In partnership with
IT’S 8:01 ON FRIDAY MORNING
Hello, {{ Fname | reader }}!
It was Halloween this time last week, and it was great to see all the kids around the area trick-or-treating on Saturday night. Also, from what I experienced, all the children were polite and well-behaved, keen on filling their buckets with lots of treats.
It was also Bonfire Night last night, but I’m sure there will be lots of displays still to come over the weekend. If you go somewhere and see a great show, feel free to send us some photos!
THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE
This week we visit the Horse & Groom on Curtain Road, a proper traditional pub with a rather Shakespearean secret. Closer to home, there’s board games and Diwali fireworks on Saturday 14 November, a new bear joining the trail at St Nicholas, and a few Southeastern app tips that might just save your commute. We also hear the trains you’ve been squeezing onto since 1992 may finally be on their way out.
🏙️ IN THE CITY
If you’re after a drink after work, the Horse & Groom on Curtain Road is a great spot. Head in there early, and you’ll find a traditional pub with all the regular servings, which, given its location just off some main streets, it can be a slightly quieter spot than some of the other pubs around here. That said, as the evening progresses, they typically have a very active list of music events should you want to dance into the night. There is a lot of modern building development around here, and it’s amazing to see this pub still standing to be honest. Apparently though, it’s a protected venue as it was once the original entrance to the Shakespeare Curtain Theatre!
A message from our sponsor
More patients say ”Yes” with Cherry Payment Plans
Had enough of, “Let me think about it?” With Cherry, patients can apply for financing solutions on their phones in about 35 seconds - and 90% of them are approved*.
The result? Practices have seen acceptance rates rising by as much as 50%!
* These figures come from Cherry’s provider case studies, so individual results vary. Details at withcherry.com/provider-reviews. Payment options through Cherry are issued by the following financing partners: withcherry.com/financing-partners
🏘️ IN CHISLEHURST
Board Games Café
Fancy a friendly Saturday morning game? Christ Church Chislehurst’s next free Board Games Café runs from 10am to noon on 14 November. Bring along an old favourite or try something new. Beginners, experienced players and solo arrivals are all welcome.
WHEN: Saturday 14 November 2026, 10am–noon
WHERE: The Link at Christ Church Chislehurst, 40 Lubbock Road, BR7 5JJ
DETAILS: Board Games Cafe
BAPS South East London Diwali Fireworks
Chislehurst Sports & Country Club will light up for Diwali on Saturday 14 November. BAPS South East London is bringing together food, fireworks and family festivities for a colourful community celebration from 4pm to 8pm. Entry is free, but everyone attending needs to register in advance.
WHEN: Saturday 14 November 2026, 4–8pm
WHERE: Chislehurst Sports & Country Club, Elmstead Lane
DETAILS: Registration
St Nicks Bear Trail Launch
There’s a new bear joining the Chislehurst family. St Nicholas Church is unveiling its very own addition to the much-loved Bear Trail on Sunday 6 December. Head along from 11.15am to welcome the new arrival—and add another furry landmark to your next wander around Chislehurst.
WHEN: Sunday 6 December 2026, 11.15am
WHERE: St Nicholas Church, Church Lane
DETAILS: Events
🚂 THE COMMUTE
A Few Tips for the Commute
If you're regularly catching the train from Chislehurst, Southeastern's mobile app might be worth another look. The operator picked up a national award earlier this year for improvements to its digital services, and there are some surprisingly useful features tucked away inside. You can save your regular journeys to receive personalised travel updates, check how busy your train is likely to be, and even track your journey in real time. The app also lets you share your train's progress with friends or family, so they can see when you're expected to arrive.
Perhaps the most useful feature is One Click Delay Repay. If your train arrives 15 minutes or more late, Southeastern can automatically prepare a compensation claim for you, saving the usual form-filling. You'll need to register for the service, and it's available to eligible Key smartcard holders and passengers buying certain tickets directly through Southeastern. It's a handy feature for regular commuters who might otherwise forget to claim compensation after a delayed journey.
👂 HEARD ON THE PLATFORM
Some of the trains carrying passengers around southeast London have been in service since 1992, but Southeastern is planning their eventual replacement. The railway operator is exploring options for a more modern Metro fleet, with potential improvements including air conditioning, brighter interiors, better accessibility and more reliable services. The plans cover routes including nearby Grove Park, although there's no confirmed timetable for introducing the replacement trains.
ENJOY READING THE 8:01?
Get a little more from Chislehurst with an 8:01 Season Ticket.
Support the free Friday newsletter and get member-only extras, including our monthly What’s Coming Up guide, local offers and occasional early access.
Know someone who would enjoy this week’s edition? Forward it to them or send them to the801.co.uk/subscribe.
See you next Friday!
Simon
Follow The 8:01 on Instagram.