Emily Davison

Research based on Property Solvers analysis of HM Land Registry data found that Bromley’s average house price was £548,425, up 0.42% over the previous year and 2.12% over five years. Holwood Park Avenue in Orpington was the borough’s most expensive street, with average sales of £6.22 million, while Homesdale Road in Bromley was the least expensive at £88,333. The highest-priced roads were concentrated around Orpington and Keston Park, whereas lower-priced streets were mainly near Bromley town centre and featured flats, converted properties and terraces.

Lewisham Indian restaurant Babur has launched its limited-edition Together in Bloom menu to mark its 41st anniversary alongside the Horniman Museum and Gardens’ 125th anniversary. Created by Executive Chef Jiwan Lal and Head Mixologist Rupam Talukdar, the menu uses botanical ingredients associated with the museum’s gardens alongside Indian flavors and British produce. Available as a tasting menu or à la carte from 17 July to 20 September, it includes dishes such as Devon crab tartlet, pandan chicken tikka, lamb neck and Rajasthani coral cake. The tasting menu costs £62.95 per person and is highly praised for its flavor, variety and presentation.

Bromley’s BR postcode has been ranked among the ten highest-risk postcode areas in England and Wales for five property-related risks, including water damage, accidental damage, ground movement and theft, according to Homeprotect’s Home Risk Calculator. Clay soils, older housing stock and affluent neighbourhoods were identified as factors contributing to risks such as subsidence, structural cracking, water damage and theft. Despite the findings, more than 11,000 homes were sold in the BR area between 2023 and 2026 for an estimated £6.5 billion, and Bromley received multiple 2025 accolades for its quality of life, green space, schools, transport links, safety and suitability for families and retirees.

Lewisham residents recall former high-street shops and cinemas that have disappeared over the decades. The article highlights C&A, Chiesmans and Army & Navy, Woolworths, Chelsea Girl, British Home Stores and Ravel Shoes, as well as the Odeon and Studio 6 & 7 cinemas. Memories of department stores, affordable fashion, toys, household goods and Christmas shopping contrast with the closure of the town’s M&S store, scheduled for August 1 after operating on Lewisham High Street since 1929.

A proposal submitted to Lewisham Council by site owner Mr Halloumas would convert the former Aroma Beauty Rooms at 2–4 Brightfield Road in Lee into a flexible Class E commercial unit suitable for offices, professional services and some retail. The plans involve mainly internal alterations, with no extensions, additional floors, new parking, highway works or loss of original historic fabric. Supporting documents say the changes would preserve the two-storey mid-19th-century building and its contribution to the Lee Manor Conservation Area. A decision is pending, with construction planned for September to October 2026 if approved.

A vacant former Crayford Funeral Service premises at 16 Princess Parade in Waterside could become a coffee shop and hot food takeaway under plans submitted to Bexley Council by M. Thampapillai. The proposal includes shopfront alterations, refurbishment and a filtered extraction system to limit noise and cooking odours. The business would operate until 11pm and is expected to create at least five full-time and two part-time jobs. If approved, construction could run from August to December 2026; the application remains under consideration.

Queens Gardens in Bromley will host the free Midsummer Movies outdoor cinema weekend on August 7 and 8, with seven family-friendly and evening screenings running from 10am to 7pm. The programme includes Finding Nemo, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon, Wicked: For Good (Part 2) and The Devil Wears Prada 2, while the final Saturday screening will be selected by public vote from Grease, Saturday Night Fever and La La Land. Your Bromley is presenting the event with support from Biggin Hill Airport. Visitors can bring picnic seating, purchase refreshments and hire deckchairs, with deckchair proceeds donated to autism charity CASPA.

The Hill Group has donated eight furnished SoloHaus modular homes to Gravesham Borough Council to provide safe, secure accommodation for single residents who have experienced homelessness. The homes are designed to be energy efficient and ready for immediate occupation, increasing the council’s capacity to address homelessness in the borough. The donation is part of the Hill Group’s £15 million Foundation 200 programme, which aims to provide 200 modular homes to councils and organisations across the UK.

Blackheath’s annual fireworks display is scheduled to return in 2026 after its successful revival in November 2025, following a six-year absence caused by funding pressures and the COVID-19 pandemic. Lewisham Council is consulting residents and stakeholders, but a date has not yet been set. Event organiser Slammin Events is expected to announce timings and further arrangements once plans are finalised.

Ofsted rated Ark Globe Academy in Southwark exceptional in four key areas, praising its inclusive environment, strong leadership, and effective support for pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged backgrounds. Inspectors highlighted high academic outcomes, a broad curriculum, strong personal development programmes, and effective teaching strategies. Executive principal Matt Jones OBE welcomed the findings, emphasising the school’s commitment to belonging, ambition, and transformative support for all pupils.

Reddit users highlighted several independent restaurants and bakeries across South East London as standout hidden gems, including award‑winning venues such as Chatsworth Bakehouse, Himalayan Kitchen, and Italian favourites like Sapore Vero, Artusi and its sister restaurant Marcella. These spots are praised for their artisanal baking, traditional or seasonal cooking, and strong neighbourhood followings, with many recognised by respected food guides and industry awards.

Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations will close for 22 days from July 26 to August 16 to allow Network Rail and Southeastern to complete major track, drainage and structural upgrades. Services will be diverted to London Bridge, Cannon Street, Victoria and Blackfriars, with multiple lines experiencing altered routes. Additional weekend disruption is scheduled later in the year, and passengers are advised to check travel options and allow extra time, with tickets accepted on alternative transport services.

Painters Farm Campsite in Painters Forstal near Faversham has been ranked among the UK’s best for 2026 by Campsites.co.uk, supported by strong visitor ratings and repeat recognition in industry awards. The site offers a cherry-orchard setting, modern facilities, and convenient access to local attractions including Faversham, Oare Marshes, and Leeds Castle. With both electric and non‑electric pitches, access to amenities, and proximity to The Alma pub, the campsite continues to attract visitors seeking a scenic and accessible base for exploring Kent.

Chiddingstone in Kent is highlighted as one of the prettiest villages in the UK, ranked 22nd nationally by Love Exploring for its well-preserved Tudor architecture and historic character. Much of the village has been maintained by the National Trust since 1939, preserving buildings dating back to the 15th century. Visitors are drawn to its historic streets, independent shops such as the Tulip Tree, and nearby Chiddingstone Castle, which houses international artefact collections. Several notable structures, including a Grade II* listed building and a church with origins in the Domesday Book, contribute to the village’s strong heritage appeal.

A mother criticized the permanent closure of the Hollybank Children's Short Break Service in Orpington after Ofsted reported serious safeguarding failures including medication errors and inadequate supervision. Although improvements were later noted and the suspension lifted, Bromley Council closed the centre citing building suitability issues. Families say no alternative overnight respite care has been offered, leaving parents struggling and concerned about long-term impacts. Parents are coordinating efforts to demand answers as they warn the loss of respite care could push some families to crisis point.

The Crystal Palace Dinosaurs and Geological Court have been removed from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register following a major restoration funded by Bromley Council, Crystal Palace Park Trust, and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Conservation work included structural repairs, repainting using original Victorian color schemes, and landscape restoration, forming part of a wider regeneration project across Crystal Palace Park that also added new visitor amenities. Officials highlighted the sculptures’ scientific and historical importance and praised the project for securing their long-term preservation.

Restoration work has begun on the Grade II‑listed Baring Hall Hotel in Grove Park after years of vacancy, following planning approval for a scheme to revive the historic pub with new accommodation. Owner Gary Mallen has started initial demolition and confirmed that the main renovation phase will now proceed after delays linked to planning requirements. A separate application seeks flexibility to complete the stable block later. Lewisham Council has welcomed progress and will continue monitoring the project to ensure the building’s historic character is preserved.

Traces Marc Guéhi’s rise from his childhood in Grove Park after moving from Ivory Coast to becoming a key England defender at the 2026 World Cup. Details his early development at Cray Wanderers and Chelsea, loan success at Swansea City, and leadership role at Crystal Palace, including helping the club win the FA Cup. Highlights his achievements with England’s youth teams, his senior debut, and strong performances at Euro 2024, illustrating his progression to an essential national team player ahead of the World Cup semi-final against Argentina.

Survey results from the 2026 NHS England GP Patient Survey rank Bellegrove Surgery as Bexley’s highest-rated GP practice and Lakeside Medical as the lowest. The report highlights variations in patient experience across the borough, with overall national satisfaction improving to 76.7 percent. NHS South East London acknowledges positive trends in digital access and other aspects of patient care while noting that additional support is being provided to underperforming practices and best practices shared across the region.

Coxhill Camping in Shepherdswell near Dover was named one of the UK's best campsites for 2026 by Campsites.co.uk, earning a 4.89 rating and strong guest recommendations. The site is highlighted for its countryside setting, large pitches, private woodland and access to notable walking routes including the North Downs Way and the Via Francigena. Located within easy reach of Dover, Canterbury and several Kent attractions, it offers back-to-basics camping with essential facilities and both non-electric and electric pitch options. Its reputation is further supported by recognition in the Hipcamp Awards 2025.

Crafty Wizards Childcare, which operates seven nursery settings across South East London, was named among the UK’s Top 20 nursery groups by review platform daynurseries.co.uk. The award is based entirely on parent and carer feedback praising care quality, learning opportunities, facilities, staff and value for money. The group emphasizes creative play, flexible childcare options and adherence to the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Head of operations Hilda Miller described the recognition as a meaningful reflection of strong community support and staff dedication.

A respite centre for disabled children in Orpington will close permanently after an Ofsted inspection uncovered serious safeguarding and management failures, including medication errors, inadequate staff training, missing-child incidents and poor oversight. Although a later monitoring visit found improvements, Bromley Council cited the building’s condition as the reason for closure. Families have expressed distress over the lack of alternative overnight respite provision, while Bromley Healthcare, the council and NHS South East London say they are working to ensure ongoing support for affected children.

Canterbury is identified as one of the UK’s fastest‑rising staycation destinations, supported by Expedia data showing a 30 percent increase in searches. Its appeal is attributed to fast transport links, extensive historical architecture, major landmarks such as Canterbury Cathedral, and cultural sites including museums and river punting. Increased domestic travel searches and the city’s heritage attractions position it as a growing choice for UK holidaymakers.

A historic Bromley Common pub, The Bird in Hand, has been listed for sale for offers over £1.1 million on Rightmove Commercial, marketed by Savills. The property, operating on a 20‑year lease running until 2043, continues to trade during the sale process with current annual rent set at £82,800 under an RPI‑linked agreement. The two‑storey building includes bar space, cellar, kitchen facilities, a landlord’s flat and outdoor seating areas, and sits within a conservation area. With origins traced back to the 1870s and long operated by the Dodd family, the pub underwent refurbishment and reopened in late 2023, maintaining its role as a community venue.