Clock Tower Cafe in Croydon

I have been coming to this library cafe for years. I have had meals, sandwiches, snacks, used self service section and even just had fish and chips on occasions! The fish has always been fresh and very tasty. They are generous with their portions too. Not once did I ever have to complain about anything. I always found the food was cooked to perfection and if you have any preferences they will do it for you. For me it was 'well done chips!' Over the years they have had different chefs and I still enjoyed the meals. Now I am a regular for mainly drinks and I always had tea. I even got them to introduce decaffeinated tea. Since then they have added different flavoured teas etc and I doubt you will not find something that you like. I personally am not a coffee lover, but since I tried their coffee, cappuccino, which is absolutely perfect and tastes lovely, I am now hooked! In my personal opinion the prices here are really no different than anywhere else either. Plus it can't be that bad if regulars, such as myself keep going back.They also do catering for special parties or for regular groups, teas, coffees and biscuits. The cafe has a pleasant ambience, more so when it starts to get busy. The walls are invariably full of Arts and photography etc. Some are by independent photographers like Simon Shaw and John Reeves, who often display their own photographic work, whether it be scenic or abstract. If you have any Art work or photos etc that you wish to exhibit then Simon and John are the two people to see, as they are the organisers. They often have photographic competitions too. What's a better way to spend time having a nice meal or snack and admiring the Art work too, than at Croydon's library cafe? They even have Spring, Summer and Xmas fayres in the terrace part of the cafe, at the back, where the Jazz takes place. The cafe is bright and airy with large glass roof all the way through to the terrace of the cafe.The furniture is mediocre but comfortable enough for a short stay.Finally the manager and the staff of the cafe are always friendly and helpful.

I was already three times in the clock tower cafe and the coffee was exactly the same ( EXCELLENT )! I would like to send a 5* to staff who make the coffee for me. Thank you !!!

Have been here on a few occasions and the service is always great , the coffee good and the food tasty. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is friendly.

My friend and I visited this cafe on a lovely sunny day after looking for a place to eat in Croydon centre.It has lovely open roof windows, which let in loads of lovely sunlight (when it’s sunny). There is also great artwork displayed around the cafe. The chairs and tables are basic but comfortable.This place was very affordable, it cost just over £10 for a avocado and patched eggs on toast (with added get cheese) meal, iced coffee and a small pastry. Image to see the lovely food. All of it was delicious!! My friend and I said the main meal was one of the best poached eggs and avocado we had. The small pastries were only 85p, but filled with Nutella. I would 100% go back there again. Both staff members we met were also very friendly and helpful.

Nice little cafe inside the clocktower building. Great food and live performances most weeks. Good food at very reasonable prices.

I’ve had lunch at The Clocktower on numerous occasions & always found it good value. They have a good range of hot food at reasonable prices. The salad bar is very good. It is a lovely bright space but there’s sometimes a problem finding a table at busy times.It’s ideally located adjacent to the Town Hall in Katharine Street, very convenient for the library & shops.

Went there for a bite but it costs about eighty million pounds for a slice of carrot cake. Also on a Thursday there's free Jazz. Enough said. If you want to spend two hours watching old geezers play every augmented and diminished scale ever conceived then I'm sure it will go with your £20 coffee and flapjack. It's really bright in there too. I like dark corners.

I love meeting friends for lunch at this cafe before my art class. The staff are friendly and helpful and there is agood xhoice of lovely fresh food at great prices.

Lovely food good music. Excellent service. Was a lunch time meal with a friend and a trip to the theatre. Wonderful good nice cheerful afternoon.

THE CROYDON CLOCK TOWER CAFÉ NEVER FAILS TO PLEASEFor the second time my wife and I went to the Clock Tower Café (which is more like a restaurant) in the centre of Croydon. Obviously, you cannot miss it. It is directly underneath the clock tower of the Town Hall. It is one of the most pleasant café’s you will find in the town. Bathed in sunlight from an all- glass roof that extends over a former courtyard, you are immediately struck when you enter it by lovely flowers at eye level. Looking down, you see uniform round white tables with neat modern mustard and maple-coloured comfortable chairs. They spread out before you like a field of sunflowers.We went down to the self-service bar which has a great array of food and a large display notice on the wall for Fair trade. Around the walls was a fascinating exhibition of digital photographs, mainly of China, by Simon Shaw. There is always an exhibition in here that adds interest to your visit. Everything is self-service. There is plenty of vegetarian food, all freshly prepared. You can get a small hot meals if you’d like one. We decided on just a sandwich each. They came very generously filled with a salad garnish and a good helping of chips which we did not expect. The copy was delicious.We didn’t stay too long because a big school party came in and it became quite noisy. So we went to the modern library next door which you can access without going outside. The staff were very friendly and are always glad to see you. Although it is somewhat hidden away, this café is cosy and spacious and welcoming. You will find it under an archway by the side of the pub in Katharine Street, which is off the High Street. It never fails to please.

Good place to eat or have coffee. Today's special of chicken breast with tomatoes, chips and salad was jummy.

Lovely bright and light venue with nice decor, well layed out with good convivial lively atmosphere however let down by food. Chicken breast grilled with tomatoes garlic and butter meal woth cake included. Chicken was overcooked and very dry stringy and chewy. Side salad was wilted and limp and chips were probably at their best an hour before ordered. The cake wasn't the delicious looking gateau displayed on the counter but a wafer thin squashed slice brought up from under the counter. Coffee was good. Overall disappointing, great venue let down by the cooking of what should have been a good and varied menu.

Lovely little cafe,friendly staff,good prices,plenty of choice of delicious food,perfect for all the family x

Excellent place to meet up for light lunch or afternoon tea. Informal friendly atmosphere and good value for money. The croydon Museum in the same building I feel is a must visit place has some very interesting exhibitions and the curator is knowledgable and very willing to share her knowledge and discuss areas of interest

Great selection of both lunches and cakes. The staff have always been extremely friendly, plus there’s sometimes entertainment between the cafe and library.

good place for tea coffee salads cakes etc. I went there with 2 others, one wanted fish and chips, one had salad, I ordered for a change a fish burger, expecting a better version of MacDonalds filet o fish, ( a square of fish in breadcrumbs) or Burger King's version with oversized fish fingers in a bun, what I got was the same fish my mate had with her fish and chips but put in a bun! so burger bun with a long fish in it the tail and top sticking out either side by about 2 to 2 1/2 inches. really weird. unwieldy not one to pick up, it had to be eaten by knife and fork. otherwise the food was presentable

I like this café but there have been quite a few staff changes lately. the most recent staff changes have accompanied a drop in service. The food is not very good anymore - cooked food is pretty average and not nice.

Ive been to this modern design cafe thats good for a quiet lunchtime visit. It has sandwiches soup cakes and all the usual teas cappuchinos fruit juices etc. Cannot really add to this except its always a pleasure to visit. No food outlet is what I would call cheap these days but this cafe ticks all the box for quality...

I was recommended this café from a friend and we went together and the array of breakfast and brunch options was impressive, especially for a café in a library! I under estimated it. I had the poached eggs and avocado and my friend some scrambled eggs. Coffee also good and all very reasonably priced! Also the layout and or air con keep this place cook when it's hot! I would recommend it!

This is a London experience but very commercial and high prices. Just not my sort of cafe. Very busy though

If you want a great lunch in Croydon at a reasonable price you can't beat this. Lovely omelettes or a great cooked dish of the day. This is a cafe connected to the library with fast efficient staff and great food. Their sweet potato chips are a song in itself. Don't miss this venue!

I arrived for a meal before a cinema visit upstairs and realised being Thursday there was also live Jazz.

Visit the clock tower cafe for the all day breakfast-great salmon and eggs served by friendly staff. A hidden gem of a place for a reasonably priced meal in a buzzing atmosphere set in a bright annex inside the Clocktower of Croydon where you'll also find the library.

Came on a very busy lunchtime, but the friendly staff coped well and food arrived in 15 minutes. Love the venue, which is airy and light. Generous portions and good value for money. Lots and lots if choice. I'd definitely come again.

Nice surroundings with changing art exhibitions, tasty good value food - 2 course lunch for £5.50. I bought a large coffee & received a free croissant.

Ok. Doesn't open that early and has live jazz Thursday lunchtime. So gets very busy! Good range of food, incl. all day breakfasts.

Lovely cafe my sister went on the off chance to have some lunch and was surprised to find some jazz players there nice VARITY of food staff friendly worth a visit

I had a very pleasant lunch with my family here the other week. The service was friendly, food delicious and great value for money. We will be back!

Hidden yet mobility accessible, this venue is a nice gem that caters for all ages. Popular at lunch times. Painted art work on walls for sale. Every week host a musical event to listen to. Well worth a visit

We frequent here for a breakfast or a lunch, and it is one of the best breakfast places in Croydon.

This has a nice feel to it. The high ceilings and the large open plan room makes this feel as if you are in a tranquil library. Staff are helpful and happy. Only had a salad and coffee but was very nice.

Nice cafe inside the Library and Museum serving good quality hot beverages and nice cakes. Service brusque however

Cafe offers a variety of foods at reasonable price and good service. Tap water available. 10% discount for carers.

Right in the town centre of Croydon is a hidden- away surprise of a restaurant. It has ethical standards, a healthy menu with organic cakes and delicious fresh vegetable and fruit smoothies-and all meals are highly affordable. The dearest was £6.75 p.

Agradable para comer o para encontrarse con amigos para comer algo, un espacio agradable y listas si la luz también tienen música de jazz y tocando en vivo que es tan agradable 😊

Disfrutamos de nuestro café y personal amable tarta volveremos cuando estamos en Croydon. Un tesoro escondido justo al lado de la biblioteca.

Went to lunch Thursday and the food was tasty and good value. The added ingredient was the live jazz playing in the background. Wonderful treat

A comprehensive menue, friendly staff and an upbeat atmosphere especially the days they have live jazz in the back room which you can hear without going into the back room. If you are visiting the David Lean cinema for a matine performance this is perfect.

Great place to have your lunch(break). They used to have live music on Thursdays, lunch time. Not sure it's still the case. Perfect location. Delicious food, good variety, good timing.

Good quality food, can get busy due to location, however well placed next to the central library which always has good exhibits. Good disabled access A+

A quiet place for the pubic and students to sit and refresh themselves. Light and airy, and surrounded by art, I would make time to have a quick snack and coffee there anytime I am in Croydon. Situated just a few hundred metres from East Croydon Station, it is ideal to stop or start out from.

Visited this cafe for an excellent bacon and egg roll served with a side salad and coffee which cost me under £5.00. In the past have also had lunch and again great value. Located next to the local library and there is always local artists exhibiting in the restaurant. Well worth a visit if in the area.

Luke-warm tea, served in a grubby tea pot and two luke-warm toasted sandwiches, plonked in front of one with the finesse of an elephant, did not herald the start of a pleasant lunch. The sandwiches were tasteless, thin of filling and vaguely soggy. This place is very popular-god knows why! I shan't visit again!

Ordered a croque monsieur with chips. Although the chips were hot, the croque monsieur was very stale, luke warm and not freshly cooked. Was very disappointed. I did complain and was given some gnocchi instead but found it was tasteless with some rather sad looking vegetables on the side. Very disappointing and definitely not worth the money.

Left a course at lunchtime for a change of scenery and found this cafe. Lovely location and music being played throughout on a piano which was really nice. Had salad from the salad bar, homemade soup and water. Really delicious and great value at £7.00. A great lunch stop!!

The staff are friendly and there is a good range of food. Although I think the price of the jacket potatoes are expensive the portions are actually generous and also well presented. The choice of drinks is good too.

food was good, service ok though they forgot to bring the dessert. Atmosphere a bit loud and in the summer it is hot as the sun shines through the glass ceiling

they advertise deals outside but do not offer them when you are inside the staff do not seem to know how things work

Still the same: great choice of food at reasonable prices, assisted self service with a good deal of charm, enough space and comfort for a decent meal but not enough to make you want to linger too long, light and airy atmosphere ( but stay out of the sunny bits in summer unless you want to roast), interesting displays of local art, access to the library if you need it.....what's not to like?

Didn't eat here but seemed extremely busy with local workers. Menu appears extensive. Can be very very noisy

I stopped in for some lunch on Monday (01/08/16) as I had some business at the Croydon Civic offices and had to wait around for my husband to pick me up at 2, I had an hour to Fill along with my tummy. The lady at the offices recommended the cafe as a good place for a "quick snack". Not expecting much I walked up to the canteen to see if I could get a reasonably priced pasta salad or something to keep me going till dinner. I was very tempted by their salads and their choice of made to order food but then I smelt this truly heavenly aroma coming from a very unassuming heating tray right in the centre of the counter. What was in it was a sort of brown and orange mess but It smelt so wonderfull!!! I saw that it was labeled sweet potato and butternut squash curry and it was the vegetarian option, this really is not the kind of food I'm used to and definitely not something I would have for lunch. Their was a Moroccan chicken curry which looked good also (but It didn't smell as amazing). I honestly tried to be sensible but it was just too tempting how could I possibly stomach a smart salad when this smell was hijacking my nostrils and controlling my feet?! Before I knew it I was gleefully asking one of the staff for a hearty portion and already planning an alternative light supper. So enchanted was I that I forgot to even look at the price but couldn't believe my luck when the whole order cost around a fiver! And it was ever such a generous portion, I had it with rice and I must say this was definitely the best curry I've ever ever eaten. The whole thing (like all good curries) broke all the rules but it was Fabulous. It was spicy and fragrant and the texture and flavour was divine!!! I normally avoid spicy food but this was a whole different kettle of fish, from the very first mouthful I could not stop myself devouring the whole thing. As soon as I was done I text messaged my husband to meet me in the cafe and bring his appetite! I shall be stopping in again next month and I really hope they have more wonderful curries. One thing I must say is that it was clear that all the food was fresh and healthy, made from real ingredients in the kitchen just behind and for the quality and clear effort the price, though not the cheapest, was extremely reasonable and you couldn't do better for a working lunch. One point of advice though is that when the sun is out the dining room can get very warm but it was definitely worth the bother and if its too hot they had takeaway containers that seemed very practical. The staff were friendly but clearly very busy and perhaps need to sharpen their attentiveness. All in all though I would walk across hot coals for another plate full of that curry.

Arrived at 3pm and ordered my food. My first choice wasn't available and so I had a pasta. Food mediocre.The service in this place is dreadful. I stood waiting at an empty counter for 15 minutes with staff passing by before I was served. Once I purchased my food, I was ordered not to sit in the conservatory and pointed to where I could sit. Food took half an hour to arrive and was cold.This place reminds me of an old style Eastern European State canteen re. service and quality of food.

The venue is superb, but service, staff and food leave a lot to be desired. I was taken a back to be referred to as "darling" by a member of staff taking my order.Food took a long time to arrive and I was given the wrong order, only to be told what I had ordered and paid for was no longer available. Staff generally very slip shod I won't be going back

the food is great and always well presented. Tables are a bit crushed in and cramp and certainly there is an issue for wheelchair users but this is offset by the good food reasonable prices and great staff. Ideal for a meal or a snack.

Had been here for lunch everyday. Food is fresh and service is good. The salad bar is brilliant! Chicken kebab is so yummy. Every Thursday has live music.

The caffe is full of natural light coming from the glass ceiling. It is wide and accessible. It offers good tasty food at a cheap price. It's baby and breastfeeding friendly

I visited the cafe on a weekday lunchtime. A well-lit cafe with artwork from talented artists of Croydon among other things. Great for families, friends or colleagues to have a snack or lunch. Fair array of food: a salad bar, hot daily specials, omelettes, jacket potatoes and other typical cafe meals. Good quality and simple service concept.I hear there are great jazz performances on a Thursday lunchtime too!

Great for a light lunch good vegaterine food snack etc.. Some times live music yes in the day. Tea Coffee and a sweet or cake.

Had scrambled eggs with salmon in here and it was made to perfection - cannot fault, it really was 10/10 and well worth going in there just for this! Am sure the rest of their menu is just as excellent!

A change from chains.Love the art work, makes a good atmosphere. A good choice of food. Comfortable when not too busy.

Decor is very bright and shiny, and uncomfortable furniture - very cheap and plastic looking. Service is a bit hit and miss depending on who serves you. Food is overpriced and very rarely changes from one day/week to the next. Coffee is acceptable but certainly not the same quality as a specialist coffee shop.Wouldn't bother again.

Who would have thought a library would have a lovely cafe attached to it. A good selection of drinks and light bites/cakes; perfect spot to catch up over tea and cake with friends.

Had a lovely lunch with 5 friends sat 27th june. Great value and lovely tasting food. Portions are generous as well and reasonably priced.

Situated within the library building, this little haven is always clean and smells it! Fairly good choice of food through the day, efficient staff and handy for the shops. Always an exhibition within the cafe, which whiles away the time. Toilets are situated the far end of the building, so a bit of a trek!

Lovely light-filled, cheerful ambience, warm and welcoming service, a long but fresh menu at reasonable prices and all surrounded by interesting ( and buyable) artwork, no hassle and not much noise. You'd have to be awfully picky not to like this shining little beacon of excellence in generally glum Croydon.

I have been going to this cafe since I moved to Croydon years ago, and it is really worth a visit - whether you are visiting the library or museum, meeting friends or having lunch. There is a varied menu, including all day breakfast, hot dishes, salads, cakes etc.I have been twice recently - once with a friend and on my own. My friend and I had breakfast (although this was lunchtime!) I had a vegetarian breakfast that consisted of a fried egg, mushrooms, beans, vegetarian sausage, hash brown etc. All was good value! On my next visit I had a nice freshly-tasting ham and cheese croissant and hot chocolate that tasted of real chocolate - not cheap powered chocolate topped up with too much milk! All dishes are reasonably priced and it is open 6 days a week.Support your local library cafe!

If you don't know the area this is easy to bypass - it's part of the Croydon Library/Town Hall complex in Katherine Street and accessed through and unassuming door next to the Spread Eagle pub. I've been in two occasion, as my normal coffee haunt for that day no longer opens on a Monday. The Clock Tower café is a lovely light and airy space serving a range of food - from drinks and snacks to all day breakfasts, salads, baked potatoes Panini's etc. It's counter service - the food is good value - anything cooked to order has arrived without undue delay - and the staff are polite and friendly. With the addition of a regularly changing art display on the walls it's a lovely quiet spot to have a coffee and a sit down and/or something to eat, away from the busy shopping area. Try it and see!