Boris Johnson tucked into some jellied eels today as he strolled through Bromley’s newly developed East Street.

The Mayor of London was in town as part of his Summer of High Streets campaign, in which 70 shopping precincts across the capital have seen investment in the hope of boosting local trade.

Boris walked through today’s (July 17) market to Bromley’s North Village, to see how the council has spent grants regenerating the area – and also mentioned even more “exciting things are to come” when asked about Transport for London extensions south. 

He told News Shopper “I think we’re going to see something very soon” and added an announcement should come around in the next few weeks.

There has been speculation in the past that the Bakerloo Line could be extended as far as Hayes.

However, the mayor refused to unveil anything more and instead talked about reenergising Bromley.

He said: “I’ve never seen it (Bromley) looking so good.

“Everyone seems positive and I’ve spoken to people and I don’t think they felt under much pressure.

“The thing is we love high streets. They’re an integral part of the community.”

Always time for a #selfie with an Austrian tourist 

News Shopper:

Boris also spent time with local councillors, construction workers, and locals and having finished his pot of jellied eels, the mayor added: “It’s a joy to be in Bromley. The jellied eels were delicious – good on a slight hangover.”

Boris tucks in to some jellied eels

News Shopper:

Bromley’s North Village has seen a £5.5 million investment in partnership with Transport for London and the Mayor’s Outer London Fund.

Work has been completed in East Street with new granite paving, lamp columns, and trees. The high street is likely to be completed in August and nearby Market Square in September.

Some locals aired concerns about the ongoing work and questioned why such a considerable sum was being spent, but most seemed happy.

Paul Temple, 34, general manager of O’Neill’s, said: “I think it’s brought more people up to East Street. It’s modernising the area and helped with lunch time trade – I hope it continues.”

News Shopper:

Dasos Charalambous, 41, has enjoyed a grant of £15,000 to redo his restaurant front.

He said: “We’re looking to the future – we came through the winter and it’s good. It’s nice to see a bit of vibrancy here.”