Simon the Tanner, Bermondsey, SE1

This is a fairly small L-shaped one room pub with a bit of a modern cafe-bar/Habitat feel. Boarded flooring, regular seating mostly in fours, there are numerous chalkboards advertising and declaring this and that, some sort of antelope skull with antlers, a sun themed clock and a trio of photos of iconic women, Marylin Monroe, Liz Taylor and some other one. There is a piano in a recess which apparently sees some action on Wednesday evenings, a few novels and a few boardgames. No TVs or machines, little pot plants on the tables as well as clipboard menus advertising pretty regular sounding fare such as chilli and rice (£9) and fish and chips (£10.50), snacks available such as half a pork pie with pickles for £3.50. Four handpumps, seemingly a rotating policy, Adnams Sole Star, Trumans Runner and Dark Star Partridge which was in good shape. The fourth was reversed, the clip indicating a cider. Friendly on the ball staff and the barmaid/landlady politely advised us that the pub was to close shortly for a private function but that we had time for another round should we wish. A photo near the piano indicates this was once a Shepherd Neame pub but clearly free of tie nowadays. I quite liked it here despite its non-traditional feel and would happily nip back in for one if passing by.

Official site of Simon The Tanner - www.simonthetanner.co.uk

Official site of Simon The Tanner - www.simonthetanner.co.uk