Skinkers is a traditional London bar, serving hearty fare and a wide range of beverages.

The Venue
For those who don’t know, a skinker means “one who pours liquor” and this popular bar falling under the Davy’s brand certainly lives up to its name. From the minute you walk into the bar, you’re surrounded by a smattering of various wine, beer and spirit bottles, displaying the vast selection of drinks on offer.

The bar is larger than it first appears and you’re greeted by a warmly-lit room, with a large bar running down one side, and a dining area at the back. In an area steeped with history, Skinkers décor fits in perfectly, and it almost feels like you’re stepping back in time to a Victorian ale house – until you see everyone on their mobile phones.

The Atmosphere
Skinkers is very popular for workers in the surrounding area, so expect to see all kinds of people drinking in there - from suited and booted office managers discussing the day’s events to young couples meeting up for a bite to eat before heading home. The atmosphere is bustling and busy with people chatting animatedly to each other and there’s the odd roar of laughter in the air. The trains running through London Bridge rumble in the background – but this is never noisy enough to wobble your wine glass.

The dining room has been cordoned off from the main bar area, although there’s just a wooden partition separating them, so the hubbub of the bar can still be heard. This seems to please most people who come to Skinkers for a decent meal in the surroundings of a good pub. But if you do fancy a quieter dinner, don’t worry – there’s a couple of separate areas perfect for that romantic meal, or a client lunch.

The Food
Skinkers offers a thoroughly British menu with tantalising starters such as mussels in white wine, parsley and chilli (£6.95). Without a doubt, the forte of the menu is the 28-day aged rib-eye steak, bought from an award-winning local butcher. This prime slab of meat comes served with French fries and salad and costs £19.95. If you have room after all that, try the British cheeseboard a go: choose from a selection of six cheeses – two for £5.75 or three for £6.95. These delicious morsels come with a selection of crackers, chutneys and grapes. The food here really is wholesome and hearty fare – dieters beware!

The Drink
Once again, Skinkers is at the top of its game when it comes to its drink selection. An extensive wine list is on offer with the light and fruity Davy’s Number 1 red house wine costing £17.25 per bottle, £3.20 a small glass, or £4.60 for a large.

There’s just as much choice for the beer drinkers – Davy’s Ordinary bitter costs £3.65 a pint, and the Davy’s Old Wallop costs £3.65. Both the ales are served in a silver tankard – they're worth ordering for that reason alone.

The Last Word
Skinkers is a great bar for food or drink – it celebrates the best of British.

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