently working on The Pub Museum project.
Duration: Around 3.5 hours.
Meeting Place:
In front of Croydon’s Central Library/Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street CR0 1NX.
What is included in the booking?
Drinks are not included in the booking. You may of course purchase drinks in the pubs, but there is no pressure to.
Names of pubs included on pub tours:
We can’t give it all away yet! But here’s a teaser:
The Royal Standard
The Dog
The Green Dragon
o You can come and go as you please.
o Water will be available throughout the tour. Please eat before the tour as food will not be provided.
o Please wear appropriate shoes.
o Age: 18+.
o Wheelchair accessibility: please contact us at culture@croydon.gov.uk
Drop in
As part of Open House 2026 in Croydon, visit an exhibition of our summer programme with Creative Quests: Curiosity Rover, and try some creative missions of your own! Part art studio, part community hub and part roaming spacecraft, collect quests to explore Croydon through noticing, movement, nature and imagination.
