Foodies on the Thames

Borough Market

A food market has been on the site of Borough Market (nearest pier: Bankside) for over a thousand years. In its 21st century incarnation, the market is a place where people with an appreciation for their food go to get fresh, high-quality produce and enjoy artisan cooking.

Borough Market is a champion of the slow food movement and sustainability, so whether you’re looking for ingredients to make yourself a lovely meal when you get home or want some great street food to eat there and then (or both of course), it’s a mouth-watering experience to wander around the stalls for some tasty ideas and inspiration.

Gabriel’s Wharf

With the informal feel of pop-up cafés and restaurants, Gabriel’s Wharf (nearest pier: Festival) has a number of places that sell great food in a relaxed setting. The area is always crowded, especially on hot sunny days when you can take advantage of the many outdoor tables.

Eating by the river

The South Bank is usually bustling with people taking advantage of the tourist attractions, walking along the river or just sitting outside a café or bar and watching the world go by. As a consequence, there are a huge number of places to buy delicious food from around the world, including cafés such as Beany Green (nearest pier: Festival), bars, pubs like the Founder’s Arms (nearest pier: Bankside), restaurants, street food specialists such as Wahaca (nearest pier: Festival) and seasonal pop-ups like Jimmy’s (nearest pier: Festival).

Your taste buds could be tickled all the way from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge and beyond – the picturesque Butlers Wharf (nearest pier: Tower Bridge Quay) is where you can sit by the river and eat while enjoying great views of the iconic bridge.

Fine dining with a view

If you’re celebrating or just want to enjoy some fine dining in a formal setting with a view, then you have a number of options along the South Bank. If you’re visiting the Royal Festival Hall (nearest pier: Festival), book a table at the first floor Skylon Restaurant, which overlooks the river. If you want to go higher, the Oxo Tower Restaurant (nearest pier: Festival) is on the eighth floor of the Oxo Tower, affording amazing views of the river, St Paul’s Cathedral and the London skyline. And if the eighth floor simply isn’t high enough, try one of the restaurants in The Shard (nearest pier: Tower Bridge Quay) – from the 31st and 32nd floors you’ll get stunning views across the city!

Whatever your palate, budget or occasion, if you love good food you will always find a great place to eat along the South Bank. And if you’ve found a place you really recommend, tell us about it on our Facebook or Twitter pages so others can enjoy it too. Bon appetit!