IT’S 8:01 ON FRIDAY MORNING
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I started writing The 8:01 back in November 2024 whilst “in between jobs” as a project to keep busy and to help stay connected to the local community. So it was fantastic to see that we acquired our 300th subscriber last week! Welcome to those who have recently signed up, and thank you to those who’ve been along since the beginning.

THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE
A new pub in Exchange Square with £5 pints. Chislehurst Artists are holding their November exhibition, Bromley Little Theatre wants volunteers, and the SEND Local Offer Live comes to Bromley over half term. And The Cockpit is now in the running for national pub of the year.
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🏙️ IN THE CITY
If you’re after a quick after work drink in the City, a new pub has just opened in the last week in a corner of Exchange Square called The Last Exchange. Until very recently, this was an Italian restaurant, but I’ve watched it transform into a pub over the last few months as I walk right by it to the office. With some outside space where you can enjoy looking over the gardens and a surprisingly cosy feel inside, I can imagine this pub is going to be pretty popular, especially as they’re offering £5 pints!


🏘️ IN CHISLEHURST
Chislehurst Artists Exhibition 2026: A Celebration of Local Creativity!
Calling all art lovers! Chislehurst Artists are delighted to invite you to their exciting Art Exhibition on 6th and 7th November 2026, showcasing a wonderful variety of original artwork by talented local artists.
From beautiful landscapes and colourful still lifes to captivating wildlife paintings and much more, there promises to be something to inspire everyone.
Whether you’re an enthusiastic art collector, looking for a unique gift, or simply enjoy appreciating creativity, this exhibition is the perfect opportunity to discover local artistic talent. All artwork will be available to purchase, giving visitors the chance to take home something truly special.
WHEN:
Friday 6th November 2026: 5pm – 8pm
Saturday 7th November 2026: 10am – 4pm
WHERE: Chislehurst Methodist Church, Prince Imperial Road
DETAILS: [email protected]
Bromley Little Theatre Volunteer Information Session
Fancy becoming part of Bromley Little Theatre without learning any lines? BLT is holding a free volunteer information evening on Tuesday 24 November, covering everything from backstage roles to welcoming audiences and helping behind the bar. No experience is necessary.
WHEN: Tuesday 24 November 2026, 7.30pm
WHERE: Bromley Little Theatre, North Street, Bromley BR1 1SB
DETAILS: Bromley Little Theatre
Bromley SEND Local Offer Live!
Families navigating special educational needs and disabilities can meet local support services under one roof at Bromley’s free SEND Local Offer Live. Alongside practical advice and conversations with professionals, there’ll be inclusive arts, music, drama and sports sessions—plus a pop-up arcade. It takes place during half term on Thursday 29 October, with advance registration available for the free tasters.
WHEN: Thursday 29 October 2026, 10am–2pm
WHERE: Bishop Justus School, Magpie Hall Lane, Bromley BR2 8HZ
DETAILS: Bromley Council
🚂 THE COMMUTE
Signalling Upgrade
If you commute or frequently take the train into London, you’ll know it can be slow around Lewisham, but that should soon change. A £90 million upgrade to railway signalling around Lewisham is approaching a major milestone. Network Rail is replacing equipment dating back to the 1970s on lines between New Cross, Blackheath and Hither Green, introducing modern technology designed to improve train speeds and reliability. The new system is expected to go live over Christmas 2026, with a four-day railway closure planned to complete the work. Once operational, the improvements should help make journeys into London more reliable for Chislehurst.
👂 HEARD ON THE PLATFORM
Did you hear that after winning the Greater London pub of the year 2026, The Cockpit is now one of four finalists for CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year 2026!
Adam Miller, licensee of the Cockpit, said:
"What boggling news this is to receive! It has caused a frenzy of frenetic jubilation amongst us staff and stalwarts at The Cockpit!
I’m sure all of us wish the best of luck!!!
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See you next Friday!
Simon
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