When did Bermondsey become so trendy? Sitting in the shadow of The Shard, a ten minute walk from Borough or London Bridge stations, it may be easy to overlook this part of town. But if you’re after somewhere new to go, I’d recommend having a look around. With it’s cool little bars (I thoroughly recommend gin specialists 214), delis and restaurants it’s like a new Shoreditch, but without the skinny jeans, plaid shirts and ironic horn-rimmed glasses.
Sitting on the corner of Bermondsey Square is Del’Aziz, part of a chain of restaurants, bars and boutique bakeries that specialises in the flavours of the Eastern Mediterranean. You’ll also find branches in Clapham, Fulham and Swiss Cottage.
Walking through the door, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a bakery with all the day’s cakes and other sweet treats on display. On quiet nights diners can choose from tables here or in the main restaurant, which can be found past the busy, open kitchen.
It’s a big space decorated in a Moroccan style with bright blues, pinks and touch of neon. A glass floor reveals the remains of ancient Bermondsey Abbey, which dates back to 1082, underneath.
Only a few tables were occupied on the night of our booking (Tuesday). It was a quiet but relaxed atmosphere with what seemed to be 1950s American rock playing in the background.
The wine list included bottles from Italy, France, Spain, South Africa, New Zealand and even Devon (Bacchus Kenton Vineyard £34). Prices were reasonable, ranging from £19 to £45. The most expensive sparkling was a Brut from Italy (£62). A ‘Wine of February’ deal included a bottle of Rose, White or Red for £20.
We started with a Mezze Platter (£18), which is perfect for two. The dish included mounds of delicious Hummus, Tzatziki and Tabbouleh with meatballs, Merguez sausages and a selection of breads.
I was particularly keen to try one of the restaurant’s Tagines for a main and opted for the chicken with preserved lemons, coriander, carrot confit, olives & steamed couscous (£17). It arrived in an impressive cloud of steam but I found it lacking in flavour and the chicken a little overcooked.
My dining companion ordered one of the ‘Award Winning Surrey Farm Steaks’ – medium rare Sirloin with chips, roasted tomato, grilled mushroom and blue cheese sauce (£23). The steak was ok but the sauce was more vinegary tasting than blue cheese.
I was disappointed to hear that they were all out of Middle-Eastern pastries (£6.50) for our final course but we were let loose on the dessert table. I’m always a little weary of dessert that’s been siting out on table for who knows how long but I decided to give it a go.
We opted for a chocolate brownie the size of a fist, and a bread and butter pudding that, surprisingly, turned out to be one of the best I had ever eaten. Both had been made at the restaurant.
The meal was finished off with Moroccan Mint Tea, served in a beautiful silver teapot.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat or a delicious board of Meze, give Del’Aziz a go.
The restaurant also has a happy hour on weeknights from 5pm to 7.30pm as well meal deals on ‘Burger Sundays’, ‘Tagine Mondays’ and ‘Steak Thursdays’.
Address: 11 Bermondsey Square, London SE1 3UN
