The Garrison is a local favourite in Bermondsey, London, having occupied this traditional green tile-fronted boozer since 2003. During that time, The Garrison has become known for its fresh, contemporary menu of ingredient-led, British cuisine and is an ideal destination for a private dinner.
Inside, the ambience is relaxed and welcoming with vintage, mis-matched chairs pulled up to rustic wooden tables. Overhead, a variation of light fittings dangle together, from chintz floral shades your nan would approve of, to what look Victorian street lamps. There's space for both smaller and larger groups, as well as a few bar stools for those in the mood for cocktails.
As mentioned, food is at the heart of The Garrison, and so if you're planning a special meal out you can be sure the team will take good care of you and your guests. The menu changes regularly due to its seasonal menu and the chefs work carefully with British farmers and growers to bring the best of the UK's produce to your plate. They also work with local suppliers in Bermondsey where they can.
While private dining bookings can be discussed with the team, the website offers a taste of what you might expect. For the table, order a sprinkling of homemade focaccia with Arbequina olive oil, alongside beef cheek croquette with bone marrow mayo and horseradish, and smoked mackerel pate with cured egg yolk.
Starters are best shared so might fancy a flurry of small plates such as raw Orkney scallop with black olive caramel, granny smith apple and lime, as well as octupus with confit new potato and sweet and hot paprika. When it comes to mains, we likes the sound of ethical butcher’s rump steak which comes with salt baked celeriac, truffle celeriac purée and celeriac crisp. Or, the Cornish fish stew with cod, gurnard, prawns, mussels, clams and focaccia with aioli, sounds damned good, too.