St James of Bermondsey, Bermondsey, SE16

Dating from the late 19th century as the St. James Tavern, the current name was applied in 2014, presumably along with the trendy grey ‘gastro’ exterior paint scheme; there’s no longer a fish van, unless it serves turbot with a beurre blanc sauce. The interior has probably changed little since the last two reviews, though the colour scheme is now one of dark grey wainscoting with battleship grey walls and a mid-grey Anaglypta ceiling, all to illumination from trendy light fixtures. There’s a modern steel bar back and Wimbledon played in silence on the TV to mixed customers, young professional in the main, older traditional locals seated at a picnic bench out front. There’s now just the one cask pump here dispensing Hammerton N1 at a very stiff £2.95 a half and decent, served by a barmaid who was a bit cunctative. This place is ok but needs a better cask lineup; as things stand it’s the best option in the immediate vicinity though.

Official site of St James of Bermondsey - www.crafted-social.co.uk

Official site of St James of Bermondsey - www.crafted-social.co.uk

Corner pub, partly opened-out to leave a 'J'-shaped bar, and refurbished in a gastro-pub style. The generally dark wood and paintwork made the advertised beer garden seem appealing, and the rear patio is a much more colourful space altogether. There are also a few wooden picnic benches out on the pavement. Three of four handpumps in use, offering Bermondsey Best from Southwark Brewery, Pride and Twickenham Naked Ladies (£4.50).