Review: Tanner & Co, London Bridge
Style Points: 3/5
Price: ££
Overall: 3/5
Located a short walk from London Bridge station, entering Tanner & Co feels feels like entering a huge ship turned restaurant. The decor is wooden with draped ropes and they're playing some cool tunes creating the ideal afterwork vibe for city workers. I particularly love the embossed leather look menus adding a touch of style to the venue.
Would I Want Seconds?
Once we'd been shown out table at Tanner & Co we get straight in with the strong stuff! Ordering a Jamaican Rum Punch (cider brandy, Jamaican rums, apple, lemon, bitters) which was strong and fruity with a kick and my guest decided on the Rum Berry Tot, (soft fruit infused rumtopft, apple, pedro, ximenez) which was also strong and came topped with fruit.
To start I decided to try the devilled mushrooms on sourdough served with chilli (£7.00) it was my first time tasting the dish which had a good seasoned flavour but I found the mustard taste too overwhelming for my personal taste and I couldn't finish it.
My guest went for the pigs in bacon bits (£5.00) served hot with a honey glaze, there were delicious, and you get a generous amount in a single portion. Perfect for sharing.
For my main I asked for the pan seared sea bream with grilled fennel, peas & broadbeans (£18) which was soft with a crispy skin, well seasoned with peas in a creamy sauce on the side. I didn't realise this dish would have dairy in it (I should have disclosed my dietary requirement upon my order but blame the rum cocktails) but for some reason it wasn't affecting me as much as the mustard! The fish was cooked perfectly and the flavours went well together. A caramelised onion shaped like a rose was served to garnish.
My guest's main was a rack of lamb shank with peas & broadbeans and mashed potato (£23). The lamb shank served medium was tasty and well presented, (served on a wooden cutting board with sides on another plate). Overall the dish was executed well but would have been enhanced with a sauce or gravy. We also ordered a side of steamed spinach which did not arrive but we would have struggled to eat it if it did.
Following my main, I had an authentic tasting Mojito which was strong and refreshing. Classics are not on the menu but you are invited to order some of you fancy it!
I was feeling rather full so could only go for one scoop of mango sorbet which was sweet and smooth. My guest much braver than I am, decided on the banoffee ice cream which came in a large sundae glass a topped with popcorn but alas, she couldn't finish it either! Perhaps we had one too many pigs in bacon bits. I'm told it was sweet and and satisfying.
Upon recommendation for a sweet cocktail, my guest ordered a Roobarb and Custard Flipped Cocktail (rhubarb & custard infused vodka, advocaat, condensed milk £8.50). The cocktail was sweet and creamy and went down a treat on the first sip, leaving a warm sensation from the vodka. After a few more sips it became far too sweet, with an overwhelming taste and texture of condensed milk.
Could I Afford Seconds?
Overall, our three-course meal at Tanner & Co cost £65, that's £32.50 each without beverages which is approximately what I would expect to pay for this location. Puddings cost £6 unless you go for the £3.00 sharing pudding pots.
Overall:
We had a great meal at Tanner & Co and were well looked after. I noticed that the later it got the atmosphere really starts to pick up and became lively with what I imagine to be locals and after-work groups. The restaurant also holds a spacious function room which is used for various events.
All in all, there is a great atmosphere, great quality twists on traditional meals and excellent cocktails.
With special thanks to Jess, Fiona & Michael for their hospitality.
Reviewed by guest writer Syeshia Sweeney
Website: tannerandco.co.uk
Address: 50 Bermondsey St, SE1 3UD
Closest Tube Station: London Bridge
