There is something still so wonderfully Dickensian about Bermondsey. The old workhouses remain lined up on cobbled streets, standing to attention in memory of the borough’s history. The wharf buildings that loom over the docks are now riverside homes for city slickers looking for an easy commute and a nice view.
The Complete Neighbourhood Guide: Bermondsey
Words by
Clara Taylor
4th September 2025
Cobbled lanes and converted wharves, Bermondsey is the former industrial hub cum modern inner-city neighbourhood. With a food scene that has a little bit of everything, hidden galleries, and plenty of independent boutiques, Clara Taylor shares her insider’s guide to Bermondsey.
One of Bermondsey's Riverside Wharves.
The Giddy Grocer on Bermondsey Street.
Nestled in the back pocket of London Bridge, Bermondsey still has a distinctly neighbourhood feel to it. The former industrial hub has transformed inner-city grit into a vibrant local community, comprised of colourful streets with orange, pink, and blue-painted walls broken up by the exposed brick.
B Street Deli on Bermondsey Street.
It’s on these streets that a somewhat foodie haven has emerged. Between all the delis, eateries, and organic wine bars, chances are you’ll find something for every craving. One of London’s only authentic Burmese restaurants? Absolutely. Ramen and roti? Definitely. Everything the Med has to offer. Of course! But don’t worry, it’s not just somewhere you can get a good meal. We’ve created the ultimate neighbourhood guide, telling you where to go, what to do, and crucially, where to shop.
Where to Eat
A selection of pastries from Comptoir Gourmand.
Exploring a new place on an empty stomach is never a good idea, so before you begin mooching about, it’s best to fuel up. If it’s a morning wander, pastries and coffee are the perfect accompaniment. A personal favourite is Comptoir Gourmand, found on Bermondsey Street. It truly has the full array of baked goods – from the traditional croissants and pain au chocolats, to the more experimental like the ultra-rich crookie (think flaky croissant exterior, creamy cookie dough interior). The mini carrot cake is also a great pick, and some of the best in the city. For those not in the know, Bermondsey is the birthplace of The WatchHouse, the latest local café to franchise. Branches can now be found all over the capital and even a few across the pond in New York. Fortunately, in Bermondsey alone, there are three venues to choose from, all of which serve deliciously roasted coffee.
The bar at José, tapas bar on Bermondsey Street.
José Pizarro also calls Bermondsey Street home for part of his Iberian empire with José, his tapas bar, Pizarro, sit-down restaurant, and the latest opening Lolo, for all-day dining. At any of these three, you’ll get the best of Spanish cuisine – blistered padron peppers, oozing eggy tortilla, ribbons of jamon.
One of the dishes from Restaurant Story's tasting menu.
For something more refined, Restaurant Story is a must. With two Michelin stars under his belt, the first of which was given a mere five months after opening and when he was only 26, Tom Sellers beautifully illustrates the story of British food through an ever-evolving tasting menu. Everything is a surprise as you won’t be presented with a menu on arrival, and instead will be taken on a culinary expedition over eight courses to discover the essence of British cuisine imagined through Sellers’ lens.
The Michelin Guide has dubbed Legare as one of the top eight Italian restaurants in London, which, considering how many there are, is impressive. For me, it’s the best. Found down the cobbled streets of Shad Thames, it’s elevated yet simple Italian dining, and the pastas never, ever miss. A recent menu highlight was the cappelletti with gorgonzola, walnuts and radicchio. That salty, silky sauce mopped up beautifully by the focaccia.
Lahpet Larder, one of London's only authentically Burmese restaurants.
Other honourable mentions go to Lahpet Larder, one of London’s only authentic Burmese restaurants, which received a five-star review from The Times’ Charlotte Ivers, Hakata, a ramen bar which is so good you’ll want to dunk your face in the huge bowls, Flour & Grape, which is worth the TikTok hype if you can brave the queue, and of course, the classic Casse Croute for traditional French dining.
Where to Drink
A glass of rosé and baguette at 40 Maltby Street. ©Mia Weisberg, @daily.cravings__.
It goes without saying that all of the above establishments offer stellar drink options – even the WatchHouse’s flagship site at Tower Bridge has espresso martini and mimosas on the menu. There are, of course, other places to go where you can find an array of impressive beverages.
The railway arches marking the beginning of the Bermondsey Beer Mile.
Bermondsey is arguably best known for its beer mile – an impressive stretch of around 20 breweries and bottle shops that are packed on the weekends with young customers spilling out onto the street, craft ale in hand. The most interesting on the mile is Hiver, which specialises in honey beer, and while different, is reminiscent of a medieval mead. But if you want to avoid the hoards, there are plenty of wine bars to choose from.
The extensive wine collection at Vine. ©Ania Smoliakova.
On Bermondsey Street itself, there’s Vine where you can choose from wine (naturally), cognac, Armagnac, whisky and the occasional cigar, as well as attend pairing tasting sessions. Just a few doors down, and the best place for people watching, is Bermondsey Corner. In the warmer months, sit outside and watch the world go by with a glass of white in hand. Or if you fancy something different, a rose cider. Still on the topic of wine, 40 Maltby Street is another gem. Found at the top of Maltby Street, set back in the railway arches, it’s home to shelves upon shelves of fantastic wines from all over the world. Look out for special recommendations on the hanging blackboards behind the bar.
Chapter 72 cocktail and coffee bar on Bermondsey Street.
If you’re after something a tad stronger, Chapter 72 has extensive options for cocktails. Be it a Persian martini or a blood orange Negroni, they are all classics with a slight twist. What they are most famous for is their espresso martinis, which you can not only enjoy but also attempt to replicate in their martini masterclasses.
What to Do
Antique market stall.
With full bellies and a quenched thirst, it’s time to explore the neighbourhood. As part of one of London’s oldest and most storied boroughs, there are longstanding traditions in the area that are not to be missed. The weekly antiques market is one of these. Each Friday, traders set up shop in Bermondsey Square, offering all sorts of collectables, china, furniture, silverware, and jewellery.
Another iconic local landmark is the Fashion and Textile Museum. Founded by the eccentric and extremely talented Zandra Rhodes, the building’s bright orange and pink walls can almost be seen from across the river. Inside, there’s a rotation of exhibitions spanning everything from subversive stitching to costume couture. Alternatively, there’s the brutalist White Cube just a few hundred metres away, which has welcomed the likes of Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst.
Eames Fine Art Studio on Tanner Street.
If you’d like to take a piece of art home, there’s Eames Fine Art Gallery and Studio. Specialising in original prints and paintings by modern and contemporary artists, you can get a curated slice of Bermondsey’s creative spirit. In a few weeks they’ll be welcoming back Susie Stone and her colourful paintings and prints of stylish women. There are also many independent boutiques to browse in. Trove 167 is an Aladdin’s cave of knick-knacks, Seward & Stearn has colourful tailoring, and every weekend Vinegar Yard transforms into a vintage market for more treasure hunting. And if all of that has made you peckish again, it’s always worth having a gander round Maltby Street Market. A compact and buzzing strip of food stalls and shops, where you can get a gooey cheese toastie for the journey home.
