Cool, fashionable neighbourhoods? London’s stuffed with them, and also you’ll be exhausting pressed to search out one you didn’t like. However past Bristol, Shoreditch, and Chelsea, and Mayfair, there’s one which’s quick drawing the hip, artsy crowd too – Bermondsey.
As soon as a derelict slum earlier than an industrial growth bolstered its standing as as a hub for leather-based tannings and flour milling, the outdated waterside precinct – which fronts the River Thames close to Tower Bridge in South London’s Southwark – continues to deliver the relics of that period to the a whole bunch of hundreds who wander via as we speak. The previous factories and warehouses that sit amongst Victorian architecture now home fashionable studios and co-working areas, whereas the riverside wharves – recognisable by their sturdy wood beams and blackened bricks – have been reworked into stylish loft flats that boast coveted views of the well-known river.
Stroll via and also you’ll discover extra hipster-approved gastro-pubs, curbside cafes, antique markets, and unbiased boutiques. It’s a gentrifying neighbourhood, in any case, however not like those which have misplaced its spark from this “revitalisation”, Bermondsey simply appears to maintain getting higher. So promising is that this a part of city, that even the Londoners are transferring there in droves, galvanising builders like Barratt London – which specialises in city regeneration tasks – to launch Bermondsey Heights, which can mix the town’s thriving buzz with heritage and trendy residing.
When you’re able to expand your horizons in London (and have a special love for craft beers), learn on for our information to Bermondsey, one of many metropolis’s coolest neighbourhoods as we speak.
Learn how to get there
The easiest way to get to Bermondsey is by rail and its prime location makes this a breeze. There are a number of stations within the space, together with Bermondsey Underground – which is on the Jubilee Line – and South Bermondsey railway station, which offers companies to London Bridge station in only one cease. There may be additionally the New Bermondsey Overground, which is being constructed and can sit on the East London Line to supply additional connections across the space.
What to do
Bermondsey Road has an abundance of eating places, outlets, galleries, and cafes that warrants a day journey there by itself. One of many coolest art galleries there – and in the entire metropolis, for that matter – is White Dice Bermondsey, a global gallery that additionally calls Palm Seaside, Paris, and even Hong Kong house. Its contemporary art exhibitions are a must-visit whether or not you’re an aficionado or simply merely need to stew in Bermondsey’s artsy vibe.
You should definitely additionally head over to the Vogue & Textile Museum, the one museum within the UK that’s devoted to showcasing up to date style and textile design. The pink-and-orange inventive hub homes a textile studio and printing workshop alongside exhibitions which are devoted to visionaries like Andy Warhol and Kaffe Fassett.
For outside lovers, go to Bermondsey’s Southward Park, which covers a whopping 63-acres and options every thing from boating on a lake to sports activities services. You’ll be able to even get pleasure from a espresso on the Southwark Park Pavilion Cafe, which overlooks the water, earlier than heading to the wildlife backyard.
The fashionable neighbourhood can also be a brief distance from many different thrilling locations in Southwark, together with Tower Bridge, the Shard, and Borough Market, the latter being probably the greatest locations within the metropolis to seize a chew at.
The place to eat and drink
Which brings us to the best dining spots and watering holes right here. Now one of many capital’s most promising areas for small-scale culinary companies, you’ll discover that the realm is a Jack of all trades, and grasp of all of them. Right here, Jensen’s Gin preserves Bermondsey’s legacy as ‘London’s Larder’ by changing a railway arch right into a gin distillery, the place you’ll be capable of savour the spirit with trains nonetheless thundering overhead.
Microbreweries have additionally taken benefit of those large railway arch areas to create top-notch craft beer right here, giving the realm the legendary Bermondsey Beer Mile monicker. Cease by the likes of Brew By Numbers, Partizan Brewing, and Anspach & Hobday, and hang around with a few of London’s brightest beersmiths over a pint or two.
The old-school arches would possibly trace at centuries previous, however the eating scene right here is means forward of its time. The Garrison serves elevated gastro-pub fare with high quality seasonal produce inside its charming classic house, and is well-liked for its buzzy but relaxed ambiance.
José Tapas Bar is aware of a factor or two about cooking up a scrumptious Spanish feast, whereas Flour & Grape serves up elegant plates of contemporary, handcrafted pasta – the proper precursor to your cocktail adventures at its hidden gin bar, Two One 4, beneath. Nine Lives (not a cat themed bar) is kind of actually a hidden gem. The subterranean cocktail bar is impressed by a tropical oasis, and serves up scrumptious cocktails and implausible Southern Californian grub amidst jungle palms, hanging palms, and bamboo lanterns.
Chasing that caffeine buzz? Head over to trendy espresso purveyors WatchHouse., the place you’ll be capable of get pleasure from a quiet espresso, or take some beans to go.
(Essential and featured picture credit score: Alexander Spatari/Getty Pictures)
This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Singapore
Recent Comments