This independently owned pub, just around the corner from Tower Bridge, is a venue created with real love and it serves up traditional pub fayre with real flair.

The Venue
The pub is decked out in crimson, with kitsch lampshades hanging overhead and bright red fairy-lights strung over the bar. The walls are crammed full of picture frames and a window at one end of the bar looks into the kitchen, allowing you to watch the team of busy chefs at work.

The Atmosphere
The Kings Arms is far enough up Tooley Street to avoid the City crowd and the over-crowding which comes with it. The pub is set-up for dining, with a mismatch of candle-lit wooden tables giving the bar a relaxed atmosphere. A variety of offers run throughout the week, allowing customers to pick-up a bargain. From Wednesday to Saturday diners can enjoy 3 courses for £13. Tuesday night is ‘Ribs, Rumps and Rhythms’ night, where ribs and rump steaks are half-price and you can bring along your iPod for the DJ to play your choice of tracks.

The Food
The first thing that strikes you about the menu is the amount of choice. Alongside the main menu there is also a grill menu (featuring half a rack of baby back ribs and 4 peri peri chicken wings for £11.95) a burger menu (with a choice of 12 burgers from £6.95-£8.95) and a chalkboard filled with the daily specials. But this is certainly not a case of quantity over quality. The starter of sautéed mushrooms on toast with garlic cream and crumbled stilton (£5.95) is rich and creamy with firm and juicy mushrooms served on crisp toast. Delightful.

Specials are changed regularly and might include pan-fried chicken breast stuffed with mozzarella wrapped in Parma ham served with new potatoes and greens (£12.95). This dish is expertly crafted: the chicken is succulent and the capers in the creamy mozzarella stuffing add an extra zing. Slow confit pork belly with pommery mustard mash, spring greens and caramelised apple (£12.95) is beautifully slow-cooked, so the meat is soft and full of flavour, though the mustard mash is over-powering. The vegetarian selection is far from an after-thought and includes sweet potato and chick-pea curry (£10.95).

Portions are generous but if you’ve still got room, the desserts (£4.95) are well worth indulging in. The apple and berry strudel with custard has a nice combination of sharp berries and rich filo pastry. Another good option is the homemade chocolate brownie with vanilla ice-cream - a luxurious slab of indulgence.

The Drink
The choice on offer on the food menu is mirrored by the choice of drinks available. Ales include Royal London (£3.30), Green King IPA and Ruddles. Lagers include Becks (£3.35), Budvar, Fosters, Kronenburg, San Miguel and Leffe. A short but reasonably priced wine menu includes a Sauvignon Blanc for £16 and a Merlot for £16.50.

The Last Word
Everything about this pub shows that a lot of love and care has gone in to its creation. The food is excellent and served in generous portions for good prices. If you’re looking for a great meal in stylish surroundings, a walk up Tooley Street to the Kings Arms is well worth it.

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