Recent social media posts
09/09/2026
Next Music Time and Story Time sessions are Saturday 26th September!
Our fabulous Story Time session for 3yrs+ has been going for 17 years. What???? How is this possible?
Jenny has been running it for that time, bringing it to the Oval Tavern when Esther took the place over about thirteen years ago....Hundreds of children have been wrapped up in stories and string and bits of paper and googly eyes since then, and Jenny is still running it even though she's moved to Wales. It's not every Saturday, it's when Jenny can do it but what she lacks in consistency she makes up for in hopping origami frogs and silly voices.
There are picture books, and some chapter books for older children who just want to chill out...crafts, silly games and fun times.
Last session we made a huge spider web from string and determination.
If you haven't yet brought your child along of a Saturday afternoon, please know you are very welcome.
⭐️The next session is Saturday 26th Spetember 1-3pm.
We ask for donations to help cover materials etc. No need to book, it's drop in.
🥁 If you've got younger children you could come to Music Time before hand. You do need to book for that... https://www.musictimejenny.co.uk/bookings
If you join Jenny's mailing list you can keep up to date with dates and avoid the booking fees :-D
🐈⬛Parents/carers need to remain in the pub throughout the Story Time session, younger children will need close supervision.
A good combination is ordering food and drinks and bringing friends and your children enjoying Story Time while that's happening.
Parents... be aware that when Story Time finishes at 3pm, your children will need your full attention again. To avoid Story Time cold turkey and withdrawal symptoms you may like to bring an activity from home, engage in conversation and/or discuss philosophical questions such as, in general, why are children a good idea?
Hope to see you soon!
08/09/2026
Join us this evening for Croydon Night of Dance!
🪗🎻🔔 🍻💕
08/09/2026
The Dawnette Fessey Trio are up next for our Sunday Blues show. 6pm start and free entry.
07/09/2026
Upcoming Blues Shows at the Oval....
07/09/2026
This Saturday night Diz and the Doormen are playing a charity gig organised by Wolfie Stuart Witcher and Jackie Witcher to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support. Starts at 6pm with BBQ and band on at 8pm. Just Giving link is in the comments.
06/09/2026
Today at 6pm....
04/09/2026
It's Music Time and Story Time tomorrow 5th September at The Oval Tavern, Croydon
🥁Music Time for 0-3yr olds
11am-12noon
book ahead here: https://www.musictimejenny.co.uk/bookings
⭐️Story Time
1pm -3pm for 3yrs+
No need to book, just turn up, entry by donation 😀
03/09/2026
Our Oval favourites Junkyard Choir perform a whole full length Stones double set.
03/09/2026
Head's up for a packed Autumn of talented music and entertainment. Dates could be subject to change so check back here.
02/09/2026
The Guy Tortora Band are up for our next Sunday Blues show. 6pm start and free entry.
28/08/2026
SONGBIRD Open Mic – Tuesday, September 1st
We’re delighted to welcome Saul Doyle, much-loved member of the Songbird crew, at the Tavern for a very special set.
Expect something extremely bluesy, with shades of Tom Waits – smoky songs, distinctive vocals and a sultry, soulful delivery.
Saul takes the special floor spot at 9:30pm – one not to miss!
🎤 Spots are available
🕢 Sign-up: 7:30–8:00pm
Come down, grab a drink, and join us for another great night at Songbird. 🎶
25/08/2026
Two Gun Matilda return to the Oval for our next Sunday Blues show. 6pm start and free entry.
22/08/2026
Today, lovely people of Croydon!
A whole day of acoustic music 🎸
An Oval Tavern legendary BBQ.
All In our secret garden!
Sunshine ☀️ in The Cronx
Drink, eat and be merry. 🍖 🍺
Incredible local musical talent!
Welcome to our first Buskers BBQ!
1pm - 10pm
21/08/2026
We’re having a BBQ tomorrow with some of the best acoustic act from around the area. Weather’s looking good. Come on down!
18/08/2026
Kit Packham's One Jump Ahead are up next for our Sunday Blues show. 6pm start and free entry.
14/08/2026
TONIGHT!!!
A fabulous Pre-Pride Special hosted by the gorgeous Ula Lah 💋
🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️👑❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜
14/08/2026
Oval Tavern’s Buskers Barbecue 🎶☀️🔥
Join us on Saturday 22nd August, from 1pm to 10pm, for the very first Oval Tavern’s Buskers Barbecue in our secret garden!
Expect an afternoon and evening packed with amazing acoustic music, featuring a brilliant array of solo acts and duos who are much-loved favourites from the Oval Tavern’s legendary music nights and open mics.
There’ll be a barbecue from 2pm till late, plenty of great food and drink, and all the laid-back summer vibes you could wish for. And if the British weather decides to make an appearance, don’t worry — our retractable garden roof has got you covered!
🎸 Amazing acoustic acts
🔥 Barbecue from 2pm till late
🌿 Secret garden
☔ Retractable roof — rain or shine!
☀️ Great food, live music & summer fun
Come along, grab a drink, fill your plate and settle in for a brilliant day of live acoustic music at the Oval Tavern.
Address
131 Oval Road
Croydon
CR0 6BR
The Oval Tavern is located on Oval Road in Croydon. For public transport options, one can take a train or bus to the Croydon station and then walk along the High Street towards Wickham Road. Turn left onto Wickham Road and continue straight until reaching Oval Road. The pub is located on the right-hand side.
For those who prefer to drive, take the A232 towards Croydon and follow signs for the High Street. From there, turn left onto Wickham Road and continue straight until reaching Oval Road. Limited street parking is available in the area but there are also several parking lots nearby for a fee.
Opening Hours
| Monday |
12pm - 11pm |
| Tuesday |
12pm - 11pm |
| Wednesday |
12pm - 11pm |
| Thursday |
12pm - 11pm |
| Friday |
12pm - 12am |
| Saturday |
12pm - 12am |
| Sunday |
12pm - 11pm |
Alerts
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What people say
The Oval Tavern in Croydon is a must-visit for anyone looking for a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. This pub prides itself on being a proper 'local', where it's easy to make new friends. The six handpulls offer an ever-changing range of quality ales, with an emphasis on local brews, particularly The Cronx Brewery. It's no wonder they're proud to be in The Good Beer Guide!
The Oval Tavern also has a full selection of bottled beers and ciders, as well as a fine range of wines. Their little kitchen caters fantastic, fresh, home-cooked pub fare with a bias towards vegetarian and vegan diets. Their Roasts are immense and best enjoyed washed down with some quality live Jazz every Sunday lunchtime.
If you're looking for something warm to drink, their coffee machine stays on all day, serving all your favourites brewed with locally roasted Dead Skull coffee beans. They also stock a wide selection of fabulous Storm teas, and their hot chocolate is simply divine!
Service at The Oval Tavern is friendly and attentive. If you don't fancy nattering to the team, they have books and newspapers as well as board games to keep you entertained. Live music is taken very seriously here! Their programme encompasses a broad range of genres from folk to jazz to ska to rock – there's something for everyone.
Their fun and friendly Pub Quiz every Wednesday run by the formidable Wendy is not one to miss – could you win the jackpot?! Thursday mornings are reserved for little ones with Music Time run by the wonderful Jenny.
Overall, The Oval Tavern in Croydon offers an excellent experience that will leave you wanting more.