The Bridge Lounge and Dining Room

The Bridge Lounge is a nice pub on Tooley Street, just opposite City Hall (the building that looks like a giant brussel sprout) and very near Tower Bridge. Both of the entrances to the pub are accessible, and there is plenty of room inside since the bar is in the center of the pub, with tables and chairs all around and a nice, wooden floor. There is also a fireplace which we imagine is quite cosy but have not experienced (despite it being quite cold both times we went), and a separate, disabled bathroom. 

The pub might be too busy to be enjoyable on weekdays since there are a lot of office buildings around the area, and quite a few businessmen about that seem like they need a lunchtime tipple. But weekends are lovely. There are no t.v.s, so don't come here if you expect to watch the footie. But, if a quiet conversation is all you're after, then this place fits the bill. 

On the plus side, the pub is very clean, and the staff are welcoming. However, service can be slow, and the appetizers were not at all special (lukewarm chicken wings and onion rings). Still, we'd be willing to give the food another chance and sample the lunch or dinner menu sometime (perhaps the sausage and mash, which sounded quite good).*

The only downside about The Bridge Lounge is that the upstairs area, with lovely views of Tower Bridge, is not accessible. Still, the accessibility on the ground floor and the bright and pleasant atmosphere makes for a great pub experience. 

Details:
186 Tooley Street
London SE1 2TZ
T: 020 7403 4112
http://www.thebridgelounge.co.uk/contact.html

*Sadly, we went back to try the lunch menu. We won't be eating here again. The sausage and mash, which is advertised as the house speciality, looked and tasted small and sad in the cold, watery mash. My fish finger sandwich was dry and and lukewarm. These are not difficult dishes to get right. It's a shame, because the pub is so cheerful and the table is very accessible. We'd like to like this place, but will keep it as a back-up drinks place only.