Continuing from the previous post, we didn’t realize that Borough Market was closed so we ended up coming here instead. Would it be worth it?

The ambience was certainly nothing to complain about. Brick walls, tucked away rooms under the staircase, warm lighting and rough wooden tables made you feel as if a dwarf or ten might come in at any moment. They also carried Kopparberg’s Elderflower and Lime, which I haven’t been able to find anywhere else yet.

Our food took a while, but we might have just been impatient because we were hungry. When the food finally came we were relieved – our wait had not be in vain. Jack worked his way steadily through a steaming Sunday roast (Norfolk pork with crackling, £12.50) with plenty of gravy, kale, roast potatoes and of course a fluffy Yorkshire pudding. The beef was well cooked and the gravy oh-so-flavourful.

I ordered wild salmon cakes (£10.50) and they came sizzling hot and crispy, along with some delicious potatoes (which I was loathe to share), lightly flavoured coleslaw and a delicious lemon crème fraiche. Initially I was afraid that the plate would not be enough but I found myself sharing more and more as even one cake proved to be plenty. The roast potatoes were mostly mine though.

We ended off our meal with a cheese board (£7), which came with oaten biscuits, caramelized onions, celery, Cornish brie, Taw Valley cheddar and an exceptionally strong blue cheese (Cropwell Bishop Stilton). Whew! The onions alone were already a treat, as were the oaten biscuits. Combined together the tastes presented were balanced and satisfying. This cheese board was plenty for the three of us and Auntie L ended up taking some cheese home for a snack.

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The Southwark Tavern
22 Southwark Street, Borough Market
London SE1 1TU
+44 20 7403 0257

Pros: Delicious food and atmosphere make this place a must-go for the traveler who wants to experience a traditional pub in central London.

Cons: Food and drink prices do run a little steep here, especially when Borough Market is so near, but there is location to consider. Wait times can certainly be improved.

All in all, The Southwark Tavern ended up being a delicious pub and experience for all of us. I would order those fishcakes again in a heartbeat.