Buster Mantis is the kind of unpretentious neighbourhood bar that south London does better than anywhere else. Tucked under the railway arches on Resolution Way in Deptford, it serves modern Jamaican small plates and cocktails with a casual confidence — no fuss, no pretension, just genuinely good food and drinks. The salt cod fritters alone are worth the trip, and the second arch doubles as a gallery and events space, so there's often something unexpected going on.
Unpretentious modern Jamaican food and cocktails served under Deptford's railway arches — the salt cod fritters alone justify the trip.
Check their social media before heading down — the second arch regularly hosts art exhibitions, film screenings, and music events that are worth timing your visit around.
Caribbean small plates and cocktails under the Deptford arches
Buster Mantis is one of those places that flies under the radar precisely because it's not trying to be anything more than a good neighbourhood bar with decent food. Sitting under the railway arches on Resolution Way in Deptford, it's got that slightly gritty, industrial charm that south London does so well. The menu leans Caribbean — think salt cod fritters that are genuinely worth the trip — alongside small plates that pair naturally with their cocktail list. Reviewers consistently praise the food, the drinks, and the staff in equal measure, which tells you the whole operation is solid.
What you're getting here isn't a fine-dining experience or a flashy cocktail bar. It's a lower-key local spot where you can settle in with a drink, order a few plates, and not feel rushed or judged. The Infatuation called it exactly right: cocktails with a side of salt cod fritters. Prices are reasonable for what you get, and the service is efficient and friendly without being overbearing. They also do a Sunday roast that's been voted among the best in London, and the second arch regularly hosts art exhibitions, screenings, and music events — so check what's on before you go.
If you're in the area — or looking for an excuse to explore Deptford — this is a reliable bet that won't disappoint. It's open late on weekends, there's plenty of outside seating, and the whole place has a comfortable, lived-in feel that makes you want to stay for one more drink.