From the old Woolworths to the Empire Cinema, we’ve rounded up some of the ways that Bromley High Street has changed over the last 15 years according to Google Street View.
Bromley High Street has changed considerably over the years, with shops closing down, new businesses opening and some moving to new premises in Bromley.
Today we’re rounding up five of the big changes that have happened in Bromley with side by side images showing Bromley then and now.
Woolworths
Many of us who were born during or before the 2000s will probably remember Woolworths with its pick 'n’ mix, dog shaped sharpeners and CD collections.
Bromley High Street used to have a Woolworths located where the Poundland store is now.
Sadly, Woolworths went into administration and all 807 of Woolworths stores were closed by January 6, 2009.
The Empire Cinema
Bromley’s current Picturehouse Cinema used to be an Empire Cinema up until 2016 before it was acquired by Cineworld in August 2016 until the following year.
According to Google Maps the branding changed to Picturehouse when it was refurbished by Picturehouse before reopening in spring 2019.
Laura Ashley
Many of us will remember Laura Ashley, which began selling homeware and clothing since 1953.
Sadly, the much loved homeware and clothing store went into administration and by January 2021 all of its 147 stores were closed.
Bromley’s Laura Ashely used to be situated opposite the KFC on Bromley High Street. The shop remains empty.
Slug & Lettuce
Up until 2013 Bromley used to have a Slug & Lettuce, a popular pub and restaurant chain selling cocktails, spirits and food.
However, in April 2013 Bromley’s Slug & Lettuce closed, and was replaced by Tesco Express sometime between April 2013 and May 2014.
Carpetright
Up until 2012 Bromley used to have a Carpetright before it was eventually taken over by Wilko in April 2012.
Zavvi
Where the New Look is now there used to be a Zavvi, a retailer selling TV and movie merchandise, clothing and homeware.
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Zavvi went into administration in December 2008. The store was eventually closed in January 2009 and later replaced with New Look.
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