Cool, stylish neighborhoods? London’s filled with them, and also you’ll be exhausting pressed to seek out one you didn’t like. However, past Bristol, Shoreditch, Chelsea, and Mayfair, there’s one that’s quickly drawing the hip, artsy crowd too – Bermondsey.
As soon as a derelict slum earlier than an industrial growth bolstered its standing as a hub for leather-based tannings and flour milling, the previous waterside precinct – which fronts the River Thames close to Tower Bridge in South London’s Southwark – continues to convey the relics of that period to the whole lot of 1000’s who wander by way of at present. The previous factories and warehouses that sit amongst Victorian architecture are now home to stylish studios and co-working areas, whereas the riverside wharves – recognizable 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 by way of and also you’ll discover extra hipster-approved gastro-pubs, curbside cafes, antique markets, and unbiased boutiques. It’s a gentrifying neighborhood, in spite of everything, however, in contrast to those who have misplaced its spark from this “revitalization”, Bermondsey simply appears to maintain getting higher. So promising is that this a part of the city, that even the Londoners are shifting there in droves, galvanizing builders like Barratt London – which specializes in city regeneration tasks – to launch Bermondsey Heights, which can mix the town’s thriving buzz with heritage and trendy dwelling.
For those who’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 neighborhoods at present.
The best way to get there
One of the best ways 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 supplies companies to London Bridge station in only one cease. There’s additionally the New Bermondsey Overground, which is being constructed and can sit on the East London Line to offer additional connections across the space.
What to do
Bermondsey Avenue has an abundance of eating places, outlets, galleries, and cafes that warrants a day’s 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 dwellings. 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.
Be sure you additionally head over to the Style & Textile Museum, the one museum within the UK that’s devoted to showcasing up-to-date vogue and textile design. The pink-and-orange inventive hub homes a textile studio and printing workshop alongside exhibitions that are devoted to visionaries like Andy Warhol and Kaffe Fassett.
For outdoors lovers, go to Bermondsey’s Southward Park, which covers a whopping 63 acres and options for everything from boating on a lake to sports activities amenities. You may even get pleasure from espresso at the Southwark Park Pavilion Cafe, which overlooks the water, earlier than heading to the wildlife backyard.
The stylish neighborhood 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 top-of-the-line locations within the metropolis to seize a chunk at.
The place to eat and drink
This 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 a 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 savoring the spirit with trains nonetheless thundering overhead.
Microbreweries have additionally taken benefit of those huge railway arch areas to create top-notch craft beer right here, giving the realm the legendary Bermondsey Beer Mile moniker. 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 may trace to centuries previously, however the eating scene right here is method forward of its time. The Garrison serves elevated gastro-pub fare with high-quality seasonal produce inside its charming classic house and is fashionable 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 recent, handcrafted pasta – the proper precursor to your cocktail adventures at its hidden gin bar, Two One 4, under. Nine Lives (not a cat-themed bar) is sort of actually a hidden gem. The subterranean cocktail bar is impressed by a tropical oasis and serves up scrumptious cocktails and incredible Southern Californian grub amidst jungle palms, hanging palms, and bamboo lanterns.
Chasing that caffeine buzz? Head over to trendy espresso purveyors WatchHouse., the place where you’ll be capable of getting pleasure from a quiet espresso or taking some beans to go.
(Foremost and featured picture credit score: Alexander Spatari/Getty Pictures)
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