The owner of a 17th century Bromley town centre landmark has promised locals the building will be open more regularly in the near future.

This comes after The Royal Bell welcomed over 500 guests last weekend for the Open House London event.

The building was rebuilt in 1898 but lay vacant for years after being in disrepair.

An ambitious plan was approved last year for new owners, Hillman & Sons, to turn the Grade II listed building into a hotel.

Royal Bell in Bromley High Street to be five-star hotel as plans approved

It has now been announced that people can enjoy the space more regularly with the upcoming opening of a bar on the ground floor.

The Bell Tap is an independently run craft bar serving real ale, craft gin and fine wine.

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Founder of the bar Daniel Lane said: "We are really excited to have been offered this unique opportunity to open a bar in such a significant landmark building in the heart of Bromley.

"We have been delighted by how fantastically our plans have been received by the local community and really look forward to welcoming everyone for a pint very soon."

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It is also hoped the rear area of the building can soon be used for music events in the first-floor ballroom.

Gary Hillman, managing director of Hillman & Sons, added: "We are pleased that The Bell Tap will once again be an important part of The Royal Bell Hotel just as it was when the building opened in 1898.

"We are looking to open nine boutique luxury bedroom suites upstairs, launch the ballroom as an arts and music venue and to provide unique food offerings in the existing historic building which will compliment the main hotel extension."