I would have liked to give this bar zero but the site won't let me. The service was terrible, the cocktails were awful. Badly mixed, no choice and very little alcohol in them. After booking and being told it was 2 for 1 cocktails between 5 and 7, we were told the offer was void 'because it was Christmas'. We tried to order a drink at 10.30pm but were told the bar was closed because obviously the bar staff wanted to go home. Rubbish rubbish rubbish. Don't ever go here!

Great cocktails and tasty mixed style food, although the menu had changed since the last time we went and I was afraid the value wont be as good as it used to be. I had the gourmet burger, which looked a little small when it arrived, but turned out to be a perfect portion and I hardly could finish the fries that came with it. The bar downstairs is quite loud, but that's to be expected on a busy Friday night!

I used the Southwark Rooms for a charity quiz that I organised in March 2010. They kindly offered me the Basement Bar for free as it was for a good cause. I filled up the space with 60+ guests. Staff were friendly, welcoming and helpful. We had full use of the plasma screen and mic / sound-system. The food was absolutely delicious too. Particularly the chunky chips and good value too (a platter with a choice of three dishes was £11.80). Would definitely visit again both from an event point of view, or just for drinks if I'm ever in the area!

We recently had a party here and we cannot recommend it enough. From start to finish the arranging was really easy, and the bar gave us recommendations of DJs which was really helpful.. On the night the bar staff, DJ and security were all great. The cocktails are brilliant, but very potent so we restricted these to one per person (to avoid people getting too drunk!) at the beginning of the night, the bar gave a coupon to people on arrival and the bar took this from them, and they were more than happy to do this.
The nibbles were great and all our guests commented on how good the venue was and I will definately be recommending this to others.

I recently arranged to meet a group of friends in london and as they were coming from all parts, we decided to meet somewhere central. One of my lot had drunk in the 'Rooms' before and recommended it. We followed his advice and were glad that we did. Great food, friendly staff, and an intoxicating atmosphere in more ways than one!!. Well done

Booked dinner for 8 ladies, for birthday celebration, had a couple of cocktails in the cocktail lounge first, very stylish! Had a great meal, not too expensive, food superb, atmosphere relaxed but funky. Staff very obliging. Would definately recommend The Southwark Rooms for a casual drink or a celebration.

I strongly disagree with the previous review below. I have lived and worked on Great Guildford Street for almost 10 years, a stone throw away from the Southwark Rooms, and have been a customer to the last 3 landlords. Originaly it was the Shakespeare and that was a shambles of a place, more worthy of the previous review. Then Will and Jeff took over and made a huge improvement on the venue, changing it into a bar with amazing cocktails and food and redecorated the place. I haven't met the new landlord but he has upgraded the toilets, which was well overdue and redecorated the basement I think.

All the staff have been working at the venue for some time now, who in my opinion are a lovely bunch. Great Tapas style food, very helpful and you still won't get a better G & T or cocktail in se1, I would go as far as say the Wets End. Also lets face it, where else do you go in se1? If you want a pint of Ale go and see Michael in the Lord Clyde on Clenham Street, Veronica in The White Hart on Great Suffolk Street or the Market Porter in Borough Market. Otherwise Southwark Rooms is the best venue in se1 hands down. Thats my tupence, have a good weekend! Ozwald

I recently went for lunch and had a party at the Southwark Rooms. My lunch was great, it had a warm atmosphere on a winter's day and stayed most of the afternoon without a problem or being rushed by the staff who were friendly and accommodating. I highly recommend the fish and chips! As a result I booked my Birthday party in the Cocktail lounge downstairs, I had everything including food and a dj sorted for me without hassle.

All of my friends and I had a wicked time with a a great atmosphere, we all said we would definitely be going back.

I am the new owner of the Southwark Rooms and we are making improvements every day.

We are still open for business and so far we have redecorated our cocktail lounge, are in the process of refurbishing the toilets, upgraded our web site, improved our champagne and cocktail menus and are offering daily “Borough Market” specials.

We still have lots to do but we are getting there and making good progress. Please pop in and let us know your thoughts.

Southwark Rooms has got a winebar upstairs and a loungebar downstairs. They are both nice and modern with a good mix of people. The atmosphere is buzzy and laid back. The wine bar at Southwark Rooms is a good place to meet your friends and sample some of their good wine. Lots to choose from by the glass.