The St James Tavern

Went in at 8:15 on a Saturday and they had stopped serving pies… terrible. The beers on tap were still awful.

Rich, meltingly indulgent and super flavoursome pies. Do yourself a favour and buy the deerstalker before you head to The Wall. At £6:50 it’s a bargain, and it’s enough on its own despite appearances. In some ways it’s a shame they only sell pies and sides, yet actually, no it isn’t. It is far better to do one thing ‘fuck yeah’ than to do one thing ‘meh’. My advice is: come and take advantage of this place as a complete bargain for a luxury lunch date. And as a plus, the drinks are a very reasonable price too

So nice to see this pub has had a facelift, it did need one. Once a old man looking pub that you would have been thrown out of, now a hip and trendy younger clientele gastropub. Well that’s what it looks like.
We popped in on our way home from the tube, so tricky to avoid this place! We initially sat down in what felt like church pews, then swiftly moved to relaxing charis that you can collapse in. Collapse we did! A relaxed and friendly atmosphere, the staff have that laidback and naturally cool attitude, just what you need after a hard day at work.
They also do an amazing selection of pies — I love that the menu is so clearly themed, it’s very much pies and accompaniments. Want some fish and chips or a cheeky sausage? Tough, go somewhere else. Pies here on in! But these are good pies, so many different flavours and served with GOOD GRAVY. Trust me, as a northerner I know my gravy. When I ask for gravy, I do not ask for a dirty looking sauce, or a watery mess. I want thick and rich and tasty. This was pretty close.
Yes to a good regular!

Wow this pub is just what Bermondsey needs, relaxed, friendly and fun. The choice of draught craft beer is good and the Pies are definitely worth trying. Lots of seating indoors and outdoors helps make this a great place to meet friends.
You’ll find this gem of a pub well located if you happen to be visiting the Bermondsey Brewery Mile or just a short walk from Bermondsey tube station or about 10 minutes walk from Rotherhithe station.

St. James has recently undergone a radical overhaul. What was once a dilapidated dive for the less savory local is now a welcoming and friendly place.
The staff are lovely, and have commented that since the changeover many people from the area are coming to see the pub for the first time, having been put off before.
Great outside area (and beer garden at the back!) with cheerful people, decent prices on beer and a great gastro pie menu for the hungry. Visited last Friday evening for a couple of pints and it had a lovely atmosphere. They’ve started doing col versions of their pies on a cart outside, and from what I was witnessing they were proving very popular!
Will aim to get some updated photos up since the makeover, but am now very happy to call this place my local :)