South End has established itself as Croydon’s restaurant quarter, but Half and Half Lounge Bar is attempting to expand that reputation to making it the place to be on a Saturday night.

The seven-year-old venue, half way between East and South Croydon stations, has always offered the opportunity for a night out, or a post-dinner drink, but has now launched a free weekly stand-up night of featuring local and circuit comedians to bring in the clientele.

As the event enters its third week, it has already seen a set from Andrea Hubert, winner of the Bafta Roecliffe New Writing Award 2013.

Ian Taitte, owner of the bar, says: “The comedy is free and best enjoyed with the bar’s signature Budvar Half and Half”.

In combining the Czech beer’s light and dark varieties, the bar was “the first in the UK” to offer the mix.

If ale is more to your taste and you are a member of Camra, bring your membership card for a discount, or indulge in a cocktail alongside an assortment of beers and wines.

With South Croydon’s reputation as a culinary destination more secure, a number of other local businesses are stepping up to offer evening entertainment for visitors and hope you will come for the food, but stay for the drink.

Cocktail Bar TXT and Treehouse, a restaurant by day and Garage club by night, offers the opportunity for partygoers to stay out until the early hours in South End too, while rock venue Scream Lounge has long offered an alternative evening out in the area.

Half and Half offers to be a bridge for diners who want a post-dinner/pre-night out venue, but south Croydon’s newest comedy night hopes you may just laugh enough to skip the clubs after all.

This week's line up includes:

Paul Mcgarrity, Boyce Bailey, Amy Howerska, Matt Dwyer and Vusi Mlilo.

The Half and Half, High Street, Croydon; Saturdays, 8pm; free; halfandhalf.uk.com, 020 8726 0080