Eating and Drinking in South London

Introduction

Here are some of the pubs and restaurants that I've visited in south London that I've liked.

Please note that as I no longer live in London I don't get to visit London pubs and restaurants as often as I used to. So some of the reviews may have been written a while ago. Alongside each entry I've made a note of when I last visited the pub or restaurant.

As with all the sections on my site, the views expressed here are totally my own.

Southwark/Borough

Market Porter

9 Stoney Street, SE1 9AA - 020 7407 2495
Deceptively large pub situated beneath the railway arches in Borough Market, very close to London Bridge underground and rail stations. This pub is a real magnet for real ale drinkers with its large and varied selection of well-kept beers. Food lunch times only. Gets busy but atmosphere is lively, not oppressive.

Last visited: April 2008

Royal Oak

44 Tabard Street, SE1 - 020 7357 7173
Hidden away near Borough tube station is this little gem. Spacious two-bar pub serving Harveys beers from Lewes (in fact it's the only Harveys pub in London) which are kept in fine condition. Food is served lunchtimes and evenings during the week, and during the day at weekends. All pubs should be like this.

Last visited: May 2008

Founders Arms

52 Hopton Street, SE1 - 020 7928 1899
On the river between Blackfriars Bridge and the Tate Modern sits this modern and popular Young's pub. There's plenty of outside seating by the river with a fine view across to St Pauls Cathedral and the city. Food is available at lunchtimes and in the evenings.

Last visited: January 2006

Bridge House

Tower Bridge Road, SE1 - 020 7407 5818
Situated on the southern end of Tower Bridge this pub is now run by Adnams Brewery of Southwold. I think its their only tied house in London. Anyway it's a comfortably light and airy pub selling their own range of well-kept beers. Food is available lunch times and evenings.

Last visited: December 2003

The Pommelers Rest

196-198 Tower Bridge Road, SE1
Wetherspoons pub on the south side of Tower Bridge serving the usual varied range of real ales at very reasonable prices. Food (available most of the time) follows the standard Wetherspoon menu with added specials. They are usually running a good deal for two meals on mid-week evenings.

Last visited: December 2003

Brixton

Fujiyama

7 Vining Street, SW9 - 020 7737 2369
Just off Coldharbour lane around the back of Brixton Market is this fantastic Japanese restaurant. It seems to occupy two old shops and the decor is very sparse, but the food is excellent. The menu is similar to Wagamamas but the mood is a lot more relaxed than the large noodle halls, and the food is priced reasonably. It's a good idea to book at weekends.

Last visited: 2001 (but a friend of mine visited in March 2007 as it was still good apparently)

Wandsworth

The Alma

499 Old York Road, SW18 - 020 8870 2537
Lively Youngs pub in the old part of Wandsworth. Located just opposite Wandsworth Town railway station so is popular with commuters in the evening. Has a calmer restaurant area at the back of the pub. The beer is kept well.

Last visited: Autumn 2003

Queen Adelaide

35 Putney Bridge Road, SW18 - 020 8874 1695
A medium-sized friendly locals pub just off the Wandsworth one-way system and quite close to the former site of the Young's Brewery. Food is available.

Last visited: 2002