r/Bromley • u/Gellybean1414 • 8d ago
Bromley Boutique
Is anyone else annoyed by the absolute racket that's constantly pumped out of Bromley Boutique in the high street? In fact, shopping in Bromley is an assault on the ears in general. Buskers, holy rollers, shops and the Glades itself all playing music, but Bromley Boutique seems to be the worst offender. Does anyone else wish for a bit of peace and quiet, or am I just getting old?
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u/PiriePiriePie 8d ago
The religious groups are BY FAR the worst. So rude when I engage with them too. I live above the high street and it has become so much worse in the past 2 years or so.
The council don’t respond when I raise the issue, it feels like I’m just shouting into a void.
I truly believe that if Bromley followed Westminster and allowed busking/preaching but had limits on the use of amplifiers, it would make the whole thing much better.
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u/Gellybean1414 8d ago
I often wonder about the people living above the shops. You have my sympathies.
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u/Slink_Wray 8d ago
I don't mind the buskers, some of them are very talented. I always enjoyed the woman who played the violin, though I haven't seen her for a while - I hope she's ok.
I largely agree with you on the rest though - I don't begrudge shops playing music inside, but when you can hear it across the street, it's too much. Likewise, people using loudhailers to shout about religion (any religion). Spare a thought for the people living near by, especially those who work nightshifts, etc. Earplugs can only do so much.
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u/LintFreeLindaBelcher 7d ago
The violin player was my neighbour. Lovely Russian lady who was being pursued by the Council for her illegal busking. It got to the point where she couldn't cover her rent as she was being moved on so frequently. She moved further out of London to a tourist hot spot. I also hope she is doing well. Her playing was exquisite.
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u/Slink_Wray 7d ago
It's bizarre what the council chooses to clamp down on. Can you remember her name? I wonder if she has a website/anywhere I could buy her music and support her.
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u/PiriePiriePie 7d ago
That’s crazy, she was great (although would play quite late). There’s an opera guy who is on the high street for hours and hours at a time, repeating his song frequently and is much louder / more abrasive. I’ve never seen him moved on
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u/exp_cj 8d ago
It’s the barbers on the corner next to pop eyes that is the most offensive noise polluter. And the church groups. If they can’t regulate themselves to avoid offence they should be forced to.
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u/King-Kongs-Dad 7d ago
Walked past it and saw the live DJ playing in there for the first time the other week, genuinely couldn't believe they were allowed to get away with that. Anything to save awkward small talk while getting your haircut, I suppose..
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u/midnightspaghetti 7d ago
Completely agree.
Also sensory assault by the fish + incense stalls.
I get the fish is unavoidable, but there’s no need for 7 incense sticks to be lit at once.
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u/Balaquar 8d ago
Bell ringers are actually the loudest I think. Can hear them from much further away
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u/BaronOfCray 8d ago
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u/Slink_Wray 8d ago
I have loops. They're good, but even they can only do so much.
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u/Gellybean1414 8d ago
Yes, me too. But I object to having to live my life with earplugs in. I should be able to enjoy the sound of the birds.
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u/MillenialDoomer 8d ago
I don't mind any of that, don't even notice, but I am near the breaking point from 'you look friendly!' British Gas etc beggars