Southbank has a heritage of great events, picturesque views of the Thames, *that* skatepark and cracking destinations for a waterside drink. Bankside's cultural richness and magnificent views of the river make it the perfect drinking and dining space, custom-made for going alfresco and soaking in the irresistible central London vibes. A must for any urban explorer, check out our best bars near the Southbank.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Sun out? Grab yourself a deliciously quirky cocktail and head to The Refinery's impressive terrace; laden with deckchairs and relaxing vibes. The venue has you covered from breakfast to dinner with fresh, seasonal fare and a late licence at the weekend to get you dancing.
One of the best places to drink in Southbank, Between The Bridges is so much more than just a bar. Offering some of the quirkiest drag brunches, music quizzes and fun activities in the city, this place is sure to keep you entertained all night long.
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.
An iconic drinking and dining destination in Waterloo, The BFI Southbank provides a fabulous setting for your imbibing. Whether inside the classy venue or on the verdant terrace that overlooks the River Thames, knock back signature cocktails, lip-smacking craft beers and fantastic fizz.
Just moments from Waterloo Station and the bustling South Bank, Molly Mc's is a hidden gem that combines cosy pub vibes with a playful twist. Set under atmospheric railway arches, this quirky spot boasts themed karaoke rooms, an outdoor terrace, and a food menu that fuses traditional pub drinks with flavour-packed Thai street eats.
Whether you're stopping by for after-work cocktails, gearing up for a night of karaoke, or catching some live music, Molly Mc's is the ultimate spot to unwind, sing your heart out, and soak in the sounds of the city.
Located in the heart of South Bank, Fountain & Ink is the perfect spot for a post-theatre pint and a bite to eat. Serving seasonal pub classics like beer battered fish and chips and an extensive selection of craft beers in an energetic environment, you'll feel at home in no time.
Located just seconds from the water's edge, Mulberry Bush is a trusty gastropub for all occasions. Pop in for seasonal foods and ever-changing specials, with a first-rate of choice of beers, as well as a rotating guest ale list to provide a little something for everyone.
With sandy flooring, palm trees and laidback vibes, Limin Southbank is a world away from all the other nearby bars, serving up Caribbean food and summery cocktails. Expect rum concoctions in carved-out pineapples, juicy jackfruit rotis and masala chips.
Big Belly Bar & Comedy Club London is a Southbank bar with a twist: it showcases the rising stars of tomorrow during the evenings while also serving delicious organic wines and craft ales. It sports a modern, social dining area that's perfect for large groups of mates, and there's even an on-site pizza truck whipping up moreish slices to satisfy your cravings.
Just a bit further along from Southbank, you'll find All Bar One Waterloo delving out a huge list of cocktails, wine, bottomless brunches, beer and small plates. Our recommendation? The rum punch sharers and banana peel-flavoured concoctions here really hit the spot.
There are stunning views, then there's this. The Founders Arms offers perfect riverside drinks by the Thames 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 enjoy spiced mulled cider during the winter months.
Make your way underneath Waterloo station to discover Lucky Voice - the quirky karaoke bar filled with neon sings, disco balls and eight private booths to book with your mates. Not only can you sing your hearts out to more than 12,000 different songs here, from all genres, but there's also delicious pizza and tacos to keep you fuelled - alongside fun, themed cocktails. And if that wasn't enough? They also do bottomless brunches on Saturdays too.
A short stroll from the National Theatre, The Understudy offers an unmatched mix of street food, craft drinks, and riverside views. With handcrafted cocktails, small-batch beers, and a rotation of KERB's best street food traders, this spot is perfect for any occasion.
Take a seat at the bar with a Black Lines Negroni, grab a Gipsy Hill pint on the terrace, or dive into Meltdown's cheeseburgers, Sen Noods' ramen, or Sireli's Middle Eastern small plates. Whether you're flying solo, catching up with mates, or booking a group hangout, The Understudy delivers on all fronts.
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.
Doggett's Coat and Badge is a stylish place to drink in the South Bank, offering a range of unique spaces to fit all of your needs. Hire out the terrace for drinks with a view or curl up indoors for refined British cuisine in a cosy setting.
Famed as one of the most Instagrammable venues in London, Tonight Josephine Waterloo is bringing the vibes with its glittery, pink interiors and epic array of top-quality tipples. And when the mood strikes? Make sure to check out its brilliant bottomless brunches.
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.
Inside The Green Room you'll find a beaut timber-framed pavilion, and outside? A sprawling leafy alfresco area. It's the place to go for perfectly prepared pizzas and top-quality cocktails, with bottomless brunches, happy hours and DJ sessions regularly on the go.
