Southbank Bars

Black Sheep on Southbank stands out from the crowd in Southbank thanks to its wonderful retro-meets modern interior, as well as excellent cocktails and coffee, and buzzing atmosphere.

Just a few minutes walk from the London eye, this dim sum restaurant now stays open until 2am, with a £5 offering on selected drinks post-watershed. At those prices it's a key contender for one of Southbank's best bars. 

Located in the BFI on Southbank, this modern and stylish restaurant is the perfect place for a meal after a walk along the river or trip to the theatre or cinema. Stop by and sip on their extensive drinks list which includes cocktails, wine and spirits in the open and airy restaurant, or come summer nab a table outside.

Beer Hawk's craft beer and bottle shop is certainly one of Southbank's finest bars. With a plethora of beery events to take part in, over 120 bottles in the fridge and 12 beers on tap, it's a haven for all of the city's beer-lovers. 

Originally belonging to World War II artist Feliks Topolski, this 200 year old haunt was once an arts studio, and has now been transformed to a wholly unique evening destination. Boasting Eastern European dishes alongside a fun-filled selection of arts and music events, Topolski is a broody and unique atmosphere to drink and dine in.

Located just seconds from the water's edge, Mulberry Bush is a trusty gastropub for all occasions. Pop in for a spot of breaky from 9.30am or return later, when the seasonal foods and daily changing specials take centre stage. Mulberry Bush is a Young's pub - so you can expect a first-rate of beers - as well as a rotating guest ale list to provide a little something for everyone.

Hidden beneath Waterloo Station, Banh Bao Brothers is a modern Vietnamese tapas restaurant, decked out with low hanging cherry blossoms and pink neon lighting. Serving a selection of small plates, from summer rolls to chicken pho, and open until 11pm, this is the perfect spot for some late-night feasting.

There are stunning views, then there's this. The Founders Arms - next to the Tate Modern and looking out across to St Paul's - offers perfect views of the Thames in all its majesty from its large patio area. Tuck into an ice-cold pint while watching the world drift by in the summer or wrap up in a blanket and sup on some spiced mulled cider during the winter months.

Sun out? Pouch yourself a deliciously quirky cocktail and head on out to The Refinery's impressive terrace; laden with deckchairs and relaxing vibes. The venue has you covered from breakfast to dinner with their fresh, seasonal fare, and with a late licence at the weekend it's the perfect place to shake those hips.

Choose from a huge selection of excellent wines and tuck into full-flavoured Spanish-influenced dishes and tapas at this Southbank restaurant bar. Ideal for after-work drinks, date night or catching up with friends.

Located in the heart of Southbank's bustling BFI, Benugo Bar and Kitchen is frequented by movie lovers, liquid loungers and city newbies alike. Split between two bold drinking and dining spaces, Benugo Bar and Kitchen wastes no time in making punters feel comfortable, with their library inspired interiors and British plates.

Cavernous and bringing industrial cool, Sama Bankside is a fun all-day and all-night spot on the Southbank. Tuck into comfort food dishes, from Jerk inspired Caribbean chicken through to fish and chips, perfect when washed down with one of their signature cocktails.

From the bright and fun decor through to the affordable and vegetarian-friendly plates, Rosa's Thai Cafe in London Bridge is perfect for a pit stop.

Head over to the Royal Festival Hall where this unique bar and restaurant serves up a stunning selection of plates from brunch through dinner, alongside a decadent drinks list of wines and cocktails, and some of the very best views in the city.

A stone's throw from the Tate Modern, the Bankside branch of the Camino family is blessed not just by fabulous food and cocktails, but also with a large outdoor terrace that's ideal for a drink by the Thames. Hosting live DJs every Friday, and Bottomless Tapas and mimosas every weekend, it's a perfect venue for any occasion.