Southwark Tavern

Words by Simon Difford

Address: 22 Southwark Street, Borough, London, SE1 1TU, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7403 0257
Website: view Southwark Tavern’s website
Door: Open door
Style: Pub (traditional British pub)
Food: Set menu
Established: 1900

Review

The Southwark Tavern's beige tilled and leaded light Victorian frontage has a somewhat staid appearance. Inside, the oak panel walled 1930s interior is also restrained traditional pub. However, the drink's offering is cutting edge and the clientele, young and exuberant.

Part of Mitchells & Butlers' Metro Professional pub chain, it occupies an enviable position on the corner of Stoney Street, the western artery of Bourough Market. So on market days, especially Friday and Saturday, you'll find it rammed with young professionals with drinkers spilling out onto the street.

Mismatched old chairs and tables encircle the ground floor bar with chalkboards advertising a decent drinks offering with top shelf spirits, 5 cask ales, a wide range of international lagers - both draught and bottled, a reasonable wine list with Bloody Marys and mulled wine to boot. A British gastro pub food menu offers the likes of salt & pepper squid, pork & chorizo burgers and salmon fish cakes.

A curvy wrought iron staircase leads down to the Debtor's cellar bar where five cosy secluded brick lined coal hole "cells" run-around a small semi-circular room. Nab one of these early evening with a group of mates and you're set for the night.