Cafe bar in basement of Beckenham Place mansion
Previously a golf club where the premises was used as pro shop, cafe and changing rooms. Under current management since November 2016 after the municipal golf course was closed by Lewisham Council. Cafe has always been present and open to the public but now serves beer, wine, prosecco and spirits.
Cafe bar is in the basement of Beckenham Place, which now serves as an arts, cultural and community centre. Small bar leads off from main basement room, both with limited seating. Well worn yet modernised whitewashed interior with arched ceiling and walls adorned with art works (some of which are for sale).
Keg beers only from draught (Meantime and Goodness), cans and bottles. Daily menu of sandwiches, soups and smoothies plus sweet and savoury snacks from The Blackbird Bakery. Brunch menu on Saturdays plus roasts on Sundays during the autumn and winter seasons. Coffee supplied by local coffee makers Hundred House Coffee.
Popular throughout the year, especially so during the warmer months when most visitors choose to sit outside to enjoy the parkland vista. 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).
Instagram page is @themansionbarcafe
Historic Interest
Beckenham Place Mansion is Grade II* listed, 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.
Mansion Cafe & Bar, Beckenham