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The reason for this sudden interest in visiting the town centre can be traced to the fact that since the beginning of the month, the borough has been cementing its title as the place to go for good food.

This huge increase in visitor numbers couldn't have come at a better time say business owners who have been feeling the pinch as the credit crunch continue to bite.Ìý

This month it is showcasing some of the best it has to offer through its month long Food Festival.Ìý It will present a series of markets running each weekendÌýas well as food tasting and demonstrations.

Bamboo Grove chef Pete

The borough is home not only to the recently crowned Best Local Restaurant – Le Cassoulet, it can also boast its first nouvelle Caribbean restaurant - Bamboo Grove run by award winning andÌý former Ivy chef Anthony Cumberbatch.Ìý

As well as sampling food from these renowned restaurateurs, there will be the chance to buy and sample food from all over the world.

Surrey Street Market will play centre stage to many of the special demonstrations taking place throughout the festival.

"I want to say a big thank you to the organising team for making Croydon great again," said Surrey Street Market Inspector Fiona Woodcock.

Work of 'art' from Paul Wayne Gregory

"Saturday was superb with great weather, fantastic footfall and a real buzz about the place."

not too late

If you haven't had a chance to enjoy some of the delicious fares on offer as yet; fear not, there are still lots more to come - like learning to cook from some of the experts in the business at the Whitgift Kitchen starting on the 22nd.

And for chocoholics a taste of heaven when the award winning chocolatire Paul Wayne Gregory comes to town.

Famed for his chocolate sculptures and even making chocolates to celebrate the Queen's 80th birthday Paul will be carrying out demonstrations on the 19th and taking over the Whitgift Kitchen on the 26th.