Platform

Had plaice and it was watery , I'm still trying to work out whether It was grilled, pan fried or possibly boiled. Wasn't great tasting either. Empty glasses taken away, not asked if we wanted another drink but was abruptly asked if anyone else was joining us, in other words do you want the bill? Really unimpressed which is such a shame for a lovely venue , although I'm not sure what kind of identity this place has, is it a bar, is I a restaurant? It's all muddled together. Food zero, service 1

I'm only reviewing the bar, rather than the food. Whilst I'm a corporate suit, I'm also a former cocktail bartender.

Having only bitten the bullet and popped into Platform last week, despite having worked in the area for months, I was really pleasantly surprised.

My initial fear, given the corporate clientele, was that it would be another bog standard and soulless enterprise serving mediocre drinks to a bunch of increasingly drunk macho loud-mouths.

Thankfully, this was not the case.

Platform does get exceedingly busy - it can get extremely cramped and a little uncomfortable, but this holds true for any drinking hole in this area at a certain time of day.

Ambience is pretty "meh" - it's not got a huge amount of character, but it's nice enough. Less 'spit and sawdust' than the Cooperage, but without All Bar One/Pitcher & Piano levels of mundanity. But not far off.

The huge saving grace, though, and the main reason I strongly recommend here (unless you're willing to slog that bit further to Hide on Bermondsey St.) are the drinks. Beer is excellent - one of the few places to serve more than one Innis & Gunn, let alone one of them. Kudos on stocking the ever-popular Kernel and numerous other craft favourites too.

Spirit selection was pleasantly surprising, and even their mixing spirits are of higher-than-usual quality. Their zombie (complete with essential flaming passion fruit husk) used Goslings 151, Wray & Nephew OP, El Dorado 5 year old and Skippers. Cocktails are well-made, and their base ingredients are creative and of a high quality - I was very pleased to see home infusions and niche favourites like Noilly Ambre in stock. Wine seems adequate but I haven't sampled them yet.

In terms of service - bar staff are very friendly and seem on their game. I never had to wait long to be served (despite throngs of pretty ladies vying to cut in, as they so often manage to do) even at its busiest, and the drinks are made and presented with care. Beer can be served in a frosted mug if appropriate (or by request, I assume).

I can't really speak for the floor staff ... they seemed friendly enough, but team communication seems poor as I was approached by 3 different staff members with the same query in the space of 5 minutes - and this was before it was tremendously busy.

All in all - well worth going to if you want a great drink using ingredients from local alcohol producers (Jensen's, Kernel and the like). Especially when Hide is shut on a Monday.

However, go in small groups - don't make this a big post-work booze-up venue, unless you have the foresight to book.

Platform has gone downhill rapidly since a fairly good start. They have replaced competent staff with useless, rude and often inibriated ones who have no idea of service whatsoever. Platfrom will remain busy because of its late license for post city drinks before the train home, but with the way the staff run the place it will never bee the success it could be.

I love platform it is just what London bridge needed. I go there for after work drinks and to eat delicious food. definatly give it a try.

I loved my experience at platform. I thought the interior was so original. The food was delicious with a great variety.
I will definatly be returning

Thought the menu was really innovative. Got chatting with the waiter and I love their 'gate to plate' philosophy. They're really concious about where their food comes from and minimising waste which is refreshing. The food was scrummy and the service prompt. Would definitely recommend to my friends and family.

never again!!!
was awful.....

really not up to much...food was pretty bad and was not cheap!!!
the waiter was rude and had no idea what he was doing..
would never go back...

Very poor service and the food was pretty bad....
drinks are overpriced and there is no atmosphere,
lot's of better places in london bridge,

Honestly one of the best menus I've seen in a while; imaginative without trying too hard/over-complicating things. The restaurant apparently gets whole carcasses from a farm down in Devon, so avoiding waste and perhaps challenging the expectations of some of the city diners! I was a little hesitant to try the brawn...but was so surprised that I liked it. Quite pricey, but utterly worth it.

Platform is a amazing place. The food is really good and the staff friendly. I recommended it!