Hi Landroger,
When we leave the Biggin hold we are normally at / around 7000ft at 220kts (Airbus 320 that is). We are then turned northwest briefly before turning back on ourselves heading East. We reduce speed from 220kts to 180kts generally between after leaving Biggin and before turning onto final approach. We need to use Slats + Flaps to reduce our speed below 200kts (ish!) hence when we are asked to fly 180kts we need to use the slats + flaps which is most likely what you would hear. Generally people wouldn't need speedbrake on the A320 in that area, it's more needed once turning onto final approach if the aircraft is very light.