We’ve created a guide of Bromley’s oldest pubs that you need to try – from 14th century inns to a Victorian coaching inn.
Following on from our recent roundup of some of the oldest pubs in south east London, we’re going to be rounding up five of the oldest pubs from each of the four south east London boroughs – starting with Bromley.
Here are five of the oldest pubs in Bromley borough:
The Bo-Peep, Orpington
The Bo-Peep is a 14th century building located on the borders of Orpington and is a short drive from some beautiful Kent villages like Eynsford and Otford.
The building has that classic country pub charm, complete with an inglenook fireplace, pub garden and terrace to enjoy in the warmer weather.
It was originally built as an inn in 1548 during the reign of King Edward VI and has had a long list of innkeepers with the earliest recorded innkeeper dating back to 1627.
Now the Bo-Peep is a popular eating and drinking spot in the Bromley and Kent area with 512 Google reviews with a 4.4-star average rating.
The pub serves a range of classic British dishes like fish and chips, bangers and mash and steak and ale suet pudding.
They also offer a Sunday roast menu and afternoon tea served Monday – Friday from 3pm to 5pm.
Address: Hewitts Road, Orpington BR6 7QL
The Blacksmith’s Arms, Cudham
The Blacksmith’s Arms was originally built as an inn in 1628 during the reign of Charles I.
In its beginning years the building was used as a farm dwelling with stables and then became the residence of a blacksmith.
In 1729 the property was purchased by blacksmith and beer retailer Marcus Ward and used as an ale house formerly named The Anvil.
The building was damaged by a fire in 1727 before it was granted an ale and cider licence and renamed The Blacksmith's Arms in 1730.
It’s located near landmarks such as Biggin Hill Airport as well as the former home of Charles Darwin - Downe House.
The pub serves a mix of drinks and food including light snacks, Sunday roast and seasonal menus for holidays and events.
The Blacksmith’s Arms uses fresh meat, fish and produce from local Kent and Bromley businesses.
It was also recommended by one News Shopper reader who said: “It has beautiful flowers in the summer and good food.”
Address: The Blacksmith’s Arms, Cudham, Sevenoaks TN14 7QB
The Greyhound, Bromley High Street
Now part of the Wetherspoons franchise, The Greyhound dates back as early as the 1500s.
The current building stands on the site that was once occupied by the Grete (or Great) House which was first recorded in 1532.
Now in its place stands the current Georgian-style building which was built in 1797 and was then refurbished by Wetherspoons in June 2011.
It’s located a short walk from the Glades and stands opposite the Bromley Picturehouse.
The venue is a popular drinking spot and has received a total of 1,740 reviews on Google.
Address: 205 High Street, Bromley, BR1 1NY
The Chequers, Bickley
This is a pub you’d expect to see in the heart of the English countryside. It’s located in the area of Bickley which is a short drive from Bromley Town and Orpington.
The building is believed to date back to 1851 according to Census Data recorded on the Dover Kent Archives.
It’s now owned by Greene King and has received 488 reviews with a 4-star-average rating.
Address: 177 Southborough Lane, Bromley, BR2 8AP
Swan & Mitre, Bromley High Street
The Swan & Mitre was once a former coaching inn that was popular with carters of fish and farm produce headed into London.
According to Bromley Civic Society, the Swan & Mitre is believed to date back to at least “the 18th century, although the exact date is uncertain.
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In some accounts it has also been referred to as simply “The Swan.”
It’s a short walk from Bromley North Station and is near the main shops on the high street.
The pub is now owned by Greene King and has had a 4.1-star average rating on Google.
Address: 260-262 High Street, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1PG
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