Eat & Drink
Originally published on Thursday, 14th October 2010
The Draft House
Latest in a nice line of locals comes to SE1
206-208 Tower Bridge Road, SE1 2UP - 020 7378 9995
www.drafthouse.co.uk
Location
Perhaps not the glossiest of spots but this understated newcomer is neatly positioned between bustling London Bridge and more residential Bermondsey. With a nice view of the bridge if you stick your head outside.
Vibe
The third in a small chain of award-winning quality pubs owned by Charlie McVeigh, like the others this one specialises in great beers and good, simple food served in groovy surroundings. So far not so different from the rest but these ones have a certain something that sets them apart.
Flavours
As I tend to limit my consumption of cold brews to the odd Guinness I’m probably not the best person to go into great detail about the extensive drafts and bottles on offer, but I will say that Rick Stein’s Chalky’s Bark went exceedingly well with my home-cured salmon with potato cakes and steak tartare with a tangle of perfect, handcut fries. There are also fine burgers, potted things and other modish takes on comforting classics from head chef Blair Mcann.
Décor
Tower Bridge has the same scrubbed wood and slightly retro, laidback vibe as the other Draft Houses but feels lighter and more spacious, with acid green banquettes adding a distinctive touch. Charlie has a keen eye for graphics so the vintage posters on the walls are carefully chosen, and place has an air of stylish diner about it.
Upshot
Creating proper locals serving more than just ‘okay’ food amidst a sea of characterless gastropubs is no mean feat, but McVeigh and his team have managed, so far, to pull it off with great aplomb. And the Tasting Rooms, opening soon downstairs at SE1, should prove a great success with more qualified beer drinkers.
