10 GOOD REASONS TO VISIT Bromley & Chislehurst

These two neighbours offer everything from history and culture to visitor attractions and green spaces

- Caroline Read

1 SHOP AND EAT

Offering two very different experiences, Bromley is a retail mecca with the huge Glades shopping center at its heart, while Chislehurst retains a village feel, with many independent businesses. Some of the best places to eat out are Havet, Fireball Pizza Company, and Madisons in Bromley; in Chislehurst try The Imperial Arms and Denny’s Seafood Restaurant. The excellent Chapter One is in nearby Locksbottom and the highly-rated The Orpington café and record store is, yup, in Orpington. On the outskirts of Chislehurst, look out for the Royal Parade, an elegant row of high-end shops and restaurants.

2 ON WITH THE SHOW

As we write this, theatres across the UK were preparing to open again (although a lot can change in a few weeks). Bromley’s beloved Churchill Theatre attracts big names, with a range of comedy, music, theatre, dance and workshops all year round. At this time of year many of Kent’s theatres would be preparing for their annual pantomime, but many have been scrapped for 2020. As we went to print, the Churchill was still taking bookings for Sleeping Beauty this Christmas season.

3 GO DEEP DOWN

High on our list of things to do in this area is a visit to Chislehurst Caves. The vast labyrinth of tunnels and caves beneath the town have had many guises over the years. Originally dug for chalk and flint mining in the 13th century, they’ve provided storage for munitions, been used as a huge underground air-raid shelter, and been a quirky venue for legendary rock concerts. Guided tours lead visitors along the dark tunnels, exploring the wartime facilities that protected hundreds of families nightly during the Blitz.

4 ROMAN RUINS