Bars
The 6 Best Pubs in Bermondsey
Tiled Victorian corners, river-jetty decks and a mile of railway-arch taprooms: Bermondsey drinks better than almost anywhere in south London.
In short: our top picks are The Garrison, The Woolpack and Simon the Tanner. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Bermondsey rewards a slow crawl. The stretch from Bermondsey Street up to the Rotherhithe riverside packs more genuine character into a few hundred yards than most of central London, from green-tiled gastropubs to candlelit Grade II locals. Skip the chain bars near London Bridge and walk south; the further you get from the Shard, the better the beer and the warmer the room. Come hungry on a Sunday, because the roasts here are worth the trip on their own.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Garrison | Bermondsey Street | £££ |
| The Woolpack | Bermondsey Street | ££ |
| Simon the Tanner | Bermondsey | ££ |
| The Gregorian | Bermondsey | ££ |
| Marquis of Wellington | Bermondsey | ££ |
| The Mayflower | Rotherhithe | £££ |
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Editor’s choice
The Garrison
Why we pick itGreen Victorian tiles out front, antique church-pew booths within, and a seasonal British kitchen now led by MasterChef winner Natalie Coleman.
gastropub
-
The Woolpack
Why we pick itA handsome tiled corner pub with a spiral staircase and an ivy-clad back garden dotted with little wooden huts for cold nights.
traditional pub
-
Simon the Tanner
Why we pick itA small Grade II-listed local on a quiet side street, all worn wood and low light, with proper cooking and a rotating craft tap list.
characterful local
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The Gregorian
Why we pick itA rambling mock-Tudor Antic pub by Bermondsey station, shabby-chic and roomy, at its best on a Sunday for roast beef and towering Yorkshires.
traditional boozer
-
Marquis of Wellington
Why we pick itParked among the Bermondsey Beer Mile arches on Druid Street, pouring keg and cask from local breweries alongside proper stone-baked pizzas.
craft beer pub
-
The Mayflower
Why we pick itThe jetty deck hangs right over the Thames, the low-beamed bar trades on Pilgrim Fathers lore, and it still sells US postage stamps.
historic riverside pub
Before you book
Bermondsey and London Bridge stations put you within a ten-minute walk of everything here, and the Beer Mile along Druid Street is best worked on a Saturday afternoon. Book ahead at The Garrison, and for Sunday roasts at The Gregorian; the Woolpack garden takes a dog-friendly crowd well. The Mayflower sits over in Rotherhithe, a scenic riverside stroll east along the Thames Path.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
The Garrison is our editor's choice: Green Victorian tiles out front, antique church-pew booths within, and a seasonal British kitchen now led by MasterChef winner Natalie Coleman. The Garrison, The Woolpack and Simon the Tanner lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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