London/South Bank

The South Bank has long been associated with the arts. In the Middle Ages, its position just south of the City of London, but outside the reach of its laws, made it an entertainment hub for the citizens, featuring everything from theatres to prostitution (both illegal in the medieval City). This waned for a time as customs changed but waxed again in modern times. In 1951 the "Festival of Britain" was held on this site, intended to give the nation a sense of recovery after the war, and the area was redeveloped to accommodate it. Much of the Southbank Centre dates from this event, as can be inferred from its brutalist concrete architecture.
Further around the curve of the Thames, almost directly opposite the City, is the area known as Bankside. This straightforward name is derived from the equally uncomplicated Middle English Banke syde. The same factors that shaped the South Bank were at work here and many mediaeval theatres stood here, including William Shakespeare's Globe (now marked by a replica working theatre). The rowdier neighbourhood also helped justify the Clink, one of the oldest prisons in England. Close by is Borough Market, which has been here in some form since at least the thirteenth century (and may even be Anglo-Saxon). Due to its position near the principal docks of the city, it became one of London's most important food markets in the nineteenth century and was known as "London's Larder". It retains a similar position now, although rather more fashionable and popular with "foodies" than would have been the case for its previous incarnations.
Shad Thames (also known by the names Butler's Wharf and London Bridge City) is the part of this district furthest to the east. In juxtaposition to the rest of the area, the history of this part is industrial. For example, it held the largest warehouse complex in Victorian London. Now, however, its proximity to The City, just across Tower Bridge, makes its population are largely city workers and its property prices are appropriately high. For the traveller, the restaurants and similar destination here are also frequented by wealthy city workers and consequently somewhat expensive and upmarket. One of the area's more iconic industrial buildings, Bankside Power Station, was refurbished during the 1990s and reopened in the new millennium as the Tate Modern, which many believe outshines its older sister gallery further upstream, the Tate Britain.
The whole district is within easy walking distance of Covent Garden, Soho, Westminster and the City of London. It is the perfect location for a relaxing stroll and a spot of people watching. You can take in beautiful views across to the Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s, especially in the early morning and at dusk, and the packed programme of theatre, exhibitions, music, film and free events means there are plenty of inspiring things to see and do for all ages.

By tube

The district is serviced by the following tube stations, all in Zone 1:

• Borough (Northern line). Convenient for the eastern part of the district and Borough Market especially.
• Lambeth North (Bakerloo line). On the south west edge of the district, good access to Lambeth Palace and the Thames Path along the river.
• London Bridge (Jubilee and Northern lines). Most convenient for the eastern end of the London South Bank Walk.
• Southwark (Jubilee line). Near the heart of the district.
• Waterloo (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo lines). In the heart of South Bank, perfect to access Riverside Walk. Also has the Waterloo & City line which directly connects to Bank (Bank of England) in the City of London.

On the north bank, with easy access to this district, all in Zone 1:

• Blackfriars (Circle and District lines). Walk over Blackfriars Bridge to the eastern edge of Bankside.
• Embankment (Bakerloo, Circle, District and Northern lines). Walk over the pedestrianised and renovated Hungerford Bridge to the Royal Festival Hall area. Beautiful views.
• Monument (Circle and District lines). Walk over London Bridge to Bankside and Borough Market.
• Tower Hill (Circle and District lines). Walk over Tower Bridge to Shad Thames.
• Westminster (Jubilee, Circle and District lines). Walk over Westminster Bridge to arrive at London Eye and County Hall.

By rail

South Bank

• London Waterloo
• Charing Cross is north of the river, head south and cross at Hungerford Bridge.

Bankside

By bus

The Riverside Bus service (RV1) is a great way to get around. It links over thirty of London’s attractions on its route from the South Bank to Bankside, London Bridge, Tower Gateway and Covent Garden.

By boat

The district is serviced by the following piers:

• Bankside (RB1 and RB2 river bus routes; Tate–Tate and Westminster–St. Katherine's tours)
• Festival (Westminster–St. Katherine's tour)
• London Bridge City (RB1 and RB3 river bus routes)
• London Eye (RB1 river bus route; Westminster–Greenwich and London Eye tours)

The Tate Boat runs every 40 minutes between Tate Modern and Tate Britain (Millbank Pier), also stopping at the London Eye. It takes 20 minutes.

By foot

This district borders on several others and is easily accessible by walking, or similar, from these. (The southern districts, Lambeth and London/Southwark-Lewisham, are larger and walking from the further parts of these is no practical; otherwise, any point in the other neighbouring districts is within reach of South Bank.) The pedestrian Hungerford Bridge links Embankment to the South Bank Centre and all road bridges have pavements for pedestrians too. Additionally, the whole area can be reasonably navigated on foot or by wheelchair.

By bicycle

As above, the district borders several others and cycling from most parts of these districts to South Bank is reasonably early.
For travellers without personal bicycles, there is a London-wide Barclays Cycle Hire scheme run by Transport for London. These bikes can be rented for short or long periods using a credit or debit card at any docking station (if staying in London for a long term, special keys can be bought from Transport for London for use instead of a card, which can be cheaper over time).

Landmarks

South Bank

From west to east:

• Garden Museum

  phone: +44 20 7401-8865
  address: Lambeth Palace Rd, SE1 7LB
  The first museum in the world dedicated to the history of gardening, based in the deconsecrated Church of St Mary-at-Lambeth. The exhibits cover everything from royal gardens to allotments.

• Lambeth Palace

  address: Lambeth Palace, SE1 7JU
  The official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury since the 13th century and now a Grade I listed building. Tours must be booked in advance and tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster.

• Archbishop's ParkThis park used to be the grounds of Lambeth Palace but has been a public park since 1901. In addition to the green space it provides, it contains a range of sports facilities (booking required, except for the cricket nets) and a playground.

• The South Bank Lion

  address: Westminster Bridge, south east side
  This statue was once the mascot of the Red Lion Brewery and stood on its roof until the brewery was demolished to make way for the Royal Festival Hall. It was moved to Waterloo and then to its present position on the bridge. Keen students of biology may notice that the statue is missing certain male body parts. It used to be anatomically correct but was deemed too lewd and scandalous when placed closer to pedestrians' eye-level and was castrated so as not to cause offence.

• County Hall

  phone: +44 871 663 2501
  address: Belvedere Rd
  The former seat of regional London government, now home to attractions such as the London Aquarium, the London Dungeon, and Namco Funscape.

• Sea Life London Aquarium

  phone: +44 20 7967-8000
  address: County Hall, Belvedere Rd
  One of the largest aquariums in Europe, it boasts a collection of 350 species of fish, from sharks to stingrays.

• London Dungeon

  phone: +44 871 423 2240
  address: County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, SE1 7PB
  Brings to life the gorier elements of London's past, with faithful recreations of disaster, disease, and torture. Younger children may be scared.

London Eye

phone: +44 870 990 8883

address: Westminster Bridge Rd

An enormous, 135-metre-high observation wheel with 32 exterior glass-walled capsules. It offers incomparable views over central London and up to 40 km (25 mi) away on a good day. Tickets are sold for specific times, so if visitors wish to go on the London Eye at a specific time, they are strongly advised to book in advance, particularly in the summer. On a busy day, you can easily spend 1-3 hr queuing just to buy a ticket. However, you can also purchase tickets in advance online. Then you can collect your tickets at the London Eye in a separate queue, which takes a few minutes or less.

Southbank Centre

phone: +44 871 663 2501

address: Belvedere Rd

Large 1960s development on the South Bank. Built largely of concrete, views on its architectural merits vary considerably. Presents a varied programme of music, literature, dance, performances and exhibitions on contemporary art and culture at its venues the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and The Hayward. A host of new eateries and shops have now opened along the riverside and terrace. The Royal Festival Hall hosts almost daily classical music concerts throughout the year, tickets often available on the day. The Royal Festival Hall has recently been through a long redevelopment though still holds its classic 1960s design. Free events are held daily, ranging from free music to festivals, interactive art installations to the popular slow food market.

• Queen Elizabeth HallMusic venue hosting daily performances.

• Undercroft

  address: Queen's Walk
  London's most famous and popular skateboarding area, situated partly underneath Queen Elizabeth Hall along Queen's Walk and the Thames. Also popular with graffiti artists, BMXers and so forth.

• BFI Southbank

  address: Belvedere Rd
  Tucked under Waterloo Bridge, BFI Southbank, formerly known as the National Film Theatre, pitches itself as the home of film and has three screens showing classic (including silent), foreign language and less mainstream films. Recently redeveloped, it now has a new entrance on Theatre Alley, a shop dedicated to film, an interactive exhibition space and an excellent bar/restaurant at the back. Visitors can also access the Mediatheque - wind your way through the BFI's extensive film and TV archive for free. Cool bar and restaurant. Tickets are generally available on the spur of the moment.

• National Theatre

  phone: +44 20 7452-3000 (M-Sa 10AM-10PM) or +44 20 7452-3400
  address: Belvedere Rd
  Three large auditoriums, the Olivier, the Lyttelton and the Cottesloe. The Olivier theatre is the largest with an open stage and a fan shaped auditorium around it. This ensures that all seats provide a good view. Most of the more 'popular' productions are put on here as the space provided is much larger than most theatres. The Lyttelton theatre is more traditional with a proscenium arc with good views from most seats. The Cottesloe is a small studio theatre, seating around 400. Some tickets will be available on the day, either day seats (arrive before 9:30AM and queue) or standby (arrive before 6PM and queue), or you can buy online. Popular shows, especially those around Christmas in the Olivier sell out months in advance. Tickets to The National Theatre are generally better value than most other theatres. There is also the '£10 Travelex' season in the summer that provides a large number (over 100,000 seats a year) at £10. Booking in advance is required for these. There is also an exhibition space in the Lyttelton theatre foyer that frequently holds popular photographic exhibitions. Free jazz is often played in the evening in the ground floor foyer. During summer there is a free daily outdoor festival of performance, music, comedy and cabaret known as Watch This Space. Deckchairs (and artificial grass) are provided to watch on. Free exhibitions. Backstage tours £5.

BFI IMAX Cinema

phone: +44 870 787 2525

address: 1 Charlie Chaplin Walk

Set back from the riverside is the BFI IMAX, the largest cinema screen in the UK at 26 m wide, 20 m high. Shows family-friendly 3D IMAX films as well as action films which work well on the huge screen. Also hosts special all-nighters such as the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

OXO TowerHome to designer-marker boutiques, selling everything from hats and homeware to wedding dresses and jewellery. Modern gallery on the ground floor which is free and open every day, various cafes, a florists and hairdressers here to. Upstairs there's the Tamesa Brasserie and Bincho Yakitori (Japanese tapas). Also contains a restaurant and bar on the top floor, giving you a great view over the Thames. You pay for the privilege through the food bill, though you can go up the tower and have access to a separate balcony for free. Interesting views of the surrounding South London area and great views of the Embankment.

Bankside

• City Hall

  address: The Queen's Walk
  Greater London Authority offices. The brand new headquarters for London's Mayor and Assembly, a radically-designed glass fronted and rounded building.

• HMS Belfast

  address: Morgan's Ln
  A historic boat, part of the Imperial War Museum.

• Clink Prison Museum

  address: 1 Clink St, SE1 9DG
  A museum that tries to recreate the conditions of the original prison that used to be on this site from the 12th century until 1780, which was notorious the name of it has since become slang as a generic term for prison.

• Winchester Palace

  address: Corner of Clink St and Storey St
  Ruins of the 12th-century palace which was the London residence of the Bishops of Winchester.

• The Golden HindFull-size replica of Francis Drake's ship sits in a small closed dock to the west of Southwark Cathedral.

• Southwark Cathedral

  address: London Bridge
  Off the traditional tourist path, Southwark Cathedral has been the site of worship since the year 852. Literally in the shadow of London Bridge, the Cathedral is a shelter from the noise of the city. Next to the Cathedral is the Borough Market open Th-Sa with a wide range of speciality food to buy, a good area for lunch.

• The Shard

  phone: +44 84 4499-7111
  address: 32 London Bridge Street, SE1 9SG
  Go up the tallest building in the European Union to see the farthest panoramic view of London ever to have a (rather hefty) price tag stuck on it.

Museums and galleries

From west to east:

• Tate Modern

  phone: +44 20 7887-8888
  address: Bankside
  An enormous art gallery converted from the former Bankside Power Station, a visit to Tate Modern could easily take half a day. The gallery collects together contemporary and modern art from around the world, arranged thematically. The most stunning aspect of the building, is the enormous Turbine Hall, which plays host to a single piece of work commissioned for the space each year. An extension of the gallery has opened in a ten-storey building behind the existing power station.

• London Fire Brigade Museum

  phone: +44 20 8555-1200
  address: 94a Southwark Bridge Rd, SE1 0EG
  Admission by guided tour only, which must be booked in advance. The museum is housed in part of a Victorian fire station and its collections include fire engines and historical equipment.

• Topolski Century

  phone: +44 20 7620-1275
  address: Concert Hall Approach, 150-152 Hungerford Arches
  Painted between 1975 and 1989, Topolski Century is a unique, monumental work of a Polish artist Feliks Topolski (1907-1989) that presents a remarkable record of the key events and the iconic figures of the 20th century such as Churchill,Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Picasso and Coco Chanel. 600 feet long and 20 feet high, Topolski Century is the artist’s eye witness testimony to the era that shaped our lives. It is global in its scope and is Topolski’s legacy to future generations.

• Hayward Gallery

  phone: +44 20 7921-0813
  address: Belvedere Rd
  The largest public art space in the UK and the exhibitions showcase masters and young British and international artists, usually accompanied by outdoor installations that bring the area to life. The gallery often holds free exhibitions which can be enjoyed by all. Particularly strong on contemporary art exhibitions. Hosts a single temporary exhibition at any time.

• The London Bridge Experience

  address: 2-4 Tooley St
  The London Bridge Experience and London Tombs are two scare attractions for one price and have been voted the UK's Best Year Round Scare Attraction for three years running.

• The Old Operating TheatreBritain's oldest operating theatre is an unusual tourist attraction, located in the roof space of St. Thomas's Church along with the herb store originally used by St. Thomas's Hospital's apothecary.

• Fashion & Textile Museum

  address: 83 Bermondsey St
  Founded by veteran designer Zandra Rhodes.

• Florence Nightingale Museum

  address: St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Rd
  Tells the story of the Lady with the Lamp. Various family events, including art workshops. In the grounds of St. Thomas' Hospital.

• Menier Chocolate Factory

  phone: +44 20 7907-7060 (theatre), +44 20 7407-3222 (gallery)
  address: 51/53 Southwark St
  Restaurant, theatre, gallery and bar.

• Namco Funscape

  phone: +44 20 7967-1066
  address: County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, SE1 7PB
  Entertainment centre including an amusement arcade, bowling alleys, ping pong tables, pool tables and bumper cars.

Theatres

• Old Vic Theatre

  address: The Cut, Waterloo
  One of the oldest theatres in London, once under the artistic direction of Kevin Spacey.

• Shakespeare's Globe

  phone: +44 20 7401-9919
  address: 21 New Globe Walk
  Sam Wanamaker's largely authentic reconstruction of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, built using traditional techniques, stages plays in the summer months. Around the year, there is an exhibition ending with either a tour of the theatre itself (in winter, and mornings in the summer), or a virtual tour (summer afternoons). Tickets for plays are often available on the day, particularly if you are prepared to stand in the yard.

• Young Vic Theatre

  address: The Cut, Waterloo
  Fab theatre on The Cut which is home to younger theatre artists, especially directors. Presents plays for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Lively bar and restaurant too.

Tours

• Blackfriars Westminster Walking Music ProjectUsers can download an MP3 (22MB) that soundtracks their walk between Blackfriars Bridge and Westminster Bridge. The tailor-made music reflects the changing environment.

• Frog Tour

  phone: +44 20 7928-3132
  Along the Thames and through the streets of London in an amphibious vehicle. Operated by Capital Frogs Ltd, County Hall, on the south side of Westminster Bridge.

Itineraries

• London South Bank Walk. The walk along the South Bank of the Thames is a relaxing walk through central London, away (albeit only a short distance) from the traffic. Pedestrians can walk alongside the river almost the whole way from Tower Bridge to Lambeth Bridge, following the route of the Jubilee Walkway, a route through central London that takes in most of London's key attractions, which was developed for the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977.

• Borough MarketOne of London's favourite wholesale working food markets, on Fridays and Saturdays offering a general retail market with specialties sold directly from the producers, organic products, delicatessen, cheese, wines, fish and imported continental fare. Around the market are other excellent food shops, for a total food experience! Pick up some food and enjoy it under Southwark Cathedral. For market shopping, it's best to go in the morning, or after 2PM, since it starts to get very crowded by around 11:30AM when the lunch crowd comes in.

• Gabriel's WharfAn eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, the design shops at Gabriel's Wharf are exclusively run by small businesses who design and manufacture their own products, the majority of work available will have been made by the person selling it to you. If you can't find exactly what you are looking for it is possible to commission many of the designers directly. Shops to look out for include Bicha, Game of Graces and Anne Kyyro Quinn.

• Hay's GalleriaA beautiful converted wharf on the Jubilee Walk which, since 1987, has been home to cafés, shops and traditional barrows. Originally a warehouse and associated wharf (Hay's Wharf) for the port of London, it was redeveloped as a visitor attraction in the 1950s and has lots of boutique shops.

• Southbank Book Market

  address: Queen's Walk
  Second-hand book sale near the bank of the Thames. A nice place to just browse for books (classic and modern), maps and prints.

• Oxo Tower Wharf

  address: Barges House St
  Huge galleria.

There is a great selection of cafes, bars and restaurants for all budgets, so make sure you take time to watch the world go by. Have a light lunch at the cool Concrete day/night bar in The Hayward, a try crepe in Gabriel’s Wharf, or treat yourself to cocktails-with-a-view at the upmarket Skylon or Oxo Tower Restaurant. There’s also ‘Japanese tapas’ at Bincho and Japanese favourite Wagamama, dim sum at Ping Pong, contemporary English at Canteen, modern oriental at Ozu and Chino Latino, and a brasserie-style menu at Tamesa.

Budget

• Joe's Kitchen

  phone: +44 20 7939 1490
  address: 5-7 Marshals Road, Borough, London SE1 1EP
  Taking inspiration from Borough Market, London, Joe’s offers great tasting fresh food perfect for breakfast and lunch There are a host of classics to kick start your day, from freshly made pancakes to Joe’s Café Breakfast, and eggs cooked just how you like them.

• Marie's Cafe

  phone: +44 20 7928-1050
  address: 90 Lower Marsh, SE1 7AB
  A favourite with locals, don't be put off by the shabby exterior of this greasy spoon/Thai cafe hybrid. The Thai menu is authentic and very tasty and service is quick. Very close to the Old Vic and around 10 minutes walk from the Southbank Centre: a great alternative to Southbank's uninspiring chain restaurants whether you are on a strict budget or not.

• My Tea Shop

  phone: +44 20 7407-1110
  address: 23 Duke Street Hill
  A miniscule (there's just four tables) greasy spoon café with lots of charm that serves up traditional English breakfast all day.

• SC Food Market

  address: Southbank Centre Square
  Dozens of market stalls selling fresh food. Each trader at this market is required to produce both ethical and sustainable products.

• Café 171

  phone: +44 20 7654 0100
  address: 171 Union Street, SE1 0LN
  Menu of the day. Comforting home-made hot meals, soups, sandwiches and cold snacks, as well as cake and desserts. A very pleasant and relaxed environment in a large space including an indoor terrace.

Mid-range

• Lord Nelson's

  phone: +44 20 72072701
  address: 243 Union St, SE1 0LR
  Small but unique burger restaurant and bar. Good student discounts. Good selection of burgers, and tastes great for the price. The restaurant has a lot of character, hosting memorabilia and knicknacks from the 50s-modern.

Splurge

• OXO Tower Restaurant Bar & Brasserie

  phone: +44 20 7803-3888
  address: 8F, OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House St
  Offers spectacular views and the complete dining experience with mouthwatering dishes and indulgent wines to match.

• The Garrison

  phone: +44 20 7089-9355
  address: 99-101 Bermondsey St
  Gastro-pub with fine-dining and cinema downstairs. Mains come in between £10-25.

Pubs and bars

South Bank

The cultural centre on the western side of the district includes several notable drinking establishments.

• Doggett's Coat and Badge

  phone: +44 20 7633-9081
  address: 1 Blackfriars Bridge, SE1 9UD
  A four-floored pub overlooking the Thames near Blackfriars Bridge.

• Founders Arms

  phone: +44 20 7928-1899
  address: 52 Hopton St, SE1 9JH
  Riverside Youngs' pub with an excellent view looking straight across the Thames at St. Paul's Cathedral and the rest of The City's iconic skyline.

• The Hole In The Wall

  phone: +44 20 7928-6196
  address: 5 Mepham St, SE1 8SQ
  With a homey and comfortable decor, the appeal of the Hole in the Wall lies in its close proximity to the station and the excellent range of beers on the hand. Use to have a rep for being a spooks hangout due to it being close to MI6 at Vauxhall and is subsequently featured in several spy novels. The rattling of trains above the arches can be heard inside.

Southwark

The non-riverside core of the district doesn't have quite as many drinking establishments as the other areas but there are places worth visiting.

• Roxy Bar and Screen

  phone: +44 20 7407-4057
  Bar-cinema hybrid. Shows films every night except Friday and Saturday, when it is a normal bar. The back room is fitted with a high-definition projector and screens a range of films, acting as second-run cinema and a bar. Listings can include major sports events as well as mainstream and niche movies.

• Windmill Tavern

  phone: +44 20 7207-3984
  address: 86 The Cut, SE1 8LW
  Friendly bar staff pouring chilled beers from a wide selection. Great pub food.

Bankside

The area around Borough Market, directly opposite The City, attracts as many pubs as it does restaurants.

• Barrowboy & Banker

  phone: +44 20 7403-5415
  address: 6–8 Borough High St, SE1 9QQ
  This used to be the first branch of NatWest bank in the UK and it maintains a lot of the old bank fittings, from pillars to marble floors.

• Brew Wharf

  phone: +44 20 7378-6601
  address: 14–16 Stoney St, SE1 9AD
  This gastropub is part of Vinopolis but it is definitely beer-focussed—it even has its own microbrewery—with a large selection from around the world.

• George Inn

  phone: +44 20 7407-2056
  address: 77 Borough High St, SE1 1NH
  This inn was built in 1676 after the original establishment was burned down in the Great London fire of 1666. The George is London's only surviving galleried coaching inn, and is one of the oldest pubs south of the Thames.

• The Hop Exchange building

  address: 24 Southwark St, SE1 1TY
  It used to supply hops to the many breweries that were based in the area in the past. Two different sister pubs now occupy the site:

• Katzenjammers

  phone: +44 20 3417-0196
  German theme pub sharing a building with its sister The Wheatsheaf in the basement of the Hop Exchange. Stocks Schnapps and German beer, some of which can be hard to find in London, as well as serving Bavarian cuisine.

• The Sheaf

  phone: +44 20 7407-9934
  Sharing a building with its sister Katzenjammers in the basement of the Hop Exchange. Several, constantly rotating guest beers are regularly on offer. (The original Wheatsheaf had to be moved due the Thameslink railway passing directly over it.)

The Market Porter

phone: +44 20 7407-2495

address: 9 Stoney St, SE1 9AA

A real ale pub that offers "a beer festival every day of the week". It puts new and different casks on as the previous one sell out and can can have several new beers become available within a single day. Uses it early morning market licence to open with the dawn on weekdays. No bar food served on Saturdays but the restaurant upstairs is still open (M–Th noon–3PM, F–Su noon–5PM).

The Rake

phone: +44 20 7407-0557

address: 14 Winchester Walk, SE1 9AG

Tiny pub that used to be a cafe, attached to Borough Market (it shares the gents' toilets) and owned by the market beer shop, Utobeer. Specialises in bottled beer, especially local and international craft beers.

The Southwark Tavern

phone: +44 20 7403-0257

address: 22 Southwark St, SE1 1TU

Shad Thames

The area by Tower Bridge contains some of the best pubs in the city.

• The Bridge House

  phone: +44 20 7407-5818
  address: 218 Tower Bridge Rd, SE1 2UP
  The only pub in London owned by Adnams brewery.

• Dean Swift

  phone: +44 20 7357-0748
  Beer specialist, which often includes casks from the local Kernel brewery as well as further afield.

• Draft House

  phone: +44 20 7378-9995
  address: 206–208 Tower Bridge Rd, SE1 2UP
  A branch of the small, local chain of American-influenced pubs which "aims to do for beer what our culture has done for food and wine".

• The Horniman

  phone: +44 20 7407-1991
  address: Unit 26, Hays Galleria, SE1 2HD

Clubs

• Concrete

  address: Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX
  Free nightly music events. The best place to sample underground electro, indie, dub-step and more.

Budget

• St Christopher's Village

  phone: +44 20 7939-9710
  address: 161–165 Borough High St, SE1 1HR
  Youth hostel with late night bar.

Mid-range

• Days Inn Waterloo

  phone: +44 20 7922-1331
  address: 54 Kennington Rd, SE1 7BJ

• Express by Holiday Inn London Southwark

  phone: +44 20 7401-2525
  address: 103-109 Southwark St, SE1 0JQ
  On the River Thames, clean and charming hotel.

• Novotel London City South

  phone: +44 20 7089-0400
  address: 53–61 Southwark Bridge Rd, SE1 9HH
  Great views along with a fitness gym and spa.

• Southwark Rose Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7015-1480
  address: 47 Southwark Bridge Rd
  A boutique hotel less than 200 metres from the Thames. Air conditioned rooms with en suites, meeting room facilities.

Splurge

• London Bridge Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7855-2200
  address: 8–18 London Bridge St, SE1 9SG
  Four-star boutique hotel popular with business travellers with its sleek and contemporary design and furnishings.

• Marriott London County Hall

  phone: +44 20 7928-5200
  address: Westminster Bridge Rd
  With Big Ben checking on you across the street, it's home to the largest pool in any London hotel. Provides first class service, luxurious spa treatment on site and trendy bar downstairs.

• Park Plaza County Hall

  phone: +44 20 7021-1800
  address: 1 Addington St, SE1 7RY
  Stylish and reputable.

The Southbank Centre, the National Theatre, the Royal Festival Hall, the BFI Southbank and the BFI IMAX all have free Wi-Fi available.
The London Eye's ticket office, and the area immediately surrounding it, also has free Wi-Fi.
Waterloo Station offers fifteen minutes of free Wi-Fi (per 24-hours) after which you will have to register and buy additional access.
The Cloud provides pay-only Wi-Fi along the Festival Riverside (by the Thames, in front of the Southbank Centre).
London Marriott Hotel County Hall and the local Park Plaza hotels offer free Wi-Fi, with connection details available at their receptions.