Southbank Bars

One of the best bars on the South Bank, The Understudy is bringing together delicious food and great drinks from inside the National Theatre. Head over from Wednesday to Sunday where they'll have KERB serving tasty street food in the square.

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.

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.

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 and a great place to find your new favourite brew. 

From the bright decor through to the affordable and vegetarian-friendly plates, Rosa's Thai Cafe in London Bridge is perfect for a pit stop. Nestled just a 6-minute walk from London Bridge station, it's a vibrant place to graze on delicious dishes before checking out the sights of Southbank.  

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.

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.

Just a few minutes walk from the London eye, this quirky restaurant stays open until late, with a £5 offering on selected drinks post-watershed. With its stunning interiors of delicate cherry blossoms, tasty dim sum and drinks at those prices, it's a key contender for one of Southbank's best bars. 

Gallery by day and bar by night, Topolski is serving up one unique evening out in Southbank. From its signature sips to its unique line-up of live music, DJs, classes and film screenings, this quirky bar is here for all your chilled out partying needs.

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.

Located in the BFI on Southbank, this modern restaurant is the perfect place for a meal after a walk along the river, a trip to the theatre or the cinema. Stop by sample the extensive drinks list, including cocktails, wine and spirits, in the sleek restaurant or outdoor terrace.

Taking up a plot on Gabriel's Wharf, Marsha is a new restaurant and bar on Southbank. Alongside a food menu packed with juicy plates of chicken and moreish snacks, you'll find signature cocktails, cold beers and wine by the glass.

With sandy flooring, palm trees and laidback vibes, Limin' Beach Club is a world away from all the other Southbank bars, serving up Caribbean food and summery cocktails. Expect rum concoctions in carved-out pineapples, juicy jackfruit rotis and masala chips.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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, it wastes no time in making punters feel comfortable with library-inspired interiors and British plates.