CULTURAL HOTSPOTS
BETHLEM GALLERY & BETHLEM MUSEUM OF THE MIND Two remarkable organisations championing the importance of education, community and mental health support situated within the grounds of The Bethlem Royal Hospital. Bethlem Gallery is a visual arts organisation that supports the professional development and socially engaged practice of an array of artists, many of whom have experienced mental health services. The team here aims to make art an everyday practice and mental health an everyday conversation with a roster of exhibitions and special events. Bethlem Museum of the Mind cares for an internationally renowned collection of archives, art and historic objects that together offer an unparalleled resource to support the history of mental healthcare and treatment.
MUST-SHOP STORES
BECKENHAM BOOKSHOP Priding themselves on being a small yet fiercely independent bookshop run by booklovers for booklovers, this treasure trove of storytelling and knowledge is fully stocked with a wealth of genres to suit all tastes. It also showcases a curated selection of bookish gifts and local art.
JUMPING BEAN Stocking an eclectic collection of cards, clothes, children’ s toys, homeware and everything in between, the family run Jumping Bean has brought an ever-changing lineup of unique lifestyle products to the town of Beckenham since they opened their second London shop in 2012.
BLOWING DANDELION Aiming to inspire joy with every handcrafted chocolate, founder and self-taught chocolatier Michaela’ s artisanal chocolate shop and café is known and loved for its decadent chocolate creations and picture-perfect truffles.
DIVINE DINING
BRANDED One of three beloved restaurant locations, Branded’ s Beckenham outpost promises a relaxed yet lively dining experience and a modern Brasserie-style menu made up of its famed steaks and burgers alongside crowdpleasing fish, chicken and vegetarian dishes made with locally sourced produce.
OZUKU With a vibrant atmosphere and a calendar of seasonal events, Ozuku offers an exhilarating Pan- Asian inspired dining experience that follows the traditional Japanese‘ izakaya’ style, meaning every dish is carefully
crafted to complement each other. The menu offers no division between sides and mains, with an exciting choice of perfectly pairing flavours, as well as an enticing cocktail lineup.
BELLA ROMA Authentic Italian fine dining at its best, expect flavoursome pastas, premium meats and fresh seafood crafted with hiqh-quality ingredients alongside a great cocktail list and a warm welcome- all in a stylish setting that’ s perfect for intimate date nights and special celebrations.
Ozuku( top left) Bella Roma( bottom left)
GALLERY SEVENTEEN A celebrated independent art gallery showcasing a plethora of original artworks and limited-edition prints by both local and established artists. Alongside a bespoke framing service, the gallery is also the hub of Sue Clark Ceramics, a teaching studio which hosts inclusive day and evening classes in handbuilt ceramics.
ST GEORGE’ S CHURCH A beautifully storied town centre church with a rich and varied history through the ages, St George’ s is welcoming to all for historic tours, worship, annual events and to admire its striking architecture and stained-glass windows.
BETHLEM MUSEUM OF THE MIND
JUMPING BEAN
Outdoor Spots
BECKENHAM PLACE PARK Comprising a mighty 96 hectares of magnificent parkland and leisure facilities, Beckenham Place Park has been at the very heart of the town for hundreds of years- with its grounds also surrounding the equally loved Beckenham Place Mansion. The park is home to ancient woodlands rich in biodiversity, a vast lake open for swimming and water sports, a BMX track, skate park and playgrounds, and also boasts an annual programme of events including markets, workshops, open air cinema, music festivals and free family activities.
KELSEY PARK A favourite of avid birdwatchers and those with an eye for flora and fauna, Kelsey Park is a beautifully scenic public park featuring lovingly cared for rose gardens alongside a striking herbaceous border, glistening lake, nature trails, tennis courts, a mini golf course, playgrounds and a welcoming café.
THE COUNTY GROUND, KENT COUNTY CRICKET CLUB A well-established cricket ground and events venue recognised as the official home of Kent cricket in metropolitan Kent, The County Ground is a key venue for the esteemed Kent County Cricket Club and plays host to many prestigious fixtures for both the women’ s and men’ s teams.
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