Guide Details

Best Pubs near South Bank, London

Riverside pubs, theatre bars, market drinks, and easy group stops for keeping a South Bank walk relaxed.

South Bank, London1 guide4 mapped stops
Nightlife/South Bank

Best Pubs near South Bank, London

Guide: Pints Along the Thames

South Bank drinking is best when it behaves like a river walk. The Anchor and Founders Arms give you historic and view-led pints, The Understudy catches the theatre crowd, and Flat Iron Square handles groups who want food, beer, and space. This guide is now clearly about pints and easy riverside stops, not late rooms.

  • The Anchor BanksideThe Anchor Bankside is a Thameside pub dating back to 1615, serving real ale and food across the bar and restaurant with outdoor seating between Borough Market and Tate Modern.
  • Founder's ArmsFounder's Arms is a glass-fronted river pub with a large heated patio overlooking the Thames and St Paul's, best for pints, simple food, and a view-led pause between Tate Modern and Blackfriars.
  • The UnderstudyThe Understudy is the National Theatre's relaxed bar for craft beer, casual drinks, river terraces, and a performance-adjacent pause that does not require a ticket or a dress code.
  • Flat Iron SquareFlat Iron Square is a Bankside courtyard and taproom setup for groups: rotating street-food vendors, beer, cocktails, screenings, DJs, and flexible seating near London Bridge without committing to one restaurant.
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