Food Scene
José Pizarro (formerly co-founder and head chef of Brindisa) has done a fine job here of creating a very genuine, slightly rustic local Spanish bar. The decor is plain brick, timbers and tiles; seating is mostly on stools, with barrels to stand glasses on; and there’s a no-bookings, doors-wide-open attitude, albeit while being firmly planted in trendified Bermondsey. This, his TV appearances and books have cemented his position as the most prominent Spanish chef in Britain, but what stands out here is his expert attention to sourcing and getting the basics right, ahead of culinary adventurism.
160 Einheimische empfehlen
José
104 Bermondsey StJosé Pizarro (formerly co-founder and head chef of Brindisa) has done a fine job here of creating a very genuine, slightly rustic local Spanish bar. The decor is plain brick, timbers and tiles; seating is mostly on stools, with barrels to stand glasses on; and there’s a no-bookings, doors-wide-open attitude, albeit while being firmly planted in trendified Bermondsey. This, his TV appearances and books have cemented his position as the most prominent Spanish chef in Britain, but what stands out here is his expert attention to sourcing and getting the basics right, ahead of culinary adventurism.
Funky pub with designer light shades, funky artworks, modern seats and a seasonal British menu.
61 Einheimische empfehlen
The Yellow House
126 Lower RoadFunky pub with designer light shades, funky artworks, modern seats and a seasonal British menu.
Italian comfort food classics in a rustic dining room with mirrors, open kitchen and downstairs bar.
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Antico Restaurant
214 Bermondsey StreetItalian comfort food classics in a rustic dining room with mirrors, open kitchen and downstairs bar.
Light Chinese corner cafe with comprehensive menu encompassing Peking duck and a variety of seafood.
Also does delivery!
Hing Lee Chinese Restaurant
32 Curlew StLight Chinese corner cafe with comprehensive menu encompassing Peking duck and a variety of seafood.
Also does delivery!
Diminutive all-day bistro complete with red-checked tablecloths, for a menu of French classics.
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Casse-Croûte
109 Bermondsey StDiminutive all-day bistro complete with red-checked tablecloths, for a menu of French classics.
Drinks & Nightlife
The Woolpack is a down-to-earth alternative to the Garrison opposite, even if its website witters on about ‘unwinding in the heart of bohemian Bermondsey’.
The location is prosaic – a side street branching off from the London Bridge rail estuary – but that shouldn’t detract from what’s a quality two-floor pub-restaurant. Beer-wise, you’ll find the likes of Kirin Ichiban, Leffe and Thwaites Nutty Black, while the dozen-strong wine list (by the glass and bottle) includes a few unusual offerings.
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The Woolpack
98 Bermondsey StThe Woolpack is a down-to-earth alternative to the Garrison opposite, even if its website witters on about ‘unwinding in the heart of bohemian Bermondsey’.
The location is prosaic – a side street branching off from the London Bridge rail estuary – but that shouldn’t detract from what’s a quality two-floor pub-restaurant. Beer-wise, you’ll find the likes of Kirin Ichiban, Leffe and Thwaites Nutty Black, while the dozen-strong wine list (by the glass and bottle) includes a few unusual offerings.
Of all the Thamesside pubs, this one is the most special, the most atmospheric, the most tucked-away – and its wooden deck at the back has probably the best view of the river too. If there’s a better accompaniment to an evening pint than the sound of the river slapping away through the slats under your feet, and the lights of the City twinkling away in the distance, we’ve yet to find it. Inside is brilliant too – it dates back to 1620, with ecclesiastical wooden pews, real ales, an open fire and a friendly hubbub of chatter. A real find of a pub.
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The Mayflower Pub
117 Rotherhithe StOf all the Thamesside pubs, this one is the most special, the most atmospheric, the most tucked-away – and its wooden deck at the back has probably the best view of the river too. If there’s a better accompaniment to an evening pint than the sound of the river slapping away through the slats under your feet, and the lights of the City twinkling away in the distance, we’ve yet to find it. Inside is brilliant too – it dates back to 1620, with ecclesiastical wooden pews, real ales, an open fire and a friendly hubbub of chatter. A real find of a pub.
The Boot & Flogger is one of the original London wine bars and a true hidden gem. The seasonal menu focuses on classic British dishes, with best quality meats hand-carved off the bone. The wine list focuses on classics from the old world, available by the glass or bottle.
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The Bootlegger
25-26 Lime StThe Boot & Flogger is one of the original London wine bars and a true hidden gem. The seasonal menu focuses on classic British dishes, with best quality meats hand-carved off the bone. The wine list focuses on classics from the old world, available by the glass or bottle.
Spacious venue with a South American-influenced menu and colourfully lit bar for DJ and band nights.
Thomas A Becket
320 Old Kent RdSpacious venue with a South American-influenced menu and colourfully lit bar for DJ and band nights.
Quirky pub with deep red walls covered in graffiti art and prints, serving food, plus large terrace.
32 Einheimische empfehlen
Lord Nelson
243 Union StQuirky pub with deep red walls covered in graffiti art and prints, serving food, plus large terrace.
Arts & Culture
There are so many little galleries dotted around London, you’re never lacking in a place to go and challenge your artistic side - and for free! White Cube in Bermondsey has a great space, tucked away on Bermondsey Street - it’s a nice bit of quiet amongst the lively bustling of the bars and restaurants on that street. My friends and I visited over the weekend and saw the Larry Bell exhibition currently showing and I would definitely recommend it (especially the second room) - without giving too much away! Having a stroll through this wonderful city, it’s always nice to stumble upon a little gallery to give yourself a bit of thoughtful art-zen.
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White Cube Bermondsey
Bermondsey StreetThere are so many little galleries dotted around London, you’re never lacking in a place to go and challenge your artistic side - and for free! White Cube in Bermondsey has a great space, tucked away on Bermondsey Street - it’s a nice bit of quiet amongst the lively bustling of the bars and restaurants on that street. My friends and I visited over the weekend and saw the Larry Bell exhibition currently showing and I would definitely recommend it (especially the second room) - without giving too much away! Having a stroll through this wonderful city, it’s always nice to stumble upon a little gallery to give yourself a bit of thoughtful art-zen.
Founded by Zandra Rhodes in 2003, this centre for contemporary fashion, textiles and jewellery is now operated by Newham College and offers courses for creative students and businesses, as well as a programme of changing exhibitions. There's an admission charge for exhibitions, but entry to the café and shop is free, as is admiring the converted warehouse's colourful exterior. Last admission is 45 minutes before closing.
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Fashion and Textile Museum
83 Bermondsey StFounded by Zandra Rhodes in 2003, this centre for contemporary fashion, textiles and jewellery is now operated by Newham College and offers courses for creative students and businesses, as well as a programme of changing exhibitions. There's an admission charge for exhibitions, but entry to the café and shop is free, as is admiring the converted warehouse's colourful exterior. Last admission is 45 minutes before closing.
Shopping
During the summer of 2010, a quiet bubble of gastronomic intent was swelling under the railway arches in Bermondsey. This unlikely south-east London backwater quickly became a popular destination for a Saturday morning wander with a bit of grocery shopping along the way. A few years on, many new traders have got involved, the recently Ropewalk has become a full-on street market, and some of the original bunch have moved down the road to Spa Terminus. Find out about the gastronomic delights that await beneath the arches.
Ropewalk is now open 9am-4pm Sat and 11am-4pm Sun but Spa Terminus is still strictly Saturdays only (around 9am-2pm for most producers), so that’s the day to take it all in.
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Maltby Street Market
Maltby StreetDuring the summer of 2010, a quiet bubble of gastronomic intent was swelling under the railway arches in Bermondsey. This unlikely south-east London backwater quickly became a popular destination for a Saturday morning wander with a bit of grocery shopping along the way. A few years on, many new traders have got involved, the recently Ropewalk has become a full-on street market, and some of the original bunch have moved down the road to Spa Terminus. Find out about the gastronomic delights that await beneath the arches.
Ropewalk is now open 9am-4pm Sat and 11am-4pm Sun but Spa Terminus is still strictly Saturdays only (around 9am-2pm for most producers), so that’s the day to take it all in.
Sightseeing
St Anne & St Agnes Church
Gresham StreetLovely church
Parks & Nature
Paterson Park
142 Lynton RdGreat park for a game of football.
Small green park and garden with an enclosed picnic area, seating and a children's playground.
Shuttleworth Park
Anchor StreetSmall green park and garden with an enclosed picnic area, seating and a children's playground.
Entertainment & Activities
Blue Anchor Library
Market PlaceSmall public library.
A large climbing hub offering over 11,000 square feet of bouldering circuits, plus lessons.
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Arch Climbing Building One
Drummond RoadA large climbing hub offering over 11,000 square feet of bouldering circuits, plus lessons.
State-of-the-art karting track with flyover and electronic timing.
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TeamSport Go Karting Tower Bridge
Clements RoadState-of-the-art karting track with flyover and electronic timing.