IN ASSOCIATION WITH
48 Hours in BROMLEY & BECKENHAM
© Colin Hughes
KELSEY PARK BOCCA SOCIAL BETHLEM MUSEUM OF THE MIND
KELSEY PARK
CHAPTER ONE CHURCHILL THEATRE THE MANOR AT BICKLEY
Day 2
An early start beckons with a trip to Kelsey Park ( www . kelseyparkbeckenham . co . uk ). The picturesque public park has walking and running trails , lakes , playgrounds , woodland , tennis courts , mini golf , and a cosy cafe for warming hot chocolates or summer ice cream pitstops – don ’ t forget your food for the ducks !
BRUNCH Fresh for the day , ensure you are selfie-ready as its time to head one of the most instagrammable spots in Beckenham ! Bocca Social ( boccasocial . com ) is restaurant-come-backdrop heaven , flower walls , scandi flooring , black leather and pink suede seating – it is a style-lovers and a brunch-lovers dream . Book early to secure a spot at Bocca ' s Social Brunch and enjoy a two-course Italian menu with Prosecco or Prosecco cocktails served all the way till 5pm !
AFTERNOON Prepare yourself to fall down the rabbit hole of scientific exploration courtesy of the Bethlem Museum Of The Mind ( museumofthemind . org . uk ) – an experience that records and celebrates the achievements of those with mental health issues . Opened by Grayson Perry in 2015 , learn about Bethlem Royal Hospital – which is possibly the oldest psychiatric history in the country , having been established in 1247 – by exploring its history of
treating patients . Housing an incredible and thoughtprovoking collection of mental health archives , equipment and art , marvel at the stunning and thought-provoking work on display , all of which are made by artists with mental illnesses . The space will allow you to explore the complexities of both having and treating mental illness , and will enlighten any person passing through .
DINNER No trip to this neck of the woods would be complete without a little out of town rendezvous with the award-winning and Michelin guide-included , Chapter One ( chapteronerestaurant . co . uk ). Under the stewardship of Andy McLeish the fine dining hotspot offers á la carte equistiness – such as braised Scottish oxtail , pan fried foie gras , salt-baked celeriac , roast field mushrooms , silver skin onions salsify and oxtail jus – alongside a menu du jour and a renown Sunday lunch offering . Choose the elegant refinement of the main dining room or indulge in the spectacularly decorated Brasserie . With rich jade greens and deep blues mixed in with the occasional splash of gold and the jungle leaf wallpaper , Chapter One creates a feeling of richness that only the top-tier food can compete with .
EVENING Ever since it was opened on 17th July 1977 by HRH The Prince of Wales himself , the Churchill Theatre ( churchilltheatre . co . uk ) has been a cultural and social hub in the centre of Bromley town . With shows ranging from big musical productions and plays of all descriptions to more intimate spotlight shows , you can be guaranteed to find something here that will entertain and amuse !
WHERE TO STAY ? There is nothing more important than a soft bed and fluffy pillows to send us restfully into the land of nod after an exciting day exploring . The family-run The Manor at Bickley ( www . themanoratbickley . co . uk ), which is in their own words , the epitome of ‘ urban luxury ’ offers the tranquil oasis you have been looking for to unwind after a full day of fun . Opt for an opulent garden view suite , that mixes jewel coloured fabrics with warm toned dark woods , as well as a marbled bathroom to create an opulent effect that reminds one of both contemporary elegance and old fashioned luxury . Enjoy the roll top bath , the super king size bed , the seating area with flat screen TV , a feature fireplace to keep your toes toasty on cold winters nights , and views across the hotel ’ s 6 acres . This is the spot to don your complimentary bathrobes and slippers and while away the evening hours pampering yourself into a deep , uninterrupted sleep .
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