The name comes from Chaucer; the theme running throughout the place. Famous for being one of the greatest poets and storytellers of all time, Geoffrey Chaucer was also Clerk of King’s Works between 1389 and 1391. During this time, he oversaw the construction of Tower Wharf, where the Perkin Reveller resides. Deep within Chaucer's Cook's Tale is described an apprentice chef called the 'Perkin Reveller' who had more than a small penchant for merriment and mischief, and whence comes the name.

 

The setting is unbelievable. In what was once a tourist laden cafe, where many years ago I had a slight altercation with the army - more on that here - a sparkling new joint has emerged that is squirrelled between two of the world's most famous and beautiful edifices. Look to one side and you're 5 metres from the grand old tower, 5 metres to the other and its bridge dazzles imposingly.

 

Inside it's split into three main areas, a cocktail bar, a restaurant and an outside terrace. Visually it's a blend of classic and modern, but sympathetically done so as not to look like a poor cousin of its surroundings, nor a minimalist sore thumb. The bar exemplifies this best, with a reclaimed church counter for the bar, looked over by a modern interpretation by Nick Archer of a classic 1390 wall painting from within the Tower, and surrounded by bespoke banquette seating. The restaurant is light and airy but not pretentious, but perhaps the crown jewel here (forgive us) is the outside area. Long reclaimed oak benches, each with a cunning games chest at the end, lattice the space with uninterrupted views either side. Perfect for a late summer cocktail.

 

And thus onto the refreshments. They don't mess around when it comes to attention to detail: from our utterly vague order of "something citrusy but not too bitter" was returned an incredible 'flip' with accompanying chutney, and a back story of meat preservation in the Caribbean of old. The food is classic British but done with a real contemporary flair - we can highly recommend the lamb. All local suppliers and nice things like that.

 

The setting alone makes the place well worth a visit, but combine with a free (but must be booked well in advance) trip to the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower itself and you'll have yourself an 'only in London' experience that not a lot of people in London will have ever done. As Geoffrey himself said “Time and tide wait for no man” - get yourselves down there.