Brama Opens In Bromley
Brama Bromley, Bromley’s first boutique hotel, opened earlier this year. ONIN were fortunate to enjoy an ultimate evening of relaxation to kick off the new year which included dinner at next-door Dorothy and Marshall, a breath work workshop and a hotel stay at Brama.
Located in Bromley Old Town Hall, it’s clear to see heritage and history has been at the forefront when regenerating the entire building. Although it was the seat of local government, provided shelter in WW2 and played host to David Bowie’s wedding, the building was placed on the Heritage At Risk register in 2009. The buildings original art-deco style and nods to the era is clear from the marble floors, to the staircase, the windows and honour boards in the walls. Brama, a 23 room boutique hotel is Bromley’s newest and only boutique hotel. The room was modern and stylish, complete with desk, coffee maker and good-pressured shower. The bed was so comfortable, resulting in an excellent night’s sleep.
Breathwork expert Jamie Clements led us in a one hour workshop. Here we were invited to take time to really notice our breathing and our body. We completed a body scan where we lay down and slowly assessed each part of our body from our toes to our fingers to our head, and were encouraged to let go of any tension we may be holding. We also learnt about different breathing exercises. I was already aware of the square breathing technique where you breathe in for 4, hold for 4, breathe out for 4 and hold for 4 before repeating, but I also learnt new exercises which focused on breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth and taking longer to breathe in and out (i.e in for 8). Jamie encouraged us to spend a few moments when we wake up, and at the end of the working day to assess our body and do some breathing, and I’m trying to implement this in my daily life. Held at 8pm on a Thursday, by the time this was finished all any of us wanted to do was get into our pyjamas and fall asleep.
We enjoyed dinner at Dorothy and Marshal, located in the courthouse of the former Bromley Old Town Hall. The high ceilings and arched windows, with green walls and wooden tables creates a welcoming space. Dorthy and Marshall provide nourishing, quality and carefully sourced food using local ingredients. To start I had the sourdough and sides (olives, smoked almonds) for £6.90. I was expecting a couple of slices and not half a crusty loaf, so this is definitely one to share! For mains I had the Confit Creedy Carver Duck Leg with parsnip purée, red cabbage, prune ‘sausage’ and liquorish for £24.60. The duck was hearty and rich. The wait staff advised to get a side with this and recommended the truffle salted fries (£5.30). The helpful staff also suggested the 2021 Morisfarms ‘Mandriolo’ Sangiovese wine which pairrrd really well, bringing out the flavours of the duck.
Others in the group ordered true Flat Iron steak with béarnaise sauce, watercress and parsley salad (£22.90) with a side of fries, and everyone commented the steak was cooked perfectly. Good comments were also made about the roast corned chicken with grilled gem, Caesar dressing, pan haggerty potatoes and Madeira sauce (£19.60) and the cauliflower steak with coconut yoghurt, chilli, smoked almonds, leak and kale (£15.90). Dorothy and Marshall serve breakfast on weekends but during weekdays you’ll be given ‘to go’ bag. This contained a large flaky croissant with margarine and jam, a large pastry, an apple, a muesli pot with yoghurt and fresh fruit, juice, a teabag and a takeaway cup. The food was both my breakfast and my lunch that day. If you’re staying at Brama, you’ll receive 10% off the restaurant.
The Old Bromley Town Hall is also home to Clockwise, a co-working space with private desks, offices and meeting rooms available through various membership plans. There’s also a terrace and cafe. This is the second location for Clockwise in London and those staying at a Brama get discounted rates. Though I didn’t use the space, we were taken on a tour through the spaces and they looked a great venue for individual and group working.
Brama is located 4minutes walk from Bromley North station and 10minutes walk (or 3 bus stops) from Bromley South. From here, you can be in Victoria Station in as little as 16minutes. Brama officially opens on 29 May with rooms from
Address: 6 Court Street, Bromley, Greater London, BR1 1AN
Website: https://bramahotels.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bramahotels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bramahotels/
Written by Caitlin Neal
