Above photo, circa 1890.

Above photo, date unknown, looking north up the High Street.

Above photo, showing the garden of the original building before its rebuilding in 1898.

Above photo 1899, showing the new enlarged building, and also the Royal Bell Tap behind the horses on the right.

Above postcard, 1906.

Above postcard circa 1910.

Above showing a dinner taking place in the ballroom, date early 1900s.

Above photo showing meal in the ballroom early 1900s.

Above photo, date unknown.

Above photo, date unknown.

Above photo 1960s showing shop fronts on ground level of hotel.

Above photo circa 2015.

From the Hillman Contracting and Developing since 1938. Benedict O'Looney Architects.

The Royal Bell.

The Historic Building and Current Conditions 2018.

1. Main Building:- This range was rebuilt in 1898 on the site of the earlier hotel of 1666. The architect Ernest Newton specified these high status red bricks for this frontage with a traditional red ‘Wrotham’ tiled roof. Iconic features of this facade include the large painted timber modillion cornice, the three double height projecting window bays with decorative pargetting, the classical granite entrance surround and intricate historic iron gates to the carriage passage.

2. Ballroom:- This external view shows how the ballroom sits in the mid part of the site. The large historic timber framed and leaded light windows will allow excellent natural light into this versatile space. Buff toned stock brickwork was widely used to the rear of this building as it was a cheaper alternative to the high status red bricks to the high street frontage. Note also the use of slate tiles to the rear roofscape in contrast to the pricier clay tiles to the front.

3. The rear yard:- A passage from the high street leads to a yard at the rear of the site. Historically this would have been the route used by horse and carriage to access the stabling facilities. The stables are visible in this image to the rear of the yard. A fire in recent years has sadly damaged parts of the stable and hayloft beyond repair. We propose the careful dismantling of the stables and the re-use of this redundant yard area to house a new hotel extension.

The original main staircase survives at The Royal Bell. We propose the careful repair and restoration of this grand stair and the detailed balustrade which survives behind modern boarding. Also visible in this image is the intricate glass mosaic floor to the lobby. This is to be carefully cleaned and restored to its former glory.

This internal view of the ballroom shows the boarded up minstrels’ gallery and projecting balcony. We would like to re-instate the lost balustrade and re-open the gallery as a heritage feature. Also visible in this image is the railing of a large void in the floor which was created in recent years. We propose that the ballroom is restored to its original design and that the missing floor is reinstated.

These photograph were taken in the main function room to the front of the building at first floor level. The ornate plasterwork to the ceiling survives in its entirety in this space and forms one of the key heritage assets of this building. This bright and light filled space has fantastic views over the historic heart of Bromley.

A fire in recent years has seriously damaged parts of the stable and hayloft.

A number of rooms to the third floor have suffered from water ingress from the main roof which is in need of repair. Luckily many of these rooms still feature the original cast iron fire surrounds.

This photo shows one of the second floor rooms to the front of the main building. Our proposal shows these rooms carefully and sympathetically transformed into hotel bedrooms in keeping with the original use of these spaces.

A fallen section of ornate plasterwork lays in the boarded up minstrels’ gallery which once overlooked the Ballroom. We would like to restore and re-open this gallery as a heritage feature of the hotel and Ballroom.

From the http://www.theroyalbell.co.uk  16 January, 2019.

Councillors approve 5-star Royal Bell Hotel.

Plans to restore the Grade II-listed Royal Bell as a 5-star hotel in the heart of Bromley have been unanimously granted permission by Bromley councillors (subject to conditions).

The scheme will see the building, currently on Historic England’s ‘At Risk’ register, restored with the addition of a new extension, and will host 50 luxury bedrooms, function rooms, a retail unit, gym and swimming pool.

The unanimous decision taken by the councillors, against the officer’s recommendation for refusal, was particularly insightful, and supported by councillors’ comments in the debate that pointed towards the benefits of the scheme as outlined below:

Restoration of an ‘at risk’ listed building

The introduction of a quality hotel provision in the town centre

The positive influence the introduction will have on the town centre

Extensive employment opportunities

Regeneration of Bromley High Street

Provision of needed event and celebration facilities in the area

Position in relation to public transport, and potential for Central London visitors to stay

Design of the extension sensitive and in keeping to the surroundings

Enabling areas of the building remaining open to the public

Acknowledgement that 50 rooms are the minimum requirement for a high-end hotel.

Managing Director of Hillman & Sons says: “I am delighted the councillors agreed our proposals are exciting for Bromley Town, and will secure the future of this fantastic building. As a born and bred resident of this borough, I first went to The Royal Bell as a young lad to celebrate my grandad Nelson’s birthday, the founder of our family firm. With the anniversary of his passing next week, and the company’s 80th birthday this year, the result comes at a particularly poignant time.

“I have been overwhelmed by the support from local residents, businesses and indeed the councillors. We were conscious to ensure we engaged with the local community throughout planning and held a voluntary public consultation in June, to which over 250 people attended, providing truly important feedback to grow and evolve the scheme. I would like to thank everyone involved for their support including the public, community groups, local councillors and Bob Neill MP.”

From the https://www.newsshopper.co.uk By Immy Share 29 October 2021.

The Garden Bar Bromley to expand in time for Halloween.

The Garden Bar in Bromley is set to get bigger and better over the coming winter months.

It will be opening its doors to a huge variety of spaces, cuisines and atmosphere to suit all tastes from 12pm on Saturday, October 30.

Located at 175 Bromley High Street in a grade II listed building, The Garden Market will be open on the ground floor.

There will be nine new street vendors including pizza and pasta by Sapore Vero, hot dogs and burgers by Orpha Dogs and coffee and tea by Caffe Latino.

The first floor will be home to a newly-renovated ball room called The Royal Bar - a space for private hire, special events and live performances.

Casual Japenese and sushi restaurant Kai Sushi and Sake will also be opening on the site created by their brand new sushi chef.

The Wine Room offers a chance to relax and enjoy wines, cheeses and charcuterie.

The Garden Bar can be found on social media for more information.