If you’re coming to visit us in our South East London workshop for a jewellery consultation, why not make a day of it? A jewellery consultation, especially if you're looking at engagement or wedding rings, is an exciting part of proposal or wedding planning, so many of our lovely customers tend to take some time off to enjoy the experience together without the worry of rushing back to work. We’re often asked what’s nearby that’s good for a post-consultation de-brief, so today, we’re sharing our recommendations on how to spend a morning, afternoon or full day in South East London.
These spots are walkable, bikeable or Tube-able from our jewellery workshop at The Biscuit Factory, Bermondsey, and close to transport hubs. Whether you’re coming to a consultation with us or simply looking to explore a bit of South-East London, read on for our top picks.
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Our favourite things to do in South-East London
South-East London historic pubs
For a post-consultation pint or pinot, we always recommend the riverside pubs in Rotherhithe. Great on sunny days and cosy on cold ones, these pubs are full of local charm, rich history, and beautiful views of Tower Bridge, The Shard, The Gherkin, and the rest of the city skyline. Start at The Old Justice, a cosy, friendly pub a 16-minute walk from our workshop, then walk west along the river where you’ll find The Mayflower.
Named after the ship chartered by the Pilgrim Fathers as they headed to America in 1620 from that very port, it features a cosy interior clad with nautical knick-knacks, and a particularly cool wooden deck overlooking the Thames (which shuts at high tide and in choppy waters, to avoid customers getting splashed and the pub getting flooded!).
The Mayflower, RotherhitheAnother option is the famous Bermondsey Beer Mile, perfect for a long afternoon of exploring some of South-East London’s best independent taprooms, bars and microbreweries, situated under the arches on the way up to London Bridge. Our workshop is conveniently placed just a 6-minute stroll from The Kernel, one of the first stops on the trail that’s open most days.
Bermondsey and London Bridge recommendations for foodies
If your journey home is via travel hub London Bridge, Borough Market and surrounding areas are a no-brainer if you’re in the mood for good food. The food stalls also offer a varied selection of delicious bites from all over the world, or head to one of the nearby pubs or restaurants for a sit-down affair.
For somewhere with a bit more of a neighbourhood feel, Maltby Street Market is a vibrant weekend market that we always recommend to our customers. While we hold most of our consultations during the week, Emma and Hazel do work the odd Saturday - so if you’re booked in for a weekend consultation, a peruse around Maltby Street Market is a must. It’s also open from 5:30 pm on a Friday, so if you’ve got the last slot of the week with us, this is a great place to head for a spot of street food.
A park in the heart of Southwark
London is one of the greenest cities in the world, and Southwark Park is one of the wonderful parks right on our doorstep. Perfect for a sunny walk, coffee by the lake or post-consultation picnic, we love heading to the Ada Salter Garden to admire the Wisteria when in full bloom, or relaxing by the lake.
There’s also a playground that’s perfect if you’re with children, a beautiful bandstand and a lovely lakeside cafe that overlooks that serves lunch, coffee, drinks and sweet treats. We often head here for team picnics, lunchtime walks and inspiration.
Getting active
If you’re looking for somewhere to get active, we have two recommendations, and the first is one of our neighbours within The Biscuit Factory. The Climbing Districts’ Arch Climbing Wall offers a safe, fun climbing gym suitable for first-timers or experienced climbers. A unique way to keep fit, a fun date idea, or a place to try something new, just a stone’s throw from our workshop.
Surrey Docks Fitness and Water Sports Centre is one of London’s rare spots where you can enjoy watersports, and is a walk through Southwark Park away. The 1km dock offers sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking and wild swimming sessions, bookable on the Southwark Move website or app. Perfect for a sunny afternoon activity in the city!
South-East London history, art & culture
If you fancy soaking up some history, culture or art in South-East London, there’s plenty to explore near our workshop! If you’re heading to the aforementioned Mayflower pub in Rotherhithe but it’s not quite time for a drink, take a visit to The Brunel Museum opposite beforehand. Open on Fridays, weekends and Mondays, the museum celebrates the engineering achievements of Brunel, specifically the world’s oldest underwater tunnel, The Thames Tunnel. Opened in 1843, it was the very site of the museum, which offers access to the Engine House and the underground Tunnel Shaft.
The historic Brunel Museum engine house in Rotherhithe, LondonFor art-lovers, Bermondsey Street is full of beautiful galleries to explore, most of which offer free entry and inspiring rotating exhibitions. I’ve particularly got my eye on visiting the Peter Layton London Glassblowing Gallery and White Cube. If you’re not planning on venturing as far as Bermondsey Street (which is around a 30-minute walk from us), Southwark Park Galleries is spread across two sites within the park, open on Wednesday-Sunday afternoons. Perfect for a relaxed visit if you have some time after a late morning or mid-afternoon consultation with us!
We feel extremely lucky to be based near so many great spots, and we hope you enjoy them if you have the time before or after visiting us!
If you’re currently looking for the perfect ethical engagement ring, interested in finding the perfect eco-friendly London-based company to make your wedding rings, or have some old family gold you’d like to repurpose into something bespoke, simply book a free, no-obligation consultation with us.
We can’t wait to welcome you into our comfortable, relaxed consultation room to discuss your ideas and help you find (or design) your dream piece of jewellery.
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