Le Pont De La Tour

  1. Oh dear. Avoid at all costs.
  2. Below expectations.
  3. OK. Met expectations.
  4. I really enjoyed this.
  5. Amazing. Would unreservedly recommend.
  6. rating

36D Shad Thames, London, SE1 2YE

La Pont de la Tour is part of the Conran Empire and is located in Butler's Wharf near Tower Bridge. Open all day, it offers views of the Thames and serves French cuisine from a classic and reliable menu. They also have an extensive wine list. Catering for private parties of up to 20 guests is available upon request and there is seating on the terrace.
Nearest Transport
Tower Hill (Underground)
Tower Gateway (Dlr)

Reviews for Le Pont De La Tour

As big fans of the booked-up neighbouring D & D (ex-Conran) place, the Butlers Wharf Chop House, we decided to try Le Pont and we’re very glad we did.
Lovely crisp battered squid strips, fresh Oysters and a roasted goats cheese made us all happy. It is more geared to fish fans but my carnivorous son enjoyed a tasty piece of rump with nice chips whilst we washed down a lovely seafood linguine and a crispy duck confit leg on lentils with a bottle of my new Argentine discovery, Torrontes.
Like its Chop House neighbour, it knocks the spots off similarly priced local gastropubs and the bill came in nicely under the £100 mark with beer and wine included. Very smart decor and our waitress was very nice and pretty efficient; an added bonus was that she was able to advise that each dish we ordered was just like her Hungarian grannie used to make – things must have been better under the commies than they let on.
You tend to get a bit blasé about it when you’re lived here awhile but the view should get a mention; night and day one of the city’s best. I don’t think any of it will disappoint you.


I have never really been very interested in the idea of eating at a Conran restaurant because the quote of his saying "if you want good food then eat at home" just sticks in my mind - not sure when and where he said it though. The impression I had was one of form over function, with irritating trendy-ness winning out over any substance.

I was a bit non-plussed therefore when I heard that I was heading to Le Pont De La Tour for dinner, imagining I was going to get a serious grump on. However, I was pleasantly surprised.

I couldn't quite figure out the staff, at first I thought they were being masters of not being intrusive but by the end of the meal i felt it may have just been a noticeable shade of inefficiency. It almost spoilt the meal, especially when deserts seem to linger in the kitchen for a suspiciously long period of time. It was around 11pm and I suspect the chefs were on a cigarette break or something by that time.

Anyhow, back to the food, which was the sole reason that I have gone for 4 stars. I began with a simply delicious lobster bisque - it was far better than I was expecting. A small but frothy soupson of a dish that hit all the right spots. I can feel bad withdrawal pangs already and worry that I will have cravings for it. Then I had an excellent Monk fish dish with aubergine paste and ratatouille (see photo). The fish was perfectly cooked, moist, tender and quite delicious.

I was surprised by the decor, it was traditional, with table cloths and a piano playing in the bar. Quite pleasant and not at all trendy. I guess I had misconceptions.

The food was expensive but I think it was just about worth it, especially for the dishes that I had (I may have been lucky, looking around the table). Deserts looked ok, but for c.£14 I would have expected something a little more dazzling, maybe my fellow diners didn't see the best ones or the chef was peeved at our noticeable irritation at their slowness.

As with most Conran's they food is consistantly good, good service, great wine list.
Alfresco a must in the summer, fantastic views of the river and Tower Bridge and nice just to have your lunch sip a cold glass of something and watch the world go by.

If you got friends coming over from abroad and you are at a loss for a good restaurant in a great location then Pont's is for you.

Special offers
Restaurant: 3 courses & a glass of Champagne:...
Restaurant: 3 courses & a glass of Champagne: £25
...from the set menu. Includes Vat, excludes service
Available
Daily
12:00pm to 2:30pm, 6:00pm to 7:00pm, 9:00pm to 11:00pm
Max people: 8
Starts: 03/04/09
Ends: 31/08/09
AVAILABLE WHEN BOOKING ONLINE
Bar and Grill: 2 courses £15
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UK > London > Bermondsey > Restaurants > Restaurant & Bar > Le Pont De La Tour