Is that a Japanese pagoda in Beckenham? It certainly looks like one. This is the Chinese Garage. It stands on a roundabout linking Beckenham, Eden Park, and Shortlands.
The Chinese Garage isn’t just any old garage. It’s a landmark with a story as unique as its design.
Let’s step back in time to 1928. Edmund B. Clarke designed this building. He created it in a Japanese pagoda style. The garage was built on land next to Stone Park Farm. This farm was part of the Langley Court Estate. Back then, Stone Park Avenue wasn’t there yet. The main road ran north to south between Beckenham and West Wickham. This explains why the forecourt is aligned the way it is.
Local stories say the Bucknell family, who used to own Langley Court, were shipping tycoons. They supposedly backed the Titanic. When it sank, they lost their fortune and had to sell their estate. According to folklore, the Bucknells often visited the Far East and Japan. They brought back many exotic plants for the Estate. This supposedly inspired Clarke to design the Chinese Garage in its distinct Japanese style. But there’s no real proof of these plants today. It might have just been the architect’s or the client’s idea.
Because of its oriental look, people started calling it The Chinese Garage. Its official name was Langley Park Garage until 1989. Now, it’s a Grade II listed building.
The Chinese Garage has won awards for its unique design. It won a Better Petrol Stations competition in the 1930s. The Daily Express and the Gardeners’ Guild organized the competition. In 2001, it was voted the most unusual garage in England.
The building used to be part of a Kia and Peugeot dealership. It’s no longer a petrol station. But it still has much of its original charm. The grounds and the roundabout around it are planted in a way that complements the building’s style. Today, you’ll find a Tesco Express and a Majestic Wine shop here. The Bromley Council once rejected plans for a Tesco Express. They were worried about traffic and parking. But the government overruled them. As of November 12, 2020, the garage became a Majestic Wine store.
So, as you stand here, remember the Chinese Garage. It’s more than just a building. It’s a blend of architectural styles, local legends, and a testament to a bygone era.