Bromleys (ex-Sky Bar, ex-The Royal Bell), Bromley  

Under it's original remit The Bell was infamous for years for being the local chav hangout, and very popular with the youngsters. It shut down and opened up as Sky Bar, which was very short lived - it's now recently had another revamp, although not much more than the name has changed since the last one. Its refit has been almost entirely to the interior: the building has always remained pretty unchanged externally - it's actually one of the oldest pubs in Bromley. Now, instead of being an attempt at a club, it's very much a swanky bar, all low-lit and funkily decorated. And with the introduction of cocktails it's obviously trying to be move upmarket (but as in its previous guises, there are no bitters of any interest). Generally though, it's not actually too bad except that the music is far too loud and, for a place of this size it's now notably empty - it used to be heaving. With the lack of success of Sky Bar, we suspect that there is little custom for this type of establishment in Bromley. On our last few visits we've been virtually the only customers. The only improvement from Sky Bar is they have had made a good effort with the walled garden, and proving quite popular with the smokers. We were never fans of the old Bell but at least it was successful and the loss of it has certainly left a dent in Bromley's pub culture.

reviewed:
11/10/2007

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beer garden

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