19°C, sunny with a moderate breeze. cracking spring day

Saturday. The one day of the week where you've got no excuse not to explore. And honestly? Croydon's got more tucked-away gems than most people realise. Today we're shining a light on the spots that don't get the Instagram treatment but absolutely deserve it. Let's go.

1. MAYORAL RACE: STILL TOO CLOSE TO CALL
With just 12 days to go until the May 7 election, the latest polling puts fewer than 100 votes between Jason Perry and Rowenna Davis. This is genuinely one of the tightest mayoral races Croydon has ever seen and every vote is going to count. If you haven't registered yet, the deadline has passed, but make sure you're ready to turn out on May 7.
Source: Inside Croydon

2. BEAVERS COMING TO CROYDON? 96% SAY YES
A survey by Croydon Council and urban rewilding experts Citizen Zoo found that 96% of the 817 residents who responded support introducing a family of beavers to South Norwood Country Park. The project, developed alongside Citizen Zoo, aims to boost biodiversity and restore natural habitats in the borough. No confirmed date yet but the community has spoken loud and clear.
Source: Croydon Council

3. BOB'S YOUR UNCLE COFFEE HIT TWICE IN THREE DAYS
The beloved South Croydon café near the station had its shopfront smashed by thieves twice in the space of three days £400 stolen and a £12,000 repair bill. The local community has been rallying round. If you're in the area today, pop in and show them some love.
Source: MyLondon

4. IKEA x DECATHLON: THE WORLD-FIRST IS NOW OPEN
In case you missed it the world's first IKEA and Decathlon co-location on Purley Way officially opened this week, with former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison cutting the ribbon at the Decathlon launch. It's already drawing crowds. Worth a visit if you're heading that way this weekend.
Source: Inside Croydon

THE COMMUNITY RALLYING ROUND BOB'S YOUR UNCLE

When thieves smashed the front of Bob's Your Uncle Coffee not once but twice in three days the South Croydon community didn't just sympathise. They showed up. Regulars flooded social media with messages of support, and locals have been making a point of visiting to keep the tills ringing while the repairs are underway. It's a reminder that behind every independent business is a person, and Croydon looks after its own. If you're passing through South Croydon today, you know what to do.

💎 HIDDEN GEM OF THE WEEK
South Norwood Country Park

Most people drive past it without a second glance but South Norwood Country Park is one of Croydon's best-kept secrets. Spanning 47 hectares of wetlands, wildflower meadows, and open grassland, it's a proper slice of countryside tucked inside the borough. There's a lake, a viewing mound, an adventure playground for the kids, and an artificial wetland designed to attract dragonflies and damselflies.

And here's the timely angle: this is the exact site where Croydon Council is exploring introducing a family of beavers with 96% of residents backing the plan. So if you visit today, you might just be walking the future home of Croydon's newest residents.

Free to visit. Accessible via tram (Woodside to Elmers End line) or bus.

More info: Croydon Council | Remote London write-up

🏪 LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Donburi and Co

This week's spotlight goes to Donburi and Co, a Korean takeout spot near the Coombe Road crossroads that locals absolutely swear by. If you haven't been, the word on the street (and on Reddit's r/croydon) is that the food is genuinely exceptional proper Korean comfort food done right, without the central London price tag. A hidden gem in its own right.

Worth adding to your Saturday plans if you're looking for something a bit different for lunch or dinner.

Find them near Coombe Road crossroads, Croydon.

⚡ PULSE POINTS
Quick hits for your Saturday

🧠 ONLY IN CROYDON

Croydon was home to the world's first purpose-built airport terminal opened in 1928 at what is now Croydon Airport on Purley Way. It handled flights to Paris, Amsterdam, and beyond, and was the busiest airport in the UK before Heathrow took over. The building still stands today, and the Croydon Airport Visitor Centre (open the first Sunday of each month) tells the full story. Only in Croydon.