South Bank
London's South Bank is earning a reputation as the 'cultural heart' of the Capital.
Nearest tube: Waterloo
Situated at the eastern end of the South Bank, this historic destination has been revitalised by a series of glamorous developments.
All Bar One
Address: 1 - 3 Chicheley Street
SE1 7PY
T: 020 7921 9471
There are a whole host of original bars to chose from in London, but sometimes it's good just to go somewhere that you'll know will have the music you like, prices you can afford and 'pub grub' to enjoy. It's not a bad place to begin an evening out on the South Bank and has a pretty young clientele. The popular music will make even the biggest party pooper get their foot tapping.
Anchor (London)
Address: 34 Park Street
SE1 9EF
T: 020 7407 1577
High arches and heavy black beams number among the Anchor's traditional charms. Enjoy a peaceful pint in a cosy snug or meet friends for music and banter in the main bar. Hungry punters can step upstairs for fish and chips, while diners looking for something special should climb to the top floor Chart Restaurant where the city panorama makes a fitting backdrop to the a la carte menu. The riverside terrace is a favourite destination for summer strolls along the Thames.
Bagel Street Deli
Address: 3G Belvedere Road
SE1 7GQ
T: 020 7401 7474
If you're bored of the basic sandwich and don't have time for a big meal, then Bagel Street Deli could have just what you want. With its huge selection of sumptuous fillings and light and airy décor, this is a great place to stop for a quick bite to eat as you take in the sights and sounds of the South Bank.
Cocco
Address: 3 Belvedere Road
SE1 7GQ
For a relaxing afternoon break from a hectic day of sightseeing and walking, try Cocco. With its high ceilings and spacious area, plus outdoor seating to enjoy in those warmer, summer months, the place is ideal for those looking for a lazy afternoon. The interior is very dark, from the black floor and furniture to the black uniforms worn by the staff, but this is in contrast to the bright atmosphere inside. The menu is simple, from sandwiches to melts, a simplicity which just adds to the character of the place.
EAT (Oxo Tower)
Address: Oxo Tower Wharf Bargehouse Street
SE1 9PH
T: 020 7401 2255
Home-made sandwiches, hot soup, good coffee, fresh fruit, what more could any city worker hope to find for their lunch break? There is even plenty of seating in this light and airy eatery. Bag a chunky blonde-wood stool by the full length windows and watch the Thames glide by as you nibble on a tortilla wrap and sip your strawberry smoothie.
EAT (Royal Festival Hall)
Address: Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road
SE1 8XX
T: 020 7222 7200
When you're sat stirring your latte or sipping your capuccino, the sound of instruments being tuned and played makes the experience that little bit better. From freshly made sandwiches and baguettes to biscuits and muffins, there's bound to be something to satisfy those taste buds. The atmosphere is relaxed, the décor modern and the staff friendly and polite; EAT is a good place to go to chill out in style.
Founders Arms
Address: 52 Hopton Street, Bankside
SE1 9JH
T: 020 7928 1899
The red-brick building jutting out by the river is great for a pub grub lunch and a relaxing pint of ale. Full length windows allow an uninterrupted view of the Thames, passing pleasure boats and plenty of joggers. The wide selection of coffees is a nod to urbanity; the rest of the dark wood décor would look the part in just about any provincial local.
Foyer Restaurant & Cafe
Address: Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road
SE1 8XX
T: 0872 148 4250
Located in the Royal Festival Hall, the Foyer Restaurant and Café is somewhere to go and chill out before that concert you've been looking forward to. The atmosphere is very relaxed and it would be possible to get lost in the music coming from the instruments being set up near by. Helpful staff will ensure your visit is well worth it.
Gourmet Pizza Co. (Waterloo)
Address: 56 Upper Ground, Gabriel's Wharf
SE1 9PP
T: 0207 928 3188
The picket fence, colourful flower pots and big red umbrellas create an inviting facade; as if the aromas seeping out from under the door aren't enough to tempt you inside. Friendly staff are happy to help find you a table - no mean feat at lunchtime - then it's down to you to choose just one of the mouthwatering traditional dishes on offer. A guaranteed hit with pizza gourmands of all ages.
Loco Mensa
Address: 36 Belvedere Road
Lambeth, SE1 7GP
T: 020 7401 6734
If it's an authentic Italian atmosphere and food you crave, you may want to take a brief walk from the London Eye to Loco. The bustling café / bar / restaurant is an ideal place to go catch up with a friend or enjoy a romantc lunch with a partner. Even if you've just popped in for a glass of wine from the extensive wine list, the aromas winding their way through the restaurant from the busy kitchen are bound to get those taste buds tingling.
Oxo Tower Restaurant
Address: Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street
Lambeth, SE1 9PH
T: 020 7803 3888
Dine on top of the world in the 8th floor Oxo Tower Restaurant. Bag a table by the window and relish the spectacular panorama of the Thames and St Paul's. Boat-lovers will feel right at home in the elegant restaurant, designed to echo the simple lines of a 1930's ocean liner. The modern menu assaults the senses with combinations such as guinea fowl with leeks in a garlic cream sauce, but beware a bigger assault at the end of the evening…the one on your wallet!
Ozu
Address: County Hall Riverside Building, Westminster Bridge Road
Lambeth, SE1 7PB
T: 020 7928 7766
For that authentic Japanese experience in the heart of London, try out the exclusive Ozu restaurant. Hidden away on the ground floor of County Hall, once inside you will forget where you are and find yourself surrounded by beautiful décor, watching the chefs create their masterpieces.
Real Greek Souvlaki and Bar
Address: Units 1 & 2 Riverside House, 2A Southwark Bridge Road
Lambeth, SE1 9HA
T: 020 7620 0162
At first glance the menu is undecipherable - so it really must be Greek! Combinations such as chick pea soup with smoked pork chop strike a further note of authenticity, and you probably haven't seen the bottles behind the bar since your last fortnight in Faliraki. Futuristic lighting casts a blue glow over the steel interior while outside, the popular terrace can provoke quite a holiday atmosphere. Just don't mistake the Thames for the Med.
Riverside Cafe & Bar
Address: Albert Embankment, Lambeth Pier
Westminster, SE1 7SG
T: 020 7401 7575
After taking a brisk riverside walk, the Riverside Café and Bar is ideal for that steaming mug of hot chocolate to warm you up and the wide selection of delicious cakes will give you the energy to go that little bit further. A small café with a huge personality, the place has a slight Italian feel and it is very relaxing to sit and watch the river flow by. You could end up staying all afternoon.
Riviera Restaurant
Address: Gabriel's Wharf, 56 Upper Ground
Lambeth, SE1 9PP
T: 020 7401 7314
A valiant palm tree, vivid blue paintwork and a clapboard exterior conspire to create an illusion of Mediterranean warmth. Inside, a tempting array of pasta dishes, risottos and traditionally prepared meats are served upon dark wooden tables to the delight of day trippers and tourists.
Samuel Pepys
Address: Stew Lane, 48 Upper Thames Street
Lambeth, EC4V 3PT
T: 020 7489 1871
Although disappointingly low on historic detail, the Samuel Pepys is high on comfort and contemporary charm. Once you've found the entrance at the end of a riverside alleyway, a spiral staircase leads you up to a long, narrow bar filled with polished wood, exposed brickwork and potted palms. The atmosphere is friendly, the music is pleasant and you can relax on a brown leather sofa and watch the Thames.
The Archduke
Address: Concert Hall Approach, South Bank
Lambeth, SE1 8XU
T: 020 7928 9370
The Archduke is very popular with concert goers, due to it being so close to the Royal Festival Hall. The staff are polite and helpful and willing to hurry orders if you are in a rush to get to a show. Much of the menu changes everyday, so regulars often return to see what's new.
Troia Cafe Restaurant
Address: 3F Belvedere Road
Lambeth, SE1 7GQ
T: 020 7633 9309
For an eastern twist to your evening, why not visit Troia with its extensive Turkish menu? The small restaurant has an exotic aroma, with spices galore mixing to make a mouth watering scent. Friendly and helpful staff ensure a visit to Troia is one to remember.
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