Guidebook for Greater London

James
Guidebook for Greater London

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 locals recommend
José
104 Bermondsey St
160 locals recommend
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.
Funky pub with designer light shades, funky artworks, modern seats and a seasonal British menu.
61 locals recommend
The Yellow House
126 Lower Road
61 locals recommend
Funky 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.
57 locals recommend
Antico Restaurant
214 Bermondsey Street
57 locals recommend
Italian 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 St
Light 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.
85 locals recommend
Casse-Croûte
109 Bermondsey St
85 locals recommend
Diminutive 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.
92 locals recommend
The Woolpack
98 Bermondsey St
92 locals recommend
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.
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.
200 locals recommend
The Mayflower Pub
117 Rotherhithe St
200 locals recommend
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.
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.
36 locals recommend
The Bootlegger
25-26 Lime St
36 locals recommend
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.
Spacious venue with a South American-influenced menu and colourfully lit bar for DJ and band nights.
Thomas A Becket
320 Old Kent Rd
Spacious 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 locals recommend
Lord Nelson
243 Union St
32 locals recommend
Quirky 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.
234 locals recommend
White Cube Bermondsey
Bermondsey Street
234 locals recommend
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.
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.
89 locals recommend
Fashion and Textile Museum
83 Bermondsey St
89 locals recommend
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.

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.
292 locals recommend
Maltby Street Market
Maltby Street
292 locals recommend
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.

Sightseeing

St Anne & St Agnes Church
Gresham Street
Lovely church

Parks & Nature

Great park for a game of football.
Paterson Park
142 Lynton Rd
Great 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 Street
Small green park and garden with an enclosed picnic area, seating and a children's playground.

Entertainment & Activities

Small public library.
Blue Anchor Library
Market Place
Small public library.
A large climbing hub offering over 11,000 square feet of bouldering circuits, plus lessons.
19 locals recommend
Arch Climbing Building One
Drummond Road
19 locals recommend
A 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.
33 locals recommend
TeamSport Go Karting Tower Bridge
Clements Road
33 locals recommend
State-of-the-art karting track with flyover and electronic timing.