Table Talk EVENTS
Croydon Food Festival
W
ith an ever-growing reputation for dining out, the South End area of Croydon has been
officially recognised as Croydon’s Restaurant Quarter. An outstanding range of eating options includes a Michelin-rated restaurant and cuisine from around the globe, served up by chefs with an incredible passion for good food. It is also home to more than 100 shops and businesses in an area that has retained a distinct village atmosphere. South End’s first food festival was launched in 2012 and the fifth event takes place on Sunday 26th June, this year under the new name: Croydon Food Festival. Peter Bagatti, owner of Bagattis’ Italian Restaurant, has been a long-time champion of South End and was one of the original organisers of the food festival. He spoke to Platinum Business Magazine about the importance of the festival: “After the 2011 riots we set up the South Croydon Business Association to work in conjunction with local businesses and residents with the aim of recovering as a community after the devastation of that awful summer. “We presented our first food festival in 2012 and we are now in the middle of organising our 5th Croydon food festival. It is the largest of its kind in the borough and we’re really proud of the success. It brings together local businesses, residents and now residents from other boroughs. Our first festival attracted over 5000 visitors and has steadily increased up to last year years total of over 11,000 visitors “We put on a display of food demonstrations, food and drink stalls, Al Fresco dining, singers, bands and other entertainment “We are still looking for further sponsorship and for anyone interested please contact Julie Leggatt at jleggatt@wlcreative. org.uk”
www.croydonrestaurantquarter.co.uk
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