Best Restaurants And Bars Near The Shard

Forget the skyscraper and save your camera battery for this gorgeous Portuguese restaurant, set in a former warehouse. Casa Do Frango is a haven of open space, made all the more airy by huge sash windows and an abundance of plants. Add in fiery chicken and a secret cocktail bar, and you're onto a winner.

Just under a 15-minute walk away, Hawkes is another innovative addition to the city as London's first ever cidery. The warehouse-style space can be found along the Bermondsey Beer Mile and has an impressive range of goings-on, including a cider school and the chance to create your own Basque apple-infused tipple.

What's better than morning munch at anytime of the day? The Breakfast Club is one of London's cult institutions and they've got one not far from London Bridge. The Southwark spot is decked out in 70s paraphernalia, from wooden cladding through to pink ceilings - perfect for that stack of pancakes you've been eyeing up. 

For British dining in a quintessential London boozer, Bunch of Grapes on St Thomas Street is an excellent place to start. The charming spot is the antithesis of The Shard, with cosy nooks and crannies, wooden floorboards and a traditional bar. Head in for a pint of real ale or one of their roast beef sarnies.

This gorgeous little spot in Bermondsey is the work of ex-Duck & Waffle chef Tom Cenci. Moments from The Shard, the gastro pub has just as exciting foodie credentials, with experimental dishes such as chicken skin crackling with blue cheese sauce, and kid goat and pork belly meatballs.

Some of the best Lebanese meals can be found in the brightly coloured Comptoir Libanais on Tooley Street. Inspired by the founder's childhood in the Middle East, the restaurant is a riot of film nostalgia and sharing cocktails.

Home to, amongst other things, a 1957 VW Camper Van, BOB's Lobster is making the sought-after crustacean all the more accessible to anyone visiting The Shard. Alongside a decadent food menu, the spot serves £1 oysters at their happy hour and has a fun brunch over the weekend.

Right in the middle of the Tower Bridge hubbub, El Vino is bringing Mediterranean spice to this part of London. The bar has made a name for its fine wines (the clue is in the title), along with some seriously tasty tapas plates; sherry-soaked chorizo sausages we're looking at you.

From the rickety wooden tables through to the framed old maps and prints, The Boot and Flogger on Redcross Way is a taste of Old England. The cute pub is perfect for a low-key pint or - if you're peckish - check out their traditional grub.

Lantana is bringing a taste of the Antipodean to Southwark with its bright all-day dining. The Aussie-inspired restaurant has nailed casual dining, from cool murals through to a long list of vegan dishes and some seriously strong coffee.

On the other side of London Bridge Station to The Shard, Pizza Pilgrims have created a wacky world of doughy goodness. Oddities include a pizza planet inspired by Toy Story and a street food market-style space - though it's the crusts you should care about, with mouth-watering toppings such as double pepperoni and spicy honey.

Just as breathtaking as The Shard, Baluchi at The LaLiT is sporting some stunning design credentials. The gorgeous building is a former grammar school - and alongside royal blue walls and vaulted ceilings, the kitchen serves some of the best Indian food in the city.

Do some good when you're looking for somewhere to eat near The Shard with The Brigade, the social enterprise that teaches the homeless skills in the kitchen. The food is a British affair, with hearty dishes such as Dartmoor lamb chops and smoked venison.

Meat is the name of the game at this restaurant near The Shard. The Coal Shed at Tower Bridge is a glass-fronted space serving up some of the best cuts in the city. Our pick? Either one of the fish dishes, caught fresh from day boats, or a native British breed steak.