Cafe bar in Beckenham Place Park
Outside cafe bar that was originally the 18th C. stable block built in Georgian style and part of Beckenham Place nearby. Now restored, the large courtyard with awnings leads onto the terrace with its views over the gardens and downhill to the lake. Separate coffee bar with food serving the courtyard with beer bar to the side serving the terrace. Operates as a "take-away" business following the pandemic in 2020-2021 with a strong emphasis on reducing waste as part of the Mayor of London's Green New Deal.
Keg beers only from draught from mainly London microbreweries (Orbit, Drop Project, Kernel and Brick). Emphasis is on sustainability with robust re-usable cups (no glasses).
Coffee is supplied by Square Mile Coffee with snacks including pastries, cakes and pizzas baked on the premises.
Popular throughout the year, especially so during the warmer months when visitors can enjoy the adjacent gardens and lake (swimming in summer). Handy for both the Capital Ring and Green Chain Walk, this is also popular with walkers. Various other trails lead around the park and nearby woodland (popular with its display of bluebells in Spring).
Closing times may change depending upon any events being held in the courtyard.
Instagram page is @thehomesteadcafebpp
Historic Interest
Part of the Grade II* listed Beckenham Place mansion, originally built in 1760 for John Cator, who owned extensive lands around Beckenham and elsewhere. The parkland was developed between 1762 and 1793 in an area once called Stumps Hill with the old road between Beckenham and Southend diverted. In the early 20th C., the parkland was given over to the Foxgrove Golf Club before the entire estate was acquired by London County Council in 1927. The parkland was then opened to the public as a municipal golf course in 1934, ownership passing to Lewisham Council in 1972. The golf course closed in 2016 and the parkland is now being restored back to its former glory. The clock tower was restored after a fire in 2011, this originally coming from nearby Clock House when this was demolished in 1896 (but giving its name to the local station).
Homestead Cafe, Beckenham