Waterloo

Sitting on the south bank of the Thames and just minutes from the centre of London, Waterloo is one of the city's most underrated neighbourhoods, and its dining and drinking scene proves it. Home to the National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, BFI, Old Vic and Young Vic, it's a cultural powerhouse that attracts food lovers, theatre-goers and South Bank wanderers in equal measure. The area stretches from the buzz of Lower Marsh market and The Cut to the riverside stretch of the South Bank, taking in everything from cult natural wine bars with Thames views and Michelin-recognised British brasseries to no-reservations steakhouses and some of the best pre-theatre dining in London. Whether you're dashing through Waterloo station or making a proper evening of it, there's a restaurant, bar or pub here that's worth staying for. Our Waterloo guides below will help you make the most of it.