Featuring everything from the high-end eateries of The Shard to the foodie melting-pot that is Borough Market, Bermondsey is home to a wealth of drinking and dining options that suit any mood or occasion. Tanner & Co is one of a row of restaurants and bars on Bermondsey Street; a characterful hangout offering some much-needed respite from the scurrying crowds of commuters just down the road from London Bridge.
The Venue
The first thing to grab my attention here was the charming alfresco courtyard, which was glowing with fairy lights and buzzing with chit-chat despite a very noticeable chill in the air. If Tanner & Co can draw a busy crowd to their outside space on a cool April evening, it surely must be one of the hottest properties south of the river when the sun starts to shine and the jugs of Pimm's begin to flow.
Inside, there’s a curious mix to the interiors that work together to create an eclectic feel. There’s definitely a nautical influence to Tanner & Co but the overriding theme focuses on a school gymnasium; playing on a nostalgic feel with dangling ropes and pommel horse bar stools. It’s far from conventional but it somehow works, and we passed up the chance to mingle at the busy bar area on the left to make straight for our secluded, red-leathered booth. These intimate two-seaters allowed us to hold a conversation without detaching us from the buzz of the wider restaurant area; a definite winner for date night.
Tanner & Co's decor features an intriguing school-gymnasium theme.
The Food & Drinks
Priding themselves on offering an all-day menu fronting everything from a quick breakfast bite before work to a full-on dinnertime feast, Tanner & Co promise "the best ingredients, lovingly crafted into heartily comforting dishes." The dinner menu features plenty of meat, seafood and vegetarian options ranging from between £9 and £23; reasonably priced when you consider the venue's central London location.
My guest enjoyed Salmon, crab and haddock fishcakes while I indulged in the Bermondsey Pie of the Day (both £15) which, despite being slightly impractical to scoff down, was a delightfully put-together mixture of tender chicken, bacon and leek wrapped up in flaky pastry.
Ever the sweet-tooth, I couldn’t pass up the Chocolate Bread Pudding, which was beautifully presented and drizzled with caramel custard, while my date was treated to perhaps the most classic of comfort puds in the Rhubarb and Custard Crumble Tart (both £6). There's nothing flashy about the food at Tanner & Co; the restaurant keeps things nice and simple by serving hearty and familiar favourites, washed down by quality wines and a cocktail list filled with must-try concoctions.
Steak, smoked cheeseburgers, fishcakes and delectable veggie plates are served alongside the Bermondsey Pie of the Day.
The Atmosphere
We were more than half an hour early for our booking at Tanner & Co, but the attentive team here dealt with this curve ball and were wonderfully attentive and hospitable throughout. Dropping in every now and then to top our wine glasses up with a smile and some friendly conversation, this was genuinely one of the most welcoming places I’ve had the pleasure of visiting for dinner and drinks.
Bermondsey locals and after-workers were out in force on this Wednesday night - the restaurant was full to capacity - and Tanner & Co was buzzing with plenty of groups sharing some good times around larger tables while other couples enjoyed each other’s company in the intimate booths towards the back. The detached bar space also looked ideal for those sneaking in for a swift half before catching their train home.
The alfresco courtyard quickly fills up with an after-work crowd post-5pm.
Summary
Tanner & Co faces a lot of competition on the popluar Bermondsey Street, but this restaurant, bar and events space was flourishing on this visit. With fantastic service paired with an outgoing atmosphere, go for the hearty traditional plates, some bottomless brunch antics at the weekend or a few cocktails in the suntrap courtyard with summer right around the corner.
