Simon the Tanner, Bermondsey, SE1

Unassuming (Georgian?) mid-terrace with a sign and frontage that reminded me a little of Sheps branding (and reading below I see that it once was an SN outlet). It’s a fairly plain L-shaped bar, painted in a light battleship grey with darker trim. Dark laminate flooring. Not too much décor, just a couple of mounted antlers, some pump clips and an upright piano (oddly located behind a shallow arch) in the main bar. The rear area is more set for dining and looks a little more inviting with quarter length wood panelling and a sun-themed clock. A wall-mounted was TV switched off. Five pumps, three ales (W&E Kohinoor, Adnams Ghost Ship and Fusilier Hop Stuff). I tried the Hop Stuff which was warm and a little below-par. Not to be put off I also had a half of Kohinoor which was worse, a real disappointment as I know how splendid a beer this is as I spend plenty of time drinking it in Reading. Also a cider (Lilleys Crazy Goat) and a small craft keg selection. Special mention of the barmaid, who was very friendly. Disappointing, I doubt I’d return; quite how this one got into the 2014 GBG is a mystery to me. I read somewhere else that this place is the sister pub of the Queens Head on Greys Inn Road which surprises me even more.

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