Instead, we were greeted by the super-friendly manager, who gave us a tour of this whimiscal place. Like stepping back in time, the warren of rooms across three floors includes a cellar, dating back more than 200 years and originally belonging to the Sandeman family. There’s a coved private dining area, a cosy bistro and, at the top, a low-lit bar with walls covered in curved sherry barrel wood, a glass wall display of antique corkscrews and old machinery parts used to lift and transport barrels from the Thames below as your dining companions. This place is something special.
Behind the bar:
The Sign of the Don specialises in sherry and port, as this is what the Sandeman family brewed. This syrupy and potent liquid was perfect for warming us up for dinner and, after a whisky cocktail or two, finishing us off to make us ready for bed. Two words: delicious and drunk.
The grub:
The bar menu is pub grub with a gourmet twist – quite literally, with the tasty lobster and bacon burger. Well presented and well cooked, which is just as well considering you will need to line your stomachs with gusto.
Bill please:
Sandwiches and burgers from £7.50, sherry and port from £4.
Verdict:
This place has a magical air to it – perfect for a blustery winter’s night.
For more information about The Sign of the Don, click here.
