David Bowie once said Croydon represented “everything I didn’t want in my life, everything I wanted to get away from”.
Not all pop stars see it that way.
Taylor Swift, who in recent years has used London as both lyrical inspiration and a romanticised sanctuary offering a retreat from the American paparazzi, has ventured south to the once unloved and unremarkable suburb to film a new music video, and her legions of fans appear to have followed her there.
Swifties have been making the pilgrimage to the Whitgift in Croydon, a once state-of-the-art 1970s shopping centre, after it became the “top secret shoot” location for the star-studded music video for Opalite, Swift’s latest single.
Swift and her crew had identified the centre as the ideal backdrop for her nostalgic video, inspired by Nineties rom-coms. Released last weekend, the video has already amassed more seven million views.
It was reported that the star paid for the workers at the shopping centre to take the day off when they shot the video last year.
The escalator in the centre, officially known as Centrale & Whitgift, has also become one of the most unlikely global landmarks of recent years after appearing in a scene where Swift and the actor Domhnall Gleeson descend into a surreal-looking shopfront hosted by Graham Norton.
The idea for the video happened last year when Swift appeared on The Graham Norton Show promoting her new album The Life of a Showgirl.
On the couch was Gleeson, who joked “I’m hoping to get in a Taylor Swift music video” — a wish that has now been granted. Also featured are the actor Cillian Murphy, actresses Greta Lee and Jodie Turner-Smith and the singer Lewis Capaldi.
In an Instagram post, Swift wrote: “It can happen at any time, for any reason. The idea for the Opalite music video crash landed into my imagination when I was doing promo for The Life of a Showgirl. I was a guest on one of my favourite shows [The Graham Norton Show].”
The escalator sequence has led to reports of fans being spotted at the centre recreating the scene for social media.
“I was a bit confused because surely there are shopping centres in America,” said Anita Wadswoth, 48, a local artist who works at the Turf Projects art gallery in the shopping centre.
The centre as it usually looks
SWNS
“I’m a bit surprised that it was Taylor Swift, but I’m used to seeing this space activated by art, and that’s great.”
Swift is not the only celebrity to give the beleaguered shopping centre a new lease of life. Rebel Wilson, the Hollywood actress, was there in September to film a new project believed to be titled Girl Group, becoming the talk of Croydon and shop owners in the Whitgift.
Hannah Torres, 41, works in the Waterstones book shop in the centre and could overhear Wilson directing her film.
“After Rebel Wilson, it didn’t surprise me to see a quiet shopping centre being rented out and used like that,” she added. “On the one hand, what a great space to use. In a way it was good to know that there was some life being brought into the centre.”
In 2024, Swift’s record breaking Eras tour generated £300 million for London’s economy after the capital hosted more performances than anywhere else in the world, with nearly 700,000 people attending.
To celebrate Swift’s first performance at Wembley Stadium, the city was decorated with murals, creating a special Tube map and a Taylor trail.
Meanwhile, one of London’s last remaining traditional men’s clubs also featured in Swift’s latest video, in which it was transformed into a Nineties dance hall where Swift and Gleeson dance in sparkly retro outfits.
Originally named the Mildmay Radical Club, it was established in 1888 but dropped its “radical” title in 1930, becoming the Mildmay Club.
The club, on Newington Green, has been frequented by the Gallagher brothers and was used as a location for Netflix’s award winning Baby Reindeer and BBC series Uncanny, Call The Midwife and Killing Eve.
The ultimate Swiftie circuit
From the leafy enclaves of N16 to the brutalist escalators of Croydon, Taylor Swift has mapped London more thoroughly than most black-cab drivers. Whether you’re mourning a London Boy or entering your Life of a Showgirl era, these are the most essential spots in London to visit.
The Black Dog — pub in Vauxhall made famous by the song with the same name on The Tortured Poets Department album.
Kentish Delight — Swift’s favourite kebab shop in Kentish Town, featured in the End Game music video.
Hampstead Heath — already beloved across the city, but mentioned in both London Boy and So Long, London.
Primrose Hill — Swift’s former residence and frequent walking spot.
Camden Market — also mentioned in London Boy for vintage shopping.
The Mildmay Club — tucked away in Stoke Newington, it was one of the filming locations for her latest music video Opalite.
Highgate Village — her primary base during her relationship with the British actor Joe Alwyn.
Bond Street — the West End street mentioned in London Boy.
Liberty London — one of Swift’s favourite high-end shops in Soho.
St Pancras Renaissance hotel — in King’s Cross, providing the backdrop for scenes in the End Game music video.
The Flask — pub in Highgate where the singer has been spotted by residents.
Bob Bob Ricard — the Soho restaurant she visited with Ed Sheeran, famous for its “Press for Champagne” button.