The Southwark (Su-thark, not South-wark) Tavern and The Market Porter are two pubs that are near and dear to me. Mainly because I like what they offer and they used to be regular haunts for me when I lived in Southeastern London (Lewisham). I began frequenting these pubs because they are adjacent London Bridge, which is a main transportation hub on the South Bank (rail, buses and Tube). Therefore, if you go to London, these two will be quite easily reached from the central part of the city.
After arriving from Lithuania via Helsinki, I knew that time was tight. Immigration always takes longer when a flight from some two-bit country lands right near your time slot. This was the case, and it took me an hour to get through it. I literally had no time as I was supposed to meet my friend Darryl for dinner at 6pm. RUN!
After I cut clear across the city and got back down to London Bridge, it was twenty-five to six. Not too bad, apparently it took Darryl longer as well and he'd only been sitting for about five minutes. I like the Southwark because it's got a great wine list (from Mendoza, OZ, NZ, France, and not many/ if any USA?), and usually some rare beers that you don't usually see in London. For instance, on this occasion, Brooklyn Lager was offered. Do you know how much I would have killed for one of them when I lived in London? Believe me... I would have.
The pub is split into an upstairs, when the bar is and dungeon-like basement area that makes you feel like your in one of the oldest cities in the World (you are!). There are tables upstairs and downstairs. Darryl chose what I think was the hottest damn part of the pub to sit in... I think we were directly over the kitchen. I would have chose one of the outside tables (on the sidewalk), but because it was a nice day, they were full up.
Also joining us were Aisling and Justin, who were running late for some reason. You can never depend on London Tranport, it's so old and it breaks down all of the time. So, Darryl and I ordered some drinks. I had a cider (see a trend here) and he had a Früli, a strawberry beer from Belgium-- they're very tasty in short doses. I always chose cider whilst in England because it's so far superior to our crappy domestic ones. I wish someone would import them. However, this pub also has real ales (think cask aged, served cool, not cold).
When the guys finally joined us, Darryl and I were chomping at the bit to order. The Southwark is also a gastropub, but one that I can vouch for personally. Aisling had eaten already, but Justin hadn't. Darryl ordered his usual West Country beef burger, which was topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato and served with chips (fries). Justin and I both wanted the fried haddock with mushy minted peas and chips (served with homemade tartare sauce). However, we were told that only one portion was available (meaning it's fresh, yay!). Justin bowed to my plea that I hadn't yet had it during my visit and that I'd really like the fish (he's a good man, let me tell ya!). He instead ordered Gloucester Old Spot (a type of pig) bangers and crushed pea mash, served with red onion gravy.
We all chatted and talked (e.g. drank) the time way until our food was served. The service came in a timely manner considering how busy the pub was.
Darryl's burger came and was nicely presented with parchment around the actual burger and the chips were run of the mill, but good. He stated that he always enjoyed the burgers here, I can see why! Justin's order of bangers and mash looked delicious, the gravy was obviously homemade with chunks of onion left in it. He also enjoyed his meal and remarked that the combination of mashed potato with the peas was really nice. I think I'll be incorporating that into my recipes at home! My fish and chips dish was just what I needed. A foot long chunk of fresh haddock fried golden brown in beer batter. The minted mushy (marrowfat) peas were an assault on my senses a new twist on an old favorite. Another tip I will be taking with me. The tartare sauce was homemade and also nice. The chips, like I said before, were standard, yet good. We all enjoyed each meal, which is why I always try to visit the Southwark when I visit London (it also brings back old memories).
The menus from the Alwyne and Southwark are almost identical (at a closer look on each respectful website, it appears they have the same owner). However, the quality food at the Southwark is far superior and as time has told, it hasn't changed at all since the day I left. If you're in the area, stop by and have a pint and some dinner. It's a great dependable pub that never lets you down. Also, my next post, will incorporate some things to see around the area as well (so why not make a day of it?). The Market Porter will have it's own post, if you're wondering why I didn't write about it.
The Southwark Tavern
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