Brew Wharf Yard London Review
The cobbled hubbub of Borough High Market and its surrounding architecture evoke visions of Dickensian London. So the image of gastro pub, Brew Wharf Yard, was like a mirage of modernity, because we couldn’t quite believe we had found it. Despite the exterior having a cold metallic outlay and dull wooden decking, my initial feeling was one of warmth. This wave of rosiness was due to the multitude of casually dressed and post work suited punters, looking lively, relaxed and half cut outside the entrance. Being a Friday night, Brew Wharf Yard was buzzing.
As we walked inside the buzz hummed like a chainsaw. We were immediately floating in a river of revelry, sailing in a crammed sea of humanity. It was difficult to paddle past the bar to the restaurant. The bar, with spilt alcohol swirling over its shiny furnishing and the staff moving up and down behind it like Duracell bunnies, contained chaotic characters. Unlike the exterior of Brew Wharf, the interior was authentic 19th century. Despite smatterings of Victorian memorabilia, the spacious, renovated warehouse was minimalist and blank but impressive all the same. Structured with high arches and threadbare grey brick walls, the in-house sonar electricity reverberated off them with raucous aplomb. I’m sure music was playing, but the plethora of people made it incredibly secondary.
The acoustics of the busy dining area were almost as pneumatic, ringing from the lofty ceiling. This wasn’t detrimental, though; it was uplifting, upbeat relaxation. As we sat at our austere wooden table my eyes were fixated by an archaic, imposing brewing machine cocooned within a Perspex shield. My friend and I were seesawing in a playground for beer enthusiasts.
If I were a beer which would I be? Such an idle question is now very hard to answer after perusing through Brew Wharf’s drinks list. Naturally, wine and spirits were on offer but they were mere bridesmaids. Undoubtedly, Brew Wharf Yard is passionately married to hops and barley. Some brands are brewed on site (Hoptimum Ale), the majority imported (Beer Laos). From conventional (Pilsner Urquell) to quirky (Meantime Coffee Beer), the selection seduces.
On the subject of marriage, I don’t wish to elope with any alcoholic beverage, (but maybe I could in certain states of America) I’ve developed a raging schoolboy crush on Brew Wharfs very own light ale, Field of Dreams. Despite the cheesy name, I was charmed by its gorgeous golden glow and smooth, fruity freshness. If this brew were a girl, I’d ask for her number.
Being a beer fiend is just one way to enjoy Brew Wharf. My friend detests the tipple. But she was more than content to drink a couple of glasses of a delightful Marlborough, New Zealand version of Sauvignon Blanc. Though judging by its effect on her, it was more like a bottle. Yes, I’m calling her a lightweight.
Brew Wharf's menu is dominated by Northern and Western European cuisine and our choices illuminated this. In between insulting me for living in zone 6 - apparently I’m a ‘farmer’ - she purred over her main of Sirloin Steak (cooked medium-rare) with Potato wedges and Herb & Garlic dip. To comfort me from this geographical snobbery, I enjoyed a no-thrills starter and main of Mediterranean Vegetables & Mozzarella Cheese Bruschetta and Seared Swordfish, New Potatoes, Beans and Tomato and Black Olive Salsa. Though overall the serving didn’t move me, I will shout up to the echoing roof of Brew Wharf that the Black Olive Salsa is to die for.
Okay, the food wasn’t bad. However it didn't excite or tantalise. But the ambience amazed, and raising our spirits. Although a classy brasserie, there were no pressures of culinary etiquette. Take my pal, for example; she had white wine with red meat.
After good drinking, much talking and adequate eating, we were well and truly in the mood to hit the town. With the sustenance of dinner my companion had finally managed to sober up and we sauntered off satisfied down the nearby South Bank, taking in the tranquility of the Thames at night. Brew Wharf is a decent smart casual venue in a lively area of the capital.
Greg Hall (16 05 2010)
Brew Wharf Yard London Description
Brew Wharf Bar and Restaurant opened in October 2005 and contains its own microbrewery. Brew Wharf’s cuisine draws on the traditions of brasseries and brew houses of Northern Europe, and, neighbouring Borough Market, also create modern interpretations of classic British dishes. Specialities include haddock & chips, shellfish, and rotisserie chicken.
Tucked neatly into Brew Wharf Yard on Stoney Street, the bar opens up a new oasis, away from the bustling market. Its entrance is set within the railway arches next to Wine Wharf, and adds a further dimension to Vinopolis by offering an inspired selection of beers. From cherry to wheat beer, Brew Wharf offers the rare opportunity to sample a wide range of beers, not to mention a good wine list.
The design has been kept simple, with the bar, the cellar, and the brewery defining the space. The white mosaic floor, spelling out the name of the bar, accentuates the interior, with a crisp and clean look against the brickwork of the walls. The inspiration for the floor originates from the well-known brasseries of New York, such as Balthazar and Pastis.
Brew Wharf has all the ingredients of a successful destination; good location, strong atmosphere, a sense of place, and good ale, brewed on site. A place, we hope, people will want to return to.
Customer Reviews for Brew Wharf Yard
The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Brew Wharf Yard.
“Good place for a drink. Not so hot on the food. Should be a good laugh during the World Cup though.”
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Greg Hall, London (2 months 14 days ago)
“Went here with work and was expecting the worst after reading some terrible reviews. I was pleasantly surprised and have been back twice now! I think you get better service going as a group. We had a set menu, it's not the cheapest but the food was delicious. Went last Friday just as a table of 2, and the service wasn't that bad. A little bit slow, but they were friendly. Food was amazing, go the rump steak! A real treat.”
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Nicole Tissott, London (2 years 5 months 18 days ago)
“Dreadful service, staff are rude. Never going there again.”
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Emily, London (3 years 11 months 28 days ago)
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