Your Guide To Beckenham: Where to Stay, Eat, Drink & Explore
THE INSIDEGUIDE TO BECKENHAM
A leafy, energetic London town where Kentish roots shine, creativity is found in abundance and community spirit remains as palpable as ever.
Much like its equally evolved town neighbours also belonging to the burgeoning Bromley borough, the town of Beckenham has undergone a fashionable transformation since its humble beginnings as a small settlement referred to as ‘Bacheham’ in 1086’s Domesday Book, and later a rural village awaiting the arrival of its pivotal railway.
Until 1965 in fact, Beckenham was considered a part of our verdant county, and while it’s since carved a name for itself as a modern suburban destination brimming with the cosmopolitan buzz of the capital, its heart and community-driven individuality has remained its most-admired attribute.
When it comes to building the perfect day-out itinerary – balancing culture, historic landmarks and lakeside rambles, as well as the contemporary staycationer’s non-negotiables such as a trendy brunch spot or two and plenty of independent shopping – Beckenham offers no shortage of hotspots to discover and is sure to delight even the most discerning of county and capital explorers. WORDS BY MIA CHAPMAN
“I love living and working in Beckenham for its community feel, independent spirit and variety. The town’s beauty lies in its green spaces, including Beckenham Place Park and Kelsey Park with its resident ducks, both of which I’ve visited since childhood! Its character comes from the independent businesses and restaurants that make up a fantastic food scene – my personal favourite being Tapeo, an independent Spanish tapas spot.”
Leah Stevens, assistant venue manager, Beckenham Place Mansion
TOP BECKENHAM PICKS
Top Leisure
A heralded golf course designed by legendary five-time Open champion, John Henry Taylor. Beyond world-class golf, Langley also boasts an inviting clubhouse and a versatile venue for events and celebrations.
Top Eats
Building a community hub as beloved as its tasty dishes, this hearty family-run café offers the warmest of welcomes alongside delicious eats such as all-day breakfast plates and daily specials.
Top Heritage
A beautifully historic Grade II Georgian mansion offering a picturesque venue for weddings and events, as well as artist studios, a buzzing bar and café, and community activities including crafts, yoga and markets.
SUMPTUOUS STAYS
The perfect base for exploring the borough, this charming 18-room townhouse is situated just steps from Beckenham Place Park. Expect both Victorian character and modern amenities, as well as a peaceful garden and comfy bedrooms.
A gloriously historic hotel with exceptional on-site dining and landscaped gardens. Settle into one of the beautifully appointed rooms or luxurious suites and relish a setting primed for relaxation.
Only a short drive away from Beckenham’s town centre in nearby Hither Green, The Station is a stylish pub with rooms offering a contemporary bolthole that’s perfectly positioned for exploring the surrounding sights.
TOP BARS IN TOWN
Proudly born, brewed and enjoyed in the heart of Beckenham, this beloved brewery and its growing collection of buzzing bars is deeply committed to building a community-focused space rooted in connection, collaboration and craft.
Evolving effortlessly from laid-back daytime get-togethers to lively evening celebrations, Kelsey House has become a local go-to for top tipples, inventive cocktails and mouthwatering dishes such as gourmet burgers and tempting sharers.
With a decadent cocktail lineup and a vibey evening setting, the stylishly finished Moon is also a hit for its expansive outdoor seating space; perfect for savouring a refreshing tipple in the summer sun.
COFFEE BREAK
Image by: RGN Production Ltd
This trendy café ensures days are started right with its expertly crafted coffee selection, whether rich and punchy or velvety and sweet, alongside popular energy-boosting breakfast and brunch dishes.
A shiny new addition to Beckenham’s high street, Alba Rosa is set to impress with its Instagrammable all-day brunches, nourishing smoothies, Mediterranean-inspired bakes and wide variety of coffee, matcha and organic tea.
A cosy high-street hub founded by coffee enthusiasts Josie and Matt, who had always dreamed of establishing a family-run coffee shop and have created an excellent spot for locals to enjoy a delicious specialist brew.
DIVINE DINING
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 crowd-pleasing fish, chicken and vegetarian dishes made with locally sourced produce.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
MUST-SHOP STORES
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.
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.
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.
OUTDOORSY SPOTS
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.
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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