Things to do in Bermondsey: art and food from Maltby Street Market to the White Cube
Bermondsey is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in London. It’s food scene is impeccable, and there are several top notch art galleries on Bermondsey Street well worth a visit. A day out in this area is one of my favourite ways to spend a Saturday, so here’s my guide to the best things to do in Bermondsey.
About Bermondsey
Whilst home to big landmarks like Tower Bridge and Borough Market, Bermondsey is special because of all the hidden gems that the average visitor passes by. For me personally, the area is exciting because of the intersection between art and food, from Maltby Street Market to the White Cube gallery.
Bermondsey was once an industrial area known for leather and tanning, so the architecture has a Victorian-industrial feel and many of the markets and shops I recommend are in the railway arches.
I usually head to Bermondsey because there are exhibitions I’m keen to see, and I make a point of eating as much as I can on the way. And there is A LOT to eat on the way. My suggestion would be to go with a group of people, and sample lots of things in small bites, especially if visiting on a market day.
Don’t miss the map at the end of the post for a visual area guide to Bermondsey through my favourite specific locations.
In addition to spending a day here, Bermondsey is also an area I’d recommend staying in if you’re visiting London. Check out my guide on where to stay in London.
Where to stay in Bermondsey and Borough
A few suggestions at varying price ranges:
Mason & Fifth, Bermondsey: super charming and aesthetic studio apartments.
Bermonds Locke, Tower Bridge: more lovely and light-filled apartments.
Residence Inn by Marriott London Bridge: simple and straightforward. There is another Marriott just a stone’s throw away as well.
The LaLit London: cosy, characterful, in the heart of the action.
Foodie spots in Bermondsey
Spa Terminus food market
Located near Maltby Street Market, Spa Terminus is a collection of independent food and drink producers based in the railway arches. Open Saturdays, it’s where you’ll find everything from artisanal bread to craft beer. Many producers are wholesale suppliers during the week but open their doors to the public at the weekend.
Some highlights:
The Ham and Cheese Company – artisanal cured meats made using traditional methods.
Little Bread Pedlar – superb sourdough bread, long‑fermented with organic flour.
Mons Cheesemongers – French and British cheeses, plus charcuterie.
The Kernel Brewery – one of London’s best‑loved breweries, producing hop‑forward beers in small batches.
Neal’s Yard Dairy – the Bermondsey outpost of London’s famous cheesemonger.
Flor Bakery has closed, but its founder Helen Evans has since opened Eric’s in Dulwich if you want to follow her work.
Maltby Street Market
Now, I don’t know if we can call Maltby St. Market a ‘hidden gem’ per se, but it is definitely secondary to the tourist’s main agenda (Borough Market) so filled with a more clued-in crowd. It’s tucked away under the railway arches and features a range of artisanal food stalls. Visitors can sample everything from fresh oysters to gourmet burgers, and can wash it all down with craft beers or artisanal cocktails.
Maltby Street Market is small but mighty. I love wandering down here and having a peek in all the homewares and design shops, punctuated with tasty bites from the range of food vendors. The food market runs on Saturdays and Sundays, but the shops and restaurants in the arches are open throughout the week.
Highlights include:
La Pepia – rainbow arepas with a signature “cheese blanket.”
Duck Frites – duck confit, duck arancini, and duck + frites (a personal favourite).
Gyoza Guys – handmade dumplings, great to share.
Moon Cheese Toasties – over‑the‑top grilled cheese sandwiches.
The Beefsteaks – steak baguettes and triple‑cooked chips.
Shops on the Ropewalk
Even when the market isn’t on, Maltby Street’s Ropewalk has a number of permanent shops and cafés tucked into the arches. It’s worth stopping by for a slower browse mid‑week.
Igloo Flowers – colourful seasonal arrangements spilling out of the arch.
Watch House Coffee – one of the best‑looking cafés in the area with great coffee.
Provision Store – artsy homewares and gifts.
St John Bakery – my favourite donut in London. It beats out Bread Ahead by a mile, in my controversial opinion!
The Bermondsey Beer Mile
While it’s not really my thing, the Bermondsey Beer Mile is one of the most popular activities in the area. Stretching along the railway arches between London Bridge and South Bermondsey, it’s a collection of breweries and taprooms where you can sample craft beer directly from the source. Many people make a day of it by walking between stops like The Kernel, Fourpure, Brew by Numbers, and Southwark Brewing. If you’re into craft beer, it’s worth considering, especially on a sunny weekend.
Wandering Bermondsey Street
Bermondsey Street is one of the most wonderful streets in London. From top to bottom it is home to dozens of amazing shops, restaurants, bakeries, cafes and art galleries. The vibes are impeccable here, so it’s well worth spending a bit of time exploring. It has a lively, community feel and Bermondsey Square in the middle of the street even hosts summer Sunday jazz. As you walk down the street there are plenty of places to look out for, from food stops to design shops. A few of my favourite food stops:
Giddy Grocer – produce, cheese, wine, and coffee in a stylish corner shop.
Flour & Grape – handmade pasta and Italian wines.
Comptoir Gourmand – French pastries and cakes.
José – an ever‑popular tapas bar.
Fuckoffee – irreverent name, good coffee.
Art & Culture in Bermondsey
Bermondsey has become an arts hub, and that’s one of the main reasons I was drawn to it as an area. There is a lot to see here, and the programme of exhibitions and events is continually changing, which keeps the neighbourhood feeling vibrant. There are several galleries on Bermondsey Street, and a few more on the edges of the neighbourhood.
White Cube Mason’s Yard
The White Cube’s outpost in Bermondsey is astoundingly cavernous, and does what it says on the tin: provides a blank canvas for contemporary art. Exhibitions are frequently changing, so there is always something new and interesting to see. Recent highlights have included Julie Mehretu and Sara Flores – so check what’s on before you go.
Exhibitions here are comprehensive and museum-quality, but free for visitors, offering an accessible insight into the contemporary art world. The space itself is worth a look, with huge galleries and polished concrete floors.
Fashion and Textile Museum
The Fashion and Textile Museum was founded in 2003 by fashion designer Zandra Rhodes and has since become a major destination for fashion enthusiasts and students.
The museum is a bright orange building that always stands out on Bermondsey Street. Inside you’ll find temporary exhibitions on designers, textiles, and fashion movements, often with a playful touch. It’s small but carefully curated.
Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery
A welcoming gallery with an emphasis on emerging artists. The Bermondsey space has a light‑filled atrium and even a resident cat. Expect exhibitions that mix artists and media in surprising ways. I have a soft spot for this gallery, as it feels really warm and human and absolutely like a hidden gem.
London Glassblowing
Founded by Peter Layton, London Glassblowing is both gallery and workshop. You can see glassblowers at work and browse colourful, experimental pieces on display. It’s one of the most engaging creative spaces on Bermondsey Street.
Drawing Room
One of the UK’s only contemporary spaces dedicated to drawing. Recently moved into a purpose‑built home, Drawing Room hosts ambitious exhibitions that push the boundaries of the medium.
Forma HQ
A multidisciplinary arts organisation with a focus on performance and cross‑disciplinary projects. Their Bermondsey HQ combines gallery, workspace, and event space.
Southwark Park Galleries
Set inside Southwark Park, this organisation runs two spaces: the Gallery by the Lake in the historic park café building and the Dilston Gallery in a former church. Together they host contemporary art exhibitions, residencies, and community projects. The settings are beautiful, and it’s a good excuse to combine an art visit with a wander through one of London’s great local parks. Always free and accessible to the community.
Bermondsey bookshops
Morocco Bound Bookshop
A small independent bookshop that doubles as a cultural hub, hosting talks, workshops, and live music. It’s relaxed and a good spot to browse before heading for another coffee.
Presse Books
Design‑forward bookshop focusing on contemporary art, photography, fashion, and independent magazines. It’s located on the site of Forma HQ and is a café and bookshop space that feels cool and minimal, with an interesting outdoor courtyard. A gem for anyone interested in visual culture.
Antiques and Vintage Shopping in Bermondsey
Bermondsey Antiques Market
Held every Friday morning at Bermondsey Square, this market dates back to the 19th century. It’s one of London’s oldest antiques markets, although small in size. Come prepared with cash and be ready to rummage for trinkets, teacups, watches, silverware, furniture, maps, and books.
Furniturama
A bit further down by the edge of Southwark Park, Furniturama is housed in a big railway arch. It’s one of the largest mid‑century furniture warehouses in London, run by a friendly owner. There are lots of great finds here, and it’s especially good if you’re on the hunt for dining tables and chairs.
Nearby Highlights
Borough Market – iconic, and I always make a beeline for The Black Pig’s pork sandwiches. It has sadly become a tourist trap and far too busy for my liking. Please skip the giant paella and the chocolate covered strawberries and go to Maltby Street instead!
Vinegar Yard – vintage stalls, street food, and bars right by London Bridge station.
Tate Modern – one of London’s top museums, a short walk along the river.
Shakespeare’s Globe – catch a play in the open‑air reconstruction.
Tower Bridge – don’t confuse it with London Bridge; you can walk across the glass floor walkway.
The George Inn – a 17th‑century coaching inn cared for by the National Trust.
Walk Further: Historic Rotherhithe
If you’ve still got energy, head east along the Thames Path into Rotherhithe. This riverside neighbourhood has cobbled streets, old docklands buildings, and maritime history. I really like walking around here, because it has that industrial riverside feel while also having a very apparent history. It reminds me of being in a film set.
Highlights include:
The Mayflower Pub – one of London’s oldest riverside pubs, linked to the Mayflower ship.
Brunel Museum – in the world’s first underwater tunnel.
St Mary’s Church – where Captain Christopher Jones of the Mayflower is buried.
Scenic Thames Path views across to Wapping and Canary Wharf.
Practical info for visiting Bermondsey
Transport: Bermondsey is easily reached from London Bridge station (mainline trains, Northern and Jubilee lines). Bermondsey Underground (Jubilee line) is also nearby.
When to go: Weekends are best for the full food market experience, Fridays if you want the antiques market.
Map: see below.
Bermondsey brings together so many things I love: excellent food, contemporary art, design shops, and riverside history. It’s the perfect neighbourhood for a full day out. Let me know in the comments if you have a favourite Bermondsey spot I should add next time.
Bermondsey is a foodie's haven and is home to many cool art galleries. Here are the best things to do in Bermondsey area, from street markets to contemporary art exhibitions.