Memory Box, Croydon

Official site of Memory Box - www.memoryboxcroydon.co.uk

Official site of Memory Box - www.memoryboxcroydon.co.uk

Situated directly under the Croydon flyover, this is a deceptively large cocktail bar that always seems to be doing a reasonable trade. A small front seating area with sofas soon gives way to a narrow strip as the servery emerges along the left hand wall. There is just about enough room here for a row of high stools along a drinking ledge which looks out through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. The bar has a stone counter with a pewter top and plain bar back and causes the pinch point which I can imagine causes real issues during busy nights, although my post-work visit saw this area fairly empty and I was able to manoeuvre through to the surprisingly large rear seating area. This space has dark floorboards, exposed brick walls and a long banquette down the left hand wall, with standard tables and chairs through the centre and sofas to the rear. A large mural on the left hand wall draws the eye on entry and a couple of TV screens were showing subtitled BBC news whilst cheesy rock tracks played in the background. A few pavement seats have been plonked outside allowing you to sit under the flyover in all weather conditions. There’s no ale here unsurprisingly, so take your pick from Guinness, Peroni, Bud Light, Brooklyn Lager or a cider option. The Brooklyn Lager was a remarkable £3.45 for a half – I should’ve followed the rest of the crowd who were enjoying cocktails from the 2-4-1 offer that runs every day from 15:00 – 21:00! The barman here was really friendly and seemed to feel my pain as I parted with so much cash for so little enjoyment. I can’t imagine anyone comes here just to drink beer, given the crazy prices they charge – the bar’s forte is cocktails and you really shouldn’t be here if you’re not going to indulge in them. As such, this place is pretty dreadful as a pub and whilst I’m no expert in cocktail bars, I can’t imagine it scores all that highly on that front either.

Café bar squeezed under the Croydon flyover, open from breakfast onwards but promoting cocktails, which is a little strange. No real ale but has some Brooklyn keg craft alongside the more usual fizzy stuff.