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I like Southwark. I like it a lot. Going down by the River Thames has got to be one of the best things to do in London, especially when the weather is gorgeous. But hey, it’s not too bad when it’s not gorgeous – luckily, given our climatic handout.

A haven for the leisure and entertainment of Londoners. Not a new thing, of course. Even Shakespeare had to set up camp there when the authorities banned all theatres from the then City of London and their potential wayward influence on the worthy and the not so worthy. I guess the mix is still there – I can’t, in all honesty, say that everything I’ve seen in Southwark and its environs has been completely worthy and I do think that sometimes theatre would be even more fun if you could take fruit along. But hey, perhaps that’s me being unworthy.

Somewhere you definitely don’t need to take your own fruit, and which is very worthy of a visit, is the Imbibe Bar on Blackfriars Road, 5 minutes walk from Southwark tube. The recently refurbished bar and restaurant, a large airy space with the very important squashy sofas, inside and out, gives a welcoming vibe; as do the two Sams, the co-owners. Worthies abound in this great space - it’s a very popular venue for media events and film and TV wrap parties. It also has that rare and highly cherished thing for a bar in London: a garden, through the bar at the back, the flowers tenderly tended by Sam 1’s gardening mum.

We have a massive Pimms each, full of fruit and mint, just as it should be. Pam, my +1, points out that she’d recently spent £9 on a single shot of Pimms and some lemonade in The City. The only addition: a couple of ice cubes. No such sad offerings at Imbibe. Groups of people at two other tables chat happily away. The wine of the day is a Californian Chardonnay. It’s great, soft and fruity. A good choice. I always find it a bit worrying when a restaurant’s house or wine of the day is sub-standard. Do people push second rate wine on their guests at home when they come round? I know I don’t.

The rump steak in the rump steak and red onion jam ciabatta with fries and coleslaw is tender and juicy. The chickpea and sweet potato burger tastes home-made. I can actually taste chickpeas and sweet potatoes.

Currently open for lunches from 12 noon – 3pm and very popular with local workers, the two Sams are in the process of extending the bistro menu for evenings too. In the meantime, the Friday night barbecues are definitely worth a look. No sausage in a spongy hot dog roll here (though I’ve no doubt Sam 1 and Sam 2 would oblige if need be). The menu includes spit roasted whole spring lamb from the family farm, Cajun spiced free range chicken fillet burgers and swordfish steak. The canapé menu is definitely worth perusing too if you’re looking for an event space. Sam 2 used to work for Gordon Ramsay and Kate Moss and his canapé menu is rated very highly: Venison Carpaccio with Chocolate Sauce & Champagne Grapes, Carrot Creme Brulee with Blood Orange Reduction meet Mini Ham & Eggs and Toad in the Hole. Shakespeare would have been proud.

Turns out Southwark is still throwing up little gems of brilliance and Imbibe is surely one of them. A gem of bar with a gem of a garden run with that all important personal touch. A perfect spot for a bit of leisure and great food a few minutes away from the river’s entertainment. Or any TV wrap party you might have in mind.

Reviewed by Claire Roberts

DESCRIPTION: Two minutes from Southwark tube station, Imbibe has an eclectic offering. Whether it is a business lunch or a relaxed dinner with a friend, the modern European menu has a diverse mix of dishes to cater for everyone. Dishes start from £4.95.

In the summer why not enjoy lunch in the sunshine, or book a private BBQ in the evening with their outdoor seating capacity of 85, and BBQ facilities for up to 150. The close proximity to Smithfield provides Imbibe with some of the best BBQ ingredients.

Imbibe has a monthly quiz night.
(Updated 03/08/2010)

Customer Reviews for Imbibe

“Imbibe provided the ideal venue and place for a professionally managed party. As a small events company based in London with a global client base we needed something quite unique for our 1 old year birthday party. The BBQ and food was excellent, the space perfect for the 200 people attending and the bar staff friendly and welcoming. Management and planning for the event before the night was very professional and Sam (bar manager/owner) catered for every detail - including the ones we missed too! Venue comes highly recommended and is just a short distance from mainline stations. Thanks from media140.com Ande”
Rating: — media140, London (25 Aug 2010)

“We had a great party at Imbibe. The staff were very helpful in all the organisation and on the day everything went smoothly. It is a great venue enabling us to have an afternoon BBQ in the lovely garden and we created a kids corner. For the evening we had a band followed by a DJ with lots of dancing. We had lots of great comments from our guests on the venue, food and the party. We would definitely use Imbibe again for any future parties as it was such a success. Great venue in having the outside space and lovely bar with room for a band in a central location.”
Rating: — Amanda Garrod, London (10 Aug 2010)

“Our offices are just a short walk away from Imbibe and with such a great food & drink menu on offer, Imbibe is definitely the pub of choice for our staff for a Friday lunch time treat. It therefore seemed fitting that we would hold our Ministry of Sound office summer party there, which turned out to be a brilliant evening! From start to finish Imbibe helped us no end with the planning and organising. The food, service and atmosphere were all fantastic. We started off the evening mingling in their picturesque beer garden nibbling on the delights from the BBQ and spent the rest of the night dancing away to our DJs in the bar! The whole night went perfectly and everyone enjoyed themselves, even the bar staff were busting a few moves whilst serving our favourite tipples! Without hesistation we would definitely book with Imbibe for future events! Thanks again to all at Imbibe xx”
Rating: — Georgie Moran, London (04 Aug 2010)

“I recently met a friend at Imbibe for a drink and bite to eat after work, it was 2 mins from the tube. The bar was quiet, but I suppose it was Wednesday but it had a beautiful garden where we sat and enjoyed cocktails and a nice bottle of wine. The food was fab, the staff really friendly. Had a lovely evening and would recommend it to anyone visiting the area.”
Rating: — Parmla Narad, Wembley (04 Aug 2010)

“We held a joint 30th birthday here and it was brilliant. We were giddy with excitement & alcohol and loved Imbibe so perhaps a more reliable unbiased version of events can be found in the quotes from our guests.... “mate, the BBQ was amazing, I ate way too much”... “where did you find this place? It’s so cool”...”the garden was wicked” … “the barman was fit”… “I did enjoy the Pimms” ... “That bar was frickin awesome” ...”
Rating: — Kate, London (16 Jul 2010)

View all user reviews (13).

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