The Paxton Centre

The Paxton Centre The Paxton Centre is not your average café - it's a community space for all things creative. Located in Crystal Palace, this collective meeting space offers a venue for artists and designers to display and sell their work in the shop and gallery, as well as a range of artist-led classes for adults, children, and groups. The hotdesking space and private hire options make it a versatile location for community meetings, workshops, or events. And of course, the vibrant licensed café serves delicious locally-sourced food and drinks to enjoy on site or take away. Welcome to The Paxton Centre!

Recent social media posts

This Thursday 29th Oct Come come and join our ‘Jelly’ sociable networking at The Paxton Centre for freelancers and those...
27/10/2026

This Thursday 29th Oct Come come and join our ‘Jelly’ sociable networking at The Paxton Centre for freelancers and those working from home.

Our monthly meet-up on the last Thursday of the month starts at 11am with a 15 minute skill share talk on a relevant topic for freelancers followed by a Q&A session. Hosted by Kate Gilbert

This months guest speaker is Emma, a sales, marketing and SEO specialist with 25 years’ experience in the digital sector. She has held senior marketing roles for several well-known brands and digital agencies. She is also the author of Sales Before Marketing’ – a book about sales planning aimed at SMEs. She now helps SMEs with sales-focused strategic planning through her business Brand Planning Ltd. The talk will be based around the importance of building strong sales foundations, having a good sales strategy and taking a hybrid approach to sales (online and offline). https://brandplanning.co.uk

Arrive by 10:30am to give your self time to buy a drink, meet others and grab a seat. Free entry, but please do buy refreshments from the café to support the Centre.

This drop-in co-working day is a good opportunity to meet other local freelancers and local business owners. Light-touch, no stress networking. Refreshments: tea, coffee, soft drinks, snacks and lunches available all day.

Reserve your free seat to give us an idea of numbers here https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2026/2/26/crystal-palace-freelancers-jelly-networking-event-t45pp-wzej3

Or drop in on the day!

Excited to be back with our fantastic Open Mic Night!🗓️ Fri 30th Oct 👻 ⏰ 7-11pmTaking place on the last Friday of each m...
23/10/2026

Excited to be back with our fantastic Open Mic Night!

🗓️ Fri 30th Oct 👻
⏰ 7-11pm

Taking place on the last Friday of each month we welcome musicians, singers, comics, spoken work artists and any other interesting act. For this event we book artist slots in advance however you are welcome to turn up as we may have slots available on the night. To get involved please email your interest and act to be added to the running order and for more info at [email protected]

Facilitated by team member and musician Jack.

Don’t miss out, reserve your place for an enjoyable evening of local talent.

Free Entry, donations to the venue welcome on the night. Book a seat here.. https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2025/4/11/open-mic-night-w8p2e-dpzsa

Doors and bar from 7pm

Acts from 7.30pm

coffee morning meet up is back this weekend 🌈 🗓️ Sun 25th Oct⏰ 11am to 1pm“Come meet other local LGBTQIA+ people over c...
23/10/2026

coffee morning meet up is back this weekend 🌈

🗓️ Sun 25th Oct
⏰ 11am to 1pm

“Come meet other local LGBTQIA+ people over coffee at the Paxton Centre in Crystal Palace for our monthly coffee social There’s no set agenda - so just come as you are and have a natter!

It’s a small venue so our table should be easy to find, but please ask the baristas if you’re unsure as they know we’re coming. The Paxton Centre is an LGBTQIA+ friendly venue by Crystal Palace station that provides a safe and inclusive space for us to get together. Looking forward to seeing you!”

Join us for the first in our upcoming sip and craft workshops. First up is ‘Drink and Draw - Fashion’ 🗓️ Thursday 19th N...
21/10/2026

Join us for the first in our upcoming sip and craft workshops. First up is ‘Drink and Draw - Fashion’

🗓️ Thursday 19th November
⏰ 7-9pm

Sip your favourite drink while sketching the latest fashion vibes with fellow creatives in a chill inspired environment.

A lively drawing workshop working from the clothed life model using a variety of media, techniques and expressive mark making. We will be exploring long and short poses and interpreting colour texture and pattern.

Materials supplied but you are welcome to bring along your favourite drawing media. All abilities welcome. Suitable for artists, illustrators and any one with little or no experience, wanting to try something new! Tutor JennyHughesTextiles is a Fashion Illustrator, Textile Designer and Art Lecturer with many years experience teaching.

Tickets includes a glass of w**e, b**r, or soft drink. Don’t miss out, limited places available!

https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2026/10/14/drink-and-draw-fashion

Our October Group Exhibition continues until the 31st October. Discover our open-themed exhibition exploring perception,...
20/10/2026

Our October Group Exhibition continues until the 31st October. Discover our open-themed exhibition exploring perception, imagination and interpretation, incorporating many styles and mediums. While here why not stay for coffee ☕️ and cake 🍰

Exhibiting Artist pictured DC Art ✨ Leila Mauger GM Miller And do other things… Beyond Words

📣 ARTIST CALL OUT 📣The Paxton Centre invites artists to submit work for ‘A Winter’s Tale’, a group exhibition celebratin...
16/10/2026

📣 ARTIST CALL OUT 📣

The Paxton Centre invites artists to submit work for ‘A Winter’s Tale’, a group exhibition celebrating the atmosphere, beauty and imagination of the winter season for the month of December.

We welcome submissions from emerging and established artists working across painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, illustration, collage and mixed media.

Your interpretation of winter might be festive, nostalgic, atmospheric, abstract, playful or unexpected. We want to see work that captures a feeling, a memory, a moment or a vision of the season.

From winter light and frosty landscapes to festive colour, quiet interiors and the magic of long evenings, we welcome a wide range of creative responses.

We are looking for a distinctive, eclectic collection of work that brings together different voices and perspectives in a celebration of contemporary art.

Join us for a festive exhibition of creativity and help us fill The Paxton Centre with art this winter.

Who can apply? Artists working in any invited visual art discipline.

Theme: Winter, light, celebration, atmosphere and seasonal imagination.

Venue: The Paxton Centre, Crystal Palace, London.

Exhibition: December 2026.

Launch Party: Friday 4th December 6-9pm

Set up: 29th November, 1-4 pm

Exhibition breakdown: 2nd January; all works to be removed on this day, no storage is available at The Paxton Centre.

To apply, click on the link in our ‘Artist’ page at thepaxtoncentre.co.uk to download the Artist Information Sheet and Expression of Interest and email it to us at [email protected]

Excited to be back with our fantastic Open Mic Night 🎤 first up Friday 30th October.Taking place on the last Friday of e...
15/10/2026

Excited to be back with our fantastic Open Mic Night 🎤 first up Friday 30th October.

Taking place on the last Friday of each month we welcome musicians, singers, comics, spoken work artists and any other interesting act. For this event we book artist slots in advance however you are welcome to turn up as we may have slots available on the night. To get involved please email your interest and act to be added to the running order and for more info at [email protected]

Facilitated by team member and musician Jack.

Don’t miss out, reserve your place for an enjoyable evening of local talent.

Free Entry, donations to the venue welcome on the night. Book a seat here.. https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2025/4/11/open-mic-night-w8p2e-dpzsa

Doors and bar from 7pm

Acts from 7.30pm

🗓️ Saturday 17th October Join ỤZỌ - Bespoke African Group Trips - Solo travel in a group! for an intimate and hands on A...
13/10/2026

🗓️ Saturday 17th October

Join ỤZỌ - Bespoke African Group Trips - Solo travel in a group! for an intimate and hands on African Batik experience, where you’ll discover the history and tradition behind this beautiful textile art form. Using traditional hand crafted wooden stamps made in Senegal, you’ll create your own patterns with hot wax before dyeing your fabric and watching your design come to life.

⏰ 2-4pm

No experience is needed and all materials are provided. This is a chance to slow down, be mindful, connect with others and create something that is uniquely yours.

✨ What to expect 🌺 Learn about the history of African Batik 🖐🏾 Use traditional stamps from Senegal 🎨 Create and dye your own Batik piece 🤎 Enjoy a relaxed and intimate group experience 🎁 Take home your own handmade creation Food and drinks will also be available to purchase at the venue.

Book your limited place here.. https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2026/9/19/african-batik-workshop-63zhk

Come in from the cold and enjoy the therapeutic art of clay this winter. Our ‘Introduction to Pottery’ 6 week course sta...
12/10/2026

Come in from the cold and enjoy the therapeutic art of clay this winter. Our ‘Introduction to Pottery’ 6 week course starts on Tuesday 3rd November taught by Beth, City and Guilds in Ceramics qualified tutor.

This course is designed to give beginners a rounded experience of pottery and the several techniques we use to create hand built ceramic pieces.

* Note this Course is also suitable for returning learners who would like to work on your own projects.

Over 6 weeks you will learn how to make a set of tiles, coil built bowls, pinch pots, lidded boxes and vases, jugs or mugs using various resources and equipment available. You will learn about decorating techniques and incorporated are 2 glazing sessions where you will be able to choose from a wide range of glazes.

“The course exceeded expectations - It’s the perfect way to spend a Tuesday evening. Really good access to resources!”

Expect fun and creativity!

6 week course dates
Tuesdays 7-9.30pm
Nov 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, Dec 1st, 8th

More info and booking here.. https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2026/6/9/introduction-to-pottery-pzgnt

This Sunday, 11th Oct the monthly British Sign Language social meetup for d/Deaf and hearing users & learners of BSL is ...
08/10/2026

This Sunday, 11th Oct the monthly British Sign Language social meetup for d/Deaf and hearing users & learners of BSL is back hosted by 1-5pm

held on the second Sunday of every month.

“The venue is Paxton Centre, a café and art gallery opposite Crystal Palace train station:

Paxton Centre, 52 Anerley Hill, London SE19 2AE

https://maps.app.goo.gl/5hRfoeeQAU6WJT3w9

We are using the ground level cafe area for the event.

Free entry, but please buy refreshments from Paxton Centre café to support our hosts. They sell coffee, tea, soft drinks, toasted sandwiches, ciabattas and cakes/pastries.”

Hope to see you there!

Coming up this Sat 10th Oct Calligraphy Art School returns with her Chinese Calligraphy - Mindful Art Retreat Workshop. ...
07/10/2026

Coming up this Sat 10th Oct Calligraphy Art School returns with her Chinese Calligraphy - Mindful Art Retreat Workshop. ⏰ 2.30-4pm.

Participants will be opened up to the beauty of Chinese Brush Art and Chinese language, gain insight into the formation of Chinese words, and have the opportunity to experience the big calm of Chinese Brush Art and take away your finishing artwork 🖌️

Booking is required. Limited spaces, first come first serve. Fees include all materials, tea or coffee ☕️ at break time.

Booking here.. https://www.thepaxtoncentre.co.uk/whats-on/2024/7/13/chinese-calligraphy-art-workshop-p7b4f-jhppw-c5hgs-redc7-k5a76

Address

52 Anerley Hill
London
SE19 2AE

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

02086594701

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