BESTOFKENT
THE BEST OF BROMLEY CONT .
© Robert Keane / Unsplash
CHISLEHURST CAVES
Another nearby attraction , which is of both huge cultural and geographical significance and a much heralded attribute to Kent , is Chislehurst Caves ( www . chislehurst-caves . co . uk ). This ancient labyrinth of man-made tunnels forms a maze covering over six hectares , and is up to 30-metres below the homes and woodlands above . The caves were carved out hundreds of years ago with the chalk that was dug out used in lime burning and brickmaking for the building of London , as well as for flints to fire the tinderboxes and flintlock guns of long ago . First open to the public in 1900 as a showplace , the guides told the Victorians history of Romans , Druids , Saxons , smuggling and murder . The last 100 years have added munitions storage for the Woolwich Arsenal in the 1914-18 war , mushroom growing in the 1920s and 1930s , and became what was essentially an underground town and the largest deep air-raid shelter outside London , protecting over 15,000 people every night during The Blitz . In the 1950s , 1960s and 1970s the caves were used as a venue for dances and concerts , presenting the foundations of jazz , skiffle and folk music to the most famous names in pop and rock , such as musical legends Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix . Now the caves are open as a tourist attraction , complete with a gift shop and café for a truly enthralling day out appealing to all ages .
Bromley ’ s links to musical legends doesn ’ t stop there either . Visitors to the town can now dine and later this year , stay at the glorious Grade II listed buildings which was once the Old Town Hall that hosted
David Bowie ’ s marriage to his first wife Angie . Now it houses the restaurant , Dorothy and Marshall ( www . dorothyandmarshall . co . uk ) whose ethos is all about ‘ the simple things done exceptionally well ’ with each plate skilfully prepared and made using local ingredients to and changing with the seasons . Expect to find things like London honey , artisan cheeses and fresh produce straight from the fields of Kent . The restaurant is named after the beloved children of Thomas Dewey , the Charter Mayor of Bromley who laid the Old Town Hall ’ s foundation stone in 1906 . After a major renovation , this stunning local landmark reopened its doors to the Bromley community in 2022 and with soaring ceilings and an elegant and sophisticated art-deco style , it is perfect for special occasions and dressing up for dinner . Dinner dish highlights include braised beef short rib with Guiness and black treacle , and vanilla flamed baked Alaska with sloe gin blackberry sauce .
It comes as no surprise that a thriving and buzzy town like Bromley is bursting with after-dinner activities . The Churchill Theatre ( www . churchilltheatre . co . uk ) is one of Bromley ’ s most celebrated arts hubs , hosting a plethora of different performances and shows throughout the year . From ballets to comedy acts , plays to musicals , January ’ s highlights include Swan Lake , Steel Magnolias , An Evening of Burlesque and award-winning tribute acts such as Glenn Miller and his Orchestra and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons . After taking in a show upon an evening , we recommend finishing your day with sensational cocktails and even more entertainment at Prive Lounge ( www . privelounge . co . uk ). Following a full redesign and redevelopment , Prive Lounge boasts stunning custom-created modern décor and fantastic facilities designed with fun times in mind . Every element of Prive Lounge has been tailormade , from the dazzling light projections on the walls to an impressive vertical garden . With an offbeat charm and a laid-back lounge atmosphere , Prive is the perfect venue for celebrations , big nights out and all round fun . As well as creative cocktails such as the ‘ Palma Paradise ’ concocted from vodka and curacao accompanied with pineapple juice and grenadine , guests can also try out the fantastic new outdoor heated shisha bar , which includes all-weather cover . Live entertainment is provided throughout the week , giving guests the opportunity to discover new and exciting music , comedy and dance .
For football lovers missing all the hype of the World Cup 2022 , Bromley is also home to its own professional football club , Bromley FC ( www . bromleyfc . co . uk ). Match days at the club are a brilliant weekend activity for families , friends and football fanatics alike . More than just 90 minutes of sport at Hayes Lane , the 500-capacity bar and kitchen welcomes everyone , complete with roastery coffee and hearty breakfasts to indulge in before the action kicks off at 3pm at home games on Saturdays .
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