CocoonSync London Renter’s Guide: An intro to Bermondsey

4 min readMar 4, 2021

Since being voted the best place to live in London by the Sunday Times in 2018, Bermondsey has gone from strength to strength. This London neighbourhood comprises a beguiling mishmash of contrasting architectural styles and a vast and varied range of awesome places to hang out. Bottom line, it’s the ultimate in cosy urban cool.

First thing’s first, where is Bermondsey?

Located just south of the river, Bermondsey has London Bridge to the north, Southwark Park to the east, Old Kent Road to the South and Borough High Street to the west. It’s a big neighbourhood that’s typified by a distinctive coming together of old and new.

Transport in Bermondsey

A factor that almost definitely contributes to its high liveability rating is that Bermondsey is really well-connected. Bermondsey Underground station is in zone 2 and served by the Jubilee line while the newly renovated London Bridge Underground station connects to the Jubilee and Northern lines in zone 1. You can also hop on the River Thames Clipper Service if you want to zip into the City on a boat and South Bermondsey station also has National Rail services.

A bit of Bermondsey history

It’s hard to believe that just two centuries ago, Bermondsey was home to one of London’s worst slums, as referred to in Charles Dickens’s Oliver Twist. Whether because of the light shone on the notorious ghetto by the book’s publication or not, the area was promptly cleaned up in the late 1830s. The Industrial Revolution saw Bermondsey become a hub for both the leather-tanning and flour milling industries, whose rancid smells and heavy pollution prevented them from being placed in central London.

Today, Bermondsey still bears the scars of its old industrial past, with disused warehouses, factories and riverside wharves now turned into stylish loft apartments and studios. The neighbourhood also boasts some impressive Victorian architecture, often sitting side-by-side with the harsh structures of the industrial buildings, which gives the area a unique charm.

What’s living in Bermondsey like?

Bermondsey is an excellent example of an urban village and has a reputation as a melting pot for London’s foodie culture. Food markets and restaurants abound, sitting snugly among the rambling cobbled streets flanked by Georgian terraces and cosy pubs. There’s plenty of greenery across the little public gardens scattered throughout the district and the old squares have a distinctly rustic feel..

You’ll find all sorts of people living in Bermondsey from City commuters to families and students attending any of the nine universities that are within 30 minutes of the neighbourhood, including South Bank University and King’s College, which are both within walking distance.

Thinking of renting in Bermondsey?

The range of living options in Bermondsey is extensive. From converted warehouses and factories to quaint Victorian and Georgian terraces all the way through to 1980s vernacular houses, contemporary upscale living complexes and 30s council flats, the mix of building types contributes to the contrasting charm of the neighbourhood.

Bermondsey’s impressive Sunday Times accolade has meant that the housing prices have risen along with its popularity but with development still thriving, there are plenty of awesome flats to rent in Bermondsey

Check out CocoonSync’s exclusive database of apartments in Bermondsey that aren’t available on any other rental sites.

The combination of the village-like feel and the myriad spots for good grub make Bermondsey the kind of neighbourhood where you can walk out the door any day of the week and find something exciting to do. Along ancient Bermondsey Street, the beating heart of the area, you’ll find pubs, restaurants and independent shops while Bermondsey Square hosts a weekly antiques market on Friday mornings.

If you’re into markets, Bermondsey is the place to be, playing host to both Maltby Street and Borough Market. The former, located under the old railway arches, is the ultimate in old-meets-new cool and is a buzzing centre for street food stalls, micro-breweries and artisan coffee, making it the perfect place to spend a Saturday afternoon. Borough Market, on the other hand, is thought to be London’s oldest of the sort and has long since been the go-to place for anyone seeking the best fresh produce in the city.

Arty types will be well served by both the Fashion and Textile Museum and the White Cube contemporary art gallery, both of which host regular exhibitions. For more traditional types, you can visit the beautiful Southwark Cathedral or take a stroll along the South Bank, drinking in the great landmarks the flank the banks of the Thames.

Stay tuned for more neighbourhood guides and local tips for great things to do in London’s best areas.

Originally published at https://www.cocoonsync.co.uk.