The age old question of what to eat for lunch now has a much more exciting answer than tired sandwiches or sad soups.

Street food has been taken indoors with the opening of Surrey StrEatery in Surrey Street, Croydon, giving people seven different places for food and drink.

Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm each day, hungry customers can choose from food from around the world including Mexico, South America and Goa, wraps, freshly baked breads, coffee and hot chocolate.

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Croydon Council employee John Bownas is the first customer of Cravings "La Carreta"

Funding for the traders has come from the Mayor of London’s regeneration scheme.

Each trader received a grant of up to £3,000 towards the cost of their stall and running a demo area for teaching, cooking demonstrations and workshops and will be given six months’ support to help them build their businesses, including free space to trade, with no rent, rates or utility bills.

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Ro Co Coffee owner Roun Iya serving up drinks with his employee Jenna Vaskeviciute

Speaking at the launch of the food hub last Thursday, cabinet member for economic development Councillor Toni Letts said: "Surrey Street market is still the heartbeat of Croydon as far as I am concerned and I think the businesses will also become part of the heartbeat of Croydon, not just of Surrey Street.”

And before she and Coun Letts cut the ribbon, which was made of produce from the market, Croydon’s mayor Coun Manju Shahul-Hameed said: “As a mayor it is a great privilege and honour to be here.

“I would like to congratulate the Greater London Authority and Croydon Council for their hardwork and dedication for developing this project in my borough.

“This is a great idea which shows how we are supporting people and it creates 14 local jobs which is very important.”