James

Agree with LondonMix. The main drawback with Bromley is the people. Most (and of course, there are exceptions) are narrow-minded and have no interest all the things that make London one of the greatest cities on earth. Shopping at the Glades (or whatever it's called now) is their idea of culture. There are some fascinating examples of Bromley-ism, from the council's money-grabbing battles with the GLC in the 70s and 80s (reminiscent of Thatcher's anti-Europe isolationism in microcosm) to the Downham wall - a Berlin wall-style partition erected by Bromley residents to keep the hoi polloi of Lewisham out (seriously, this actually happened)!

Bizarrely I totally agree with you Louisa. Let Bromley stay isolated and tubeless. This is a good idea, chiefly for two reasons: 1) Mind-numbingly dull and parochial suburbs like Bromley are important breeding grounds for creative people who, driven mad by their stultifying curtain-twitching mediocrity, escape and create wonderful things. As in David Bowie (ex-Bromley), Mick Jagger (ex-Dartford) 2) The sort of people who live in Bromley are unpleasant, rightwing, Daily Mail-worshipping types - mildly homophobic, racist and bigoted. I should know as I grew up there. So I would prefer they kept themselves to themselves, thanks very much. No need to rub it in the rest of our faces.

I think via Camberwell & Peckham then terminating at Lewisham would be the best option. Does anyone know if this would be feasible? Bromley has a long history of sticking two fingers up at the rest of London and pretending it is a Middle England market town. This is deluded, it is an anonymous suburb devoid of anything of significance. I think it should stay isolated if that's what the people of Bromley want. Save the investment for vibrant places that will thrive on it like Southwark and Lewisham.

I've got an idea... It's a bit radical though. How about an M&S?

Best, most random name for a thread I've seen in a while

That 'fourth plinth' idea is getting a bit tired now and would seem like a cop-out I think. For me the tree stump idea has a wonderful 'Alice in Wonderland' feel to it. And the stage area is highly imaginative too. These are my favourites.

No! Why? Always seems quite popular

Not wishing to be harsh but if a shop fails on what is a prominent thoroughfare, surely it means it was either a bad idea, in the wrong place anyway or badly run? Would it not be better to have anything successful (albeit preferably something unique and interesting) than something that fails?

I went once a few years ago. There was nothing veggie on the menu and when I asked the waitress gave a look of incomprehension and suggested a couple of things which both had fish sauce in them. So I'd make sure what you've been eating is actually vegetarian if I were you! Having said this they could have changed their menu and suddenly educated themselves about what vegetarian food is since I went, but I would be very surprised if this were the case.

Thai Corner Cafe is hopeless for vegetarian, let alone vegan food I'm afraid

Lordship Lane is one of the most thriving and successful shopping streets in South London. If old-man pubs, fried chicken shops and deprivation are more your thing, there's always Brockley or Sydenham?

Thanks for the pictures Computed Shorty, I never knew it was so beautiful inside. No wonder they were called 'picture palaces.' So sad we have lost it. I'm sure if it were around today it would be hugely popular.

>>Goose Green/Adys Rd. mural - like something painted on remand. Thanks for making me laugh out loud like a nutter. You are so right!

Hard to generalise though as many of the incomers have brought life, variety and prosperity to the area, just as a few of the people who've been here for ages are scumbags with no respect for their neighbourhood.

Yet another person to totally agree with Penguin 68! I avoid kid-friendly places like the plague as unfortunately so many parents in this country have this weird attitude that their little darlings are perfectly entitled to run riot and annoy other people to their heart's content. As Penguin says, in France and Italy children are welcomed but expected to behave. Only wish things were the same here.

Vegetarians don't eat animals. Vegans don't eat animals or animal products. What's complicated about that?

I am not talking about the libel issue. That's fair enough. But who is acting like judge and jury now?

Never ceases to amaze me when someone comes on here who has been victim to some sort of crime and a load of people pile in to judge and criticise. If something awful happened to you Dougal & Cycle, how would you feel to be trolled like this?

Last time I visited the Dog it was like being transported to a chavvy, slightly tatty Bromley megapub in the early 90s. Not good. Aboput time this place got something deserving of its prominent location.

Ridiculous political correctness strikes again. So if you were buying a flat/house, whould you choose one next to a hostel Sue? Don't think so somehow, whatever you say here in the name of being 'right on'.

Um, perhaps the fact that there might be random scumbags having domestics all hours of the day and night on your doorstep?

Sorry *spits beans and pulses*

Cat people... Are you being homophobic Loz!? I am outraged, offended and disgusted! *spits blood*

I am outraged that you said the culprits were male! By this you are suggesting that all males are criminals. I am gravely offended. This infringes on my rights and I may take it to the European Courts of Justice. You have been warned.

Just out of curiosity, would houses have to be destroyed in our area for this? As a Peckham Rye homeowner I am a bit worried...