Perfectly situated at the head of Borough Market, this fine pub’s location has now been supplemented by improved cuisine and a seemingly endless range of draught beers.

The Venue
One of Borough’s most popular institutions, the Southwark Tavern is at the heart of the action in this part of the world and the slew of people scattered outside its doors will tell you you’ve arrived.

Built around a corner spot on Southwark Street, the odd shape within allows little room for standing, with a mixture of furniture filling out the space. High stools surround the counters and salvaged sofas provide the style and comfort.

Below the wooden panelled upper floor, and its large rectangular bar, are the vaults. However, the cellar is where the pub’s inimitable charm really sucks you in, and you’re able to unburden yourself within the cubby-holes that line this cave of wonders. The candlelit booths are the perfect place for intimate encounters and lost evenings.

The Atmosphere
A busy pub on most nights, the levels become rampant at the weekend.

The tight confines of the top bar make for a heated crush that means heading below is the better option, although the booths get snapped up quickly. During summer you might think the market runs into the evenings given the sheer amount of people drinking on the pavement along Stoney Street, and the buzz here is almost an attraction worth coming for itself.

Tuesday is quiz night and entertainment on other nights seems to revolve around loud music played to keep up with the lively crowd.

The Food
The Southwark Tavern has moved on from the ubiquitous pub food of the past and now serves up a pretty diverse menu. Although you can still find the traditional beer-battered cod and chips, sausage and mash and burgers, there are more interesting dishes like the grilled mackerel fillets with beetroot and potato salad (£9.50), or mushroom, spinach and chestnut risotto (£9.50). There are also simpler snacks and starters plus a range of gourmet sandwiches, each around £6.50. There is also a roast on Sundays that’s advertised alongside a rehabilitating Bloody Mary.

The Drink
The range of spirits that sit behind the bar is larger than most, including eleven whiskies and eight rums, apparently. Wine is good value for such a popular pub, with a bottle of the house at £13, and a range that includes twelve of each colour.

The draught selection is its most valuable asset, with around 20 different lagers and ales on the pumps. These include Becks (£3.35) at the bottom of the range and Sierra Nevada (£4.25) at the top. Others worth mentioning are Brooklyn Lager, Kirin, Peroni and Meantime Pale Ale.

The Last Word
The Southwark Tavern has everything you need for an intimate night out or a more debauched affair. And once the weather permits, the buzz out front is almost worth the trip alone.

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