Rotherhithe and Bermondsey Hints and Tips
/The Starling Voices South are coming to Rotherhithe this September!
Find out more about the area and all it has to offer below!
Rotherhithe
Rotherhithe has a history as a port. It was home to many shipyards from Elizabethan times until the early 20th century. It also housed working docks until the 1970s. The famous English ship The Mayflower set sail from Rotherhithe (via Plymouth) in 1620 before transporting the Pilgrims across the Atlantic to America.
The area along the river was redeveloped as housing in the 1980s through a mix of warehouse conversions and new-build developments. It is close to many vibrant and popular areas such as London Bridge, Bermondsey, Canada Water and Surrey Quays!
How to get there
The Jubilee Line arrived in the area in 1999, meaning easy access to Canary Wharf and the West End alike!
The area is accessible from three stations. Rotherhithe was rebuilt as a London Overground station, and reopened in 2010, together with Surrey Quays to the south. In between lies transport interchange Canada Water, connecting the London Overground and the Jubilee line of the London Underground. Canada Water is also host to a busy bus station, with routes passing through the area from most parts of London. There are also river boat services to explore!
Other nearby stations include Bermondsey (also on the Jubilee line), South Bermondsey railway station and London Bridge railway station.
What to do there
Soak in the historic streets and docklands with a gentle stroll around the area. You’ll also find gems like the small and quirky Brunel Museum and Surrey Docks Farm, a working city farm for all the family.
You can also take a river stroll to Bermondsey Beach and put your feet up in King’s Stairs Garden, perfect for people watching! The beautiful Southwark Park - complete with a bandstand, rose garden and boating lake - is also a stone’s throw away.
Cafes
For a great cup of coffee in the area, try the Bermondsey branch of WatchHouse. Proudly originating in a former 19th century watch house on London’s famous Bermondsey Street, WatchHouse is fuelled by a commitment to Modern Coffee: industry-leading specialty coffee, authentic homemade food, and beautifully designed spaces.
Looking for a local Italian cafe serving food all day in a relaxed environment? Try the Canada Water Cafe for delicious dining inside and out!
Theatre
Our Starling Voices South choir is based in the wonderful London Bubble Theatre. This lively and unique organisation frees people’s creative voices to foster a more connected and equal society. Check out their events and projects for a glimpse of the brilliant work they do!
Pubs
No trip to Rotherhithe would be complete without a visit to the iconic and much loved local Mayflower Pub. The oldest pub on the River Thames, the cosy interior offers the vibe of a traditional English pub complete with beautiful and historical views across the river, and the original 1620 mooring point of the Pilgrim Father’s Mayflower ship. Fun fact - they are the only pub licensed to sell US & UK postage stamps - just ask at the bar!
If you’re after some breathtaking views down the Thames to Tower Bridge, check out the Angel Pub, a Victorian building with a first floor dining room with river views.
Restaurants
The highly rated Simplicity Restaurant is worth a visit! People love the cosy atmosphere as a place to meet friends, and rave about the delicious food.
A little further afield is the popular Blacksmith’s Arms. Serving a fusion of English and Thai food, this family-run joint is worth checking out!
Other social hotspots
The Odeon Surrey Quays is a nine-screen cinema complex, ideal for catching the latest movie release with choir pals before or after rehearsal. It’s right by the Hollywood Bowl, perfect for a choir bowling social!
Sing, Have Fun and Meet New People!
We couldn’t finish a guide to Rotherhithe without mentioning the newest addition to the area - Starling Voices South! Check out the vocal group from Starling Arts, and be part of a choir with a focus on community, wellbeing and making an amazing sound! Sign up here!
What other gems are there in the Rotherhithe area? Share them below!
