The future of popular Croydon nightspot Tiger Tiger is in safe hands, according to its new boss.

Richard Underwood has taken over one of Croydon's top bars and is vowing to continue its success.

The new general manager has also worked at Tiger Tiger's West End branch and managed the former Croydon club, Blue Orchid.

Mr Underwood, who replaced outgoing general manager Bruce Beattie, has been in his new role for just over a month and admits to already feeling some pressure.

"Bruce did a fantastic job here and I suppose I do feel some pressure with regards to maintaining all his good work," he said. "But to be honest I'm honoured and I'm looking forward to it."

The venue is already established, but Mr Underwood said he was not resting on his laurels and wanted to take the High Street bar further.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge, but at the same time I know it's going to be hard work. I've set some high targets and expectations.

"Last year was great for us and I want to have an even more successful period over the next 12 months. That's how I'll measure how successful we've been. Our customers have high expectations and we will work hard to fulfil those expectations."

Tiger Tiger's new general manager said customers should expect a few changes but he does not want to rock the boat too much.

"We refresh the food and drinks menu on a regular basis and we're always looking for different and imaginative ways to improve our offer.

"But it is all about maintaining the progress made under Bruce and the managers before him so there won't be wholesale changes."

The former Croydon Pubwatch chairman is busy preparing for the hectic festive period and admits Christmas time is always daunting.

"The main focus at the moment is the Christmas period which a very important time for us. It's my first year as manager and it is quite daunting and there are some high targets that we have to achieve but we've got the people here to meet those targets."