High Street Bar & Kitchen Orpington GPO hosted their very own Bavarian celebration raising money for local charity The MumMum Foundation.
As autumn set in there were steins and smiles a plenty at Orpington GPO for the high street eatery’s inaugural Oktoberfest.
Taking place in Munich every year from mid-September to early in October, the festival originated in 1810 in celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Ludwig I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.
Today, the festival attracts millions of visitors every year to enjoy traditional German cuisine, beer, and music, and has inspired events across US, Europe and the rest of the world.
Revellers at Oktoberfest Orpington - many joining the GPO team in lederhosen or traditional German dresses - entered the venue to the sound of Oom-pah, before selecting dishes from a delicious menu which included reiberdatschi, bratwurst, Hanschen-schnitzel, and apple strudel. A live brass band added an enjoyable Anglo-German flavour to proceedings and entertainment culminated with a set from DJ K.
Above: Mayoress Cllr. Kim Botting, Mayor of Bromley Cllr. Mike Botting, and founder of The MumMum Foundation Gary Valentine-Fuller
With Bromley twinned with Neuwied in Germany, and The MumMum Foundation selected as one of the mayor’s charities for 2023/24, The Mayor of Bromley Cllr. Mike Botting and Mayoress Cllr. Kim Botting attended to officially open the event.
All ticket proceeds went to charity raising over £1,200.
The MumMum Foundation was founded by Gary Valentine-Fuller, co-owner of Valentine & Turner Funeral Directors and Orpington 1st BID director, following the loss of his grandmother. It aims to support families affected by cancer by providing memorable moments, be it a meal out with loved ones, a trip to the theatre, a weekend away, some respite, or simply someone to talk to.
Gary said, “It’s been a fantastic evening at a brilliant town centre venue. I’d like to thank Tom and Sam for hosting, every member of their team for all their hard work, and of course the Mayor and Mayoress for opening the event. The money raised this evening will help us continue our work to put smiles on the faces of those who need them most.”
Orpington GPO, which first opened its doors at the former post office site in July 2020, is owned by former soldiers Sam Westlake and Tom Walker and has earned a strong reputation for quality food and drink.
Tom said “it’s great to see so many enjoying themselves tonight. There’s been a brilliant atmosphere and we’re delighted to support a very worthy cause.”
Sam added “we’re proud to be part of the community here in the heart of the town centre and we’re already looking forward to our next event.”
