Shad Thames

Canalside restaurant

In the shadow of Tower Bridge, Shad Thames is a stylish area with a raft of restaurants and bars.

Nearest tube: Tower Hill, Bermondsey.

Situated at the eastern end of the South Bank, this historic destination has been revitalised by a series of glamorous developments.

In this section ...

  1. All Bar One (Shad Thames)

    Address: 34 Shad Thames
    SE1 2YG
    T: 020 7940 9771

    An entirely typical example of the nationwide chain. That said, the brasserie ambience works better in some places than others, and the riverside setting and pedestrianised frontage here make this branch a much more pleasant destination than its sisters. A good place to rest on a riverside walk, or after a meal at one of the neighbouring restaurants.

  2. Ask

    Address: 34 Shad Thames, Butlers Wharf
    SE1 2YG
    T: 020 7403 4545

    Ask has grown exponentially in recent years by being more like Pizza Express than Pizza Express itself. Good, unfussy Italian food at no-nonsense prices, with a wider range of pasta and salads than its competitors. Arguably better value for money than Cantina del Ponte a few doors away.

  3. Blue Print Cafe

    Address: Design Museum, 28 Shad Thames
    SE1 2YD
    T: 020 7378 7031

    Effortlessly stylish, due largely to its location in the Design Museum. The Blue Print Cafe, which is not a cafe, offers decidedly arty fare - haggis and clapshot? Blood orange jelly? Salt veal hash and a fried egg? Bring your stylish friends and discuss the latest trends in industrial design. None too cheap, even for what is (surprise) another Conran establishment.

  4. Browns (Shad Thames)

    Address: Butlers Wharf, Shad Thames
    SE1 2YG
    T: 020 7378 1700

    Well-known, welcoming chain of restaurants. The sensibly designed menu includes appetisers for sharing and both 'lighter' and 'larger' mains - the latter including traditional favourites such as steak, Guinness and mushroom pie. Particularly strong on meat dishes, though there are a few lighter vegetarian options. Plenty of promotions (such as a cut-price 'Cocktail Hour' and a two courses for £10 deal) make this one of the most affordable dining options on the river, especially if you avoid the evening rush.

  5. Butlers Wharf Chop House

    Address: Butlers Wharf Building, 36E Shad Thames
    SE1 2YE
    T: 020 7403 3403


    E: bwchophouse@danddlondon.com

    Unashamedly British cuisine in one of a clutch of Conran eateries along this stretch of the river. Barnsley chops, Severn and Wye smoked salmon, Dorset crab and (swoon) Montgomery Cheddar are among the regional specialities on offer, with English wine for the really adventurous. The amiable decor is slightly reminiscent of a Henley or Oxford boathouse. A cut-price set menu and appealing bar food mean that 'going native' need not be a costly experience.

  6. Cantina del Ponte

    Address: Butlers Wharf Building, 36c Shad Thames
    SE1 2YE
    T: 020 7403 5403

    The third Conran restaurant at Butler's Wharf completes a tour of European cooking with its 'rustic' Italian fare. Perhaps the least adventurous of the trio, its pizza and pasta selection is not that far removed from any other Italian restaurant - but it does have the cachet of the Conran name and, of course, excellent riverside views towards Tower Bridge. An enticing range of starters included squid stuffed with crab meat and grilled quail on our visit.

  7. Le Pont de la Tour

    Address: Butlers Wharf, 36D Shad Thames
    SE1 2YE
    T: 020 7403 8403

    Or "Tower Bridge", as we say on this side of the Channel. The second Conran restaurant at Butlers Wharf has a justified reputation for mountainous seafood platters, and an equally expansive (not to mention expensive) wine list. Mouthwatering shellfish specialities, as you would expect of Conran. Fine views of the river make this busy restaurant the closest London gets to the Left Bank, and an excellent place to treat that special someone.