Southwark might be one of the oldest parts of London, but its nightlife offering is anything but tired. With offices all around and a perfect Southbank location near London Bridge, the TATE Modern and St Paul's Cathedral, it's positively heaving with amazing places to go and enjoy a tipple whatever time of the day.
So take a leisurely stroll down the Thames and then rest your feet at the best bars in Southwark, as recommended and tried and tested by us.
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White Hart Southwark is lively pub combining old stylish with a modern edge, offering Sunday roasts or live sport to boot. Plus, if you come dine here with your family or friends, you'll be treated to pints washing down bar snacks, nacho sharers and chicken schnitzel.
The Charlotte is a quirky pub and restaurant located just around the corner from Southwark Station. One of South London's finest, this place serves a great selection of beers, wines and cocktails, alongside a deliciously indulgent menu of sharers and sizeable mains.
One of Southwark's oldest wine bars, this gorgeous old pub in London Bridge brings you delicious grub and a very impressive wine selection. If you've got a hankering for a glass of fine wine or two, The Boot And Flogger is the perfect South London bar for you.
Arthur Hooper's is a Borough Market gem, utilising fresh ingredients from the vendors, and combining them with with a former Zucca chef running the kitchen. Expect a menu of innovative, inspirational European cuisine with an exceptionally-paired wine list to boot.
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After a British boozer? The Lord Clyde has everything you need for a freshly pulled pint or two. Boasting traditional interiors and a welcoming staff, it's the perfect plot for catch-ups with pals and all the latest sports fixtures.
Among the bars of Southwark, The Ship stands out for its sense of community and consistency. This long-established pub draws a loyal crowd who come for quality drinks, relaxed vibes and an easygoing place to spend the evening.
The drinks list favours well-chosen beers over gimmicks, while the Lebanese-led kitchen adds a distinctive edge, serving bold, shareable plates that work just as well with a pint as they do for a full sit-down meal.
Located in the heart of Bankside SE1, this bar and restaurant fronts two storeys of drinking spaces, tasty eats, private rooms and bucket loads of individual character. Located between twin railway arches, SAMA Bankside is one of Southwark's most unique hangouts.
Just minutes from Southwark Tube and London Blackfriars, The Distillery is a go-to bar in Southwark for gin lovers and cocktail connoisseurs.
Set in a beautifully restored building once home to a 19th-century essence factory, this characterful venue offers a curated gin collection, seasonal cocktails, and relaxed hospitality. Perfect for post-work drinks, casual meetups, or sipping your way through some of the most unique gins in the city.
If you're looking for a watering hole that'll provide laughs as well as larger then you're in luck, as Big Belly Bar & Comedy Club London has just what you're after. Sporting a large on-site food truck slinging out pizzas and a canteen-style dining area, its the perfect place to swing by after work for a couple of cocktails and to catch a show.
The Refinery is the perfect place for a meal and drinks in Southwark. Not only does it team cutesy interiors with a constantly buzzing atmosphere, but there's a roster of global wines, cocktails and an impressive menu that makes this restaurant bar a must visit in the area.
Searching for places to drink in Southwark? Check out the Mercure London Bridge Hotel. Showcasing sleek decor and modern seating, the venue has a wide range of gin cocktails, alongside a bar snack menu with truffle fries, calamari and much more.
A cool neighbourhood cocktail bar inside an old Victorian basement, Nine Lives is perfect for a cosy drink or two. The tropical interiors feature bamboo and lots of greenery, with plush booths, vintage furniture and warm lighting.
They've got all sorts of inventive drinks to choose from, with sustainability as a big focus of what they do. On weekends, expect DJs playing until late.
Big Belly Bar & Comedy Club is a great shout — it combines a large on-site food truck, cocktails, and live comedy shows, making it an easy all-in-one evening. SAMA Bankside, set between twin railway arches, has a spacious layout and a lively atmosphere that suits bigger parties.
Southwark is one of London's oldest boroughs and one of its most culturally rich. It's home to Borough Market — one of the UK's oldest and most celebrated food markets — as well as Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, the Tate Modern, Southwark Cathedral, and the South Bank.
The Boot and Flogger on Redcross Way is one of the area's oldest wine bars, with a genuinely impressive cellar and a classic, unhurried atmosphere — ideal for a long, leisurely glass.
Absolutely. Southwark sits right on the South Bank, putting it within easy reach of London Bridge, Waterloo, and Blackfriars stations — making it one of the most accessible parts of London for a night out.
