Suddenly, it’s all about Bermondsey. After plodding along as a perfectly nice neighbourhood hub for years, with a couple of decent bars and a handful of resident art/design mavericks, Bermondsey Street has become a brilliant weekend destination for art-lovers and gourmands. Go now before it’s overrun.
Jose
104 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3UB (www.josepizarro.com)
Following the arrival of hotly reviewed Italian restaurant Zucca in 2010, José Pizarro really upped the ante, first opening José, among the best sherry and tapas joints in the capital and recently Pizarro.
White Cube Bermondsey
144–152 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3TQ (020 7930 5373; www.whitecube.com)
Right now, it’s the art-gallery invasion that’s really setting the place alight, offering up a meaningful challenge to East London’s art-dealing hegemony. On top of the recent relocation of insider favourite the Drawing Room to an off-the-beaten-track site in south Bermondsey, art-world behemoth White Cube has opened a phenomenal new space designed by Casper Mueller Kneer Architects.
Cave
210 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3TQ (020 0011 4701; www.cavelondon.com)
A gem-like shop, with its chic flowers, hand-picked wine selection and elite chocolate.
Pure & Applied
169 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3UW (020 7234 0123; www.pureandapplied.co.uk)
The wonderful treasure trove that is Pure & Applied, a properly old-school London business that offers a brilliant selection of antique and contemporary picture frames from just £15. It’s exactly this seamless blend of old and new that has Bermondsey Street buzzing.
The Garrison
99 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XB (020 7089 9355; www.thegarrison.co.uk)
These newcomers have energised the scene which was kickstarted by the Garrison and Village East bistrots. A brunch staple for local residents.
Pizarro
194 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3TQ (www.josepizarro.com)
