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Bermondsey Arts Club
★ 4.0(1 review)Bar
art-decospeakeasylocal-crowd
About the Vibe
Housed in a lovingly restored former public toilet, the Bermondsey Arts Club brings Art Deco glamour to Tower Bridge Road. The monochrome chequered tiles, hexagonal stools, and illuminated glass ceiling create a speakeasy vibe that feels both historic and refreshingly modern. It's the kind of spot where you'll find your usual gin-based cocktails expertly mixed, with the Bermondsey Gardens being a standout local favourite. The atmosphere strikes a nice balance—busy enough to have energy but never so loud that you can't chat. Drinks hover around £9-10, which is reasonable for the quality and setting. It's perfect for a proper night out without the pretension of some of London's more polished cocktail bars. Just note that it can get packed on weekends, so if you want a table rather than perching at the bar, arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Known For
- •Bermondsey Gardens cocktail
- •Art Deco interior
- •Former public toilet conversion
- •Well-mixed cocktails £9-10
Best For
date nightgroup drinksafter-work cocktails
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 13, 2026
Art Deco charm with solid cocktails
The Bermondsey Arts Club is one of those rare spots that manages to be both genuinely cool and genuinely welcoming. The transformation from public toilet to Art Deco cocktail bar is executed with real care—you can see it in every detail, from the original white tiles to the hexagonal seating. The cocktails are where this place truly shines: the Bermondsey Gardens with its cucumber and mint notes is refreshing and perfectly balanced, and even the bourbon-based Succubus showed they're not just sticking to the safe gin route.
What I appreciate most is the atmosphere. It's dark enough to feel special but not so dim you can't see your drink. The music stays in the background, allowing actual conversation to happen. By the time we left on a Saturday night, the place was packed, which tells you everything about its reputation among locals. It's not trying to be the next big thing—it's just a really solid bar that knows what it's doing.
The only real downside is the seating situation. Tables fill up fast, and the bar stools are limited, so if you're not an early bird, expect to stand or wait. But that's a minor complaint for a venue that's managed to carve out its own identity in a neighbourhood that's seen plenty of bars come and go.