First South End Food Festival draws big crowds (From Kingston Guardian)

Thousands turn out for first South End Food Festival in Croydon

10:31am Monday 16th April 2012 in News By Nick Hitchens

Food fans turned out in their thousands to enjoy the inaugural South End Food Festival.

Marking the area as Croydon’s Restaurant Quarter, the festival saw the road’s top restaurants and bars put on a vast array of food and stage live cooking demonstrations, all accompanied by live music on Sunday April 15.

Organised as part of the Croydon Recovery Project, the event was fully funded through a government grant, and supported by Croydon BID and media partner The Croydon Guardian.

South End was closed to traffic between Spices Yard and Aberdeen Road for the day, while free parking was offered throughout the day at Spices Yard car park.

Performers as varied as Irish folk band Homebrood, soul singer Kokoa and 70’s singer Lenny Zakatek entertained the crowds on the main stage, while the streets were lined with food stalls from restaurants including Aqua, Fish and Grill, La Spezia and Chilli Room offered a range of tantalising treats.

An Arctic-like breeze blowing through the festival failed to deter visitors, with thousands s taking part in the day’s entertainment.

Linda Arthur, South Croydon Business Association secretary, said: "It was fantastic better than I think anyone could possibly have anticipated."

She predicted between 4000 and 5000 visitors attended throughout the day.

Mrs Arthur, who owns Bar TxT, said: "There are so many people who have said we must do it again.

"Of course the problem is the riot recovery money will no longer be there and things like this cost a lot of money.

"We will meet as an association to look at options available, but hopefully we can sort out sponsorship and maybe from the council."

Related

Click here for a picture gallery from the event