Best bars on South Bank

1/4

10 April 2012

It boasts a glorious riverside location, with breathtaking views over some of the city's best-loved landmarks, and has more worldrenowned cultural venues than you can shake a copy of Time Out at. Until recently though, the South Bank was in need of a little TLC.

Built in 1951 as part of the Festival Of Britain, the complex along the South Bank was designed to be a "tonic to the nation" following the ravages of the Second World War with galleries, concert halls, cafés and exhibition spaces.

Its modernist, concrete architecture made it instantly iconic but in recent years it has been considered more of a tourist destination - with attractions such as the London Eye and the London Aquarium - and its buildings have started to look a little shabby.

However, since the Royal Festival Hall's refurbishment a year ago, the whole area has been given a new lease of life, including sexy new bars at the British Film Institute and Hayward Gallery, and a host of new restaurants with slick drinking areas.

Londoners are flocking back to the South Bank to stroll along the river and enjoy laid-back afternoons, long evenings and sunny weekends in new and quirky venues. You can combine a culture fix - a film at the BFI, modern art in the Hayward Gallery - or just a spot of people watching, with drinking, music and merriment. Here are our top South Bank venues to sit and soak up the atmosphere...

1. SKYLON
The Fifties is celebrated in style at Skylon restaurant and bar. Forward-looking modernist décor of the original Royal Festival Hall, classic British food, and most eye-popping of all, vintage bottles of wine from the Fifties, make for a truly unforgettable experience.

The cocktail list is extensive and by night, the slick central bar is buzzing. Skylon is named after the legendary tower built for the Festival Of Britain and it certainly makes the most of its position on the river - floor-to-ceiling windows give amazing views.
Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, SE1 (020 7654 7800, skylonrestaurant.co.uk). Bottle of beer, £3.80; glass of wine, £4.75

2. THE ARCHDUKE
A grown-up relaxing sort of place, The Archduke has really settled into its railway arch surroundings. And like anyone approaching their 30th birthday, it likes to take things slightly easier these days.

When it opened in 1979, it was the South Bank's first wine bar - and people thought the owners had lost their minds. But their prophecy about people coming south to party proved right. Nowadays punters pop in for a night of good wine and live jazz, outdoor seating on the terrace and even free wi-fi. They've certainly moved with the times.
Concert Hall Approach, SE1 (020 7928 9370, thearchduke.co.uk). Beer, £3.30; glass of wine, £5.20.

3.CONCRETE
Concrete is brand-new and the most fashion-conscious bar on the South Bank - the place you're most likely to see punters wearing Wayfarers indoors. It doesn't take itself too seriously, though. You may think you've had one too many but there really is an illuminated pink cement mixer that you need to dodge on the way back from the bar, which is inside the stark concrete structure of the Hayward Gallery (hence the name). Pop down for an evening listening to dubstep and glitchy electronica (until 1am Friday and Saturday), or even a boozy knitting session (every Wednesday).
The Hayward, Belvedere Road, SE1 (020 7928 4123). Beer, £3.70; glass of wine, £4.50

4. FILM CAFE
This place is awash with couples on dates who've just been to the beautifully renovated BFI Southbank and fancy a drink afterwards, as they dissect the art house movie they've seen. So if you're not the romantic sort, or have just been given the boot, you might want to avert your eyes and concentrate on the alcohol. But, whether you're propping up the sophisticated new bar inside or chilling outside at the trestle tables under Waterloo Bridge, it's a buzzy place for a beer and a bit of latesummer people watching.
BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, SE1 (020 7401 9000). Beer, £3.50; glass of wine, £3.95

5. LAS IGUANAS
South American sass is one key ingredient at Las Iguanas - the other is cachaça. The Brazilian spirit flows freely through this bar, set in plum position facing out to the river at the end of the Royal Festival Hall's Festival Terrace. But if cachaça doesn't get you going then crack open a bottle of beer and get into the Latino vibe with Argentinian sounds a plenty. This place gets pretty sweaty at weekends with Latin lovers busting their salsa moves but there's a real carnival atmosphere, so get involved.
Festival Terrace, Belvedere Road, SE1 (020 7620 1328, Iguanas.co. uk). Beer, £3.40; glass of wine, £5

MORE ABOUT

Festive Events (including Carnivals)

Best bars on South Bank

Read More