If you’re hopping off the Thames Clipper at the London Eye Pier and fancy a pint or a cheeky cocktail, you’re in luck! This stretch of the South Bank is brimming with spots to quench your thirst. From riverside pubs like the Tattershall Castle, a floating pub moored right on the Thames, to cosy gems like The King’s Arms tucked away on charming Roupell Street, there’s something for every taste. Whether you’re after a classic British ale, a creative cocktail, or just a place to rest your feet and watch the world go by, these nearby bars and pubs have got you covered.
Vaulty Towers
Address: 34 Lower Marsh, London, SE1 7RG
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled on Lower Marsh, a vibrant street just a short stroll from Waterloo Station, Vaulty Towers is ideally situated for both locals and visitors. This area is renowned for its eclectic mix of shops, cafés, and cultural venues, making it a lively spot in central London.
- What’s the Vibe? Vaulty Towers exudes a whimsical and theatrical charm. Owned by the creative minds behind The Vaults, the pub is adorned with repurposed stage props, including a treehouse seating area, a crescent moon, and a variety of quirky furnishings. The ever-changing décor ensures that each visit offers a new visual delight, creating an atmosphere that’s both playful and immersive.
What’s On Offer
- Unique Events and Entertainment: Vaulty Towers hosts a range of engaging events throughout the week. Highlights include:
- A Very Vaultsy Pub Quiz on Mondays, offering a chance to win a £100 bar tab.
- Thirsty Thursdays with DJ Big Roy spinning a mix of current hits and old-school classics.
- Friday Nights featuring resident DJ Paul Wale.
- Saturday Sessions with The Fat Black Duchess delivering disco and queer anthems.
- Secret Sketch life drawing classes on weekends, welcoming all skill levels.
- Creative Food & Drink Offerings: The pub serves a selection of comforting pub grub, including burgers, sausage and mash, and mac and cheese. The drinks menu is equally inventive, featuring cocktails on tap, such as espresso martinis and negronis, as well as unique options like lychee slushies. For those feeling adventurous, a makeshift spinning wheel can help decide your next drink .
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday – Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
The Victory
Address: Unit 1, The Balcony, Waterloo Station, SE1 8SW
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Victory is perched on the mezzanine level of Waterloo Station, directly above the iconic Victory Arch. Its elevated position offers a unique vantage point over the bustling station concourse, making it an ideal spot for travellers and locals alike.
- What’s the Vibe? Combining modern British pub aesthetics with historical nods, The Victory boasts exposed brick walls adorned with vintage railway posters and photographs, celebrating the station’s 175-year legacy. The ambiance is both contemporary and cosy, featuring plush seating and a distinctive half-moon window that floods the space with natural light.
What’s On Offer
- All-Day Dining & Signature Dishes: From hearty breakfasts to elegant dinners, The Victory serves a diverse menu. Highlights include the ‘Big Victory Breakfast’, pan-roasted salmon, and their signature marinated souvlaki served with hummus, salad, tzatziki, and pitta bread.
- Live Sports & Events: Equipped with large screens, The Victory is a prime location for watching live sports, including Premier League football and Six Nations rugby. The venue often hosts special events with themed menus and sharing platters, creating a vibrant atmosphere for fans.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 AM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Kitchen Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Stage Door
Address: 28–30 Webber Street, London, SE1 8QA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Tucked away on a quiet backstreet just behind The Old Vic Theatre, The Stage Door is a short stroll from both Waterloo and Southwark stations. Its location offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle, making it a convenient spot for theatre-goers and locals alike.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub exudes a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, characterised by its simple design with wooden tables and large windows. It’s known for its relaxed setting, friendly staff, and a vibrant mix of patrons, from local regulars to tourists seeking an authentic London pub experience. The rooftop terrace is a hidden gem, providing a sunny spot for drinks during warmer months.
What’s On Offer
- Pieminister Pies & Pub Classics: The Stage Door boasts a menu filled with hearty British fare. Highlights include a selection of Pieminister pies, such as the classic ‘Moo’ (British beef steak & ale) and vegetarian options like ‘Kevin’ (chestnut mushroom, tomato, quinoa, baby onions & thyme). These can be paired with mash, peas, and gravy for a comforting meal. Additionally, the menu features stone-baked pizzas, burgers, and traditional fish and chips.
- Live Music & Open Mic Nights: Entertainment is a staple at The Stage Door. The pub hosts live music sessions on Saturday evenings and open mic nights on Sundays, showcasing local talent and providing a lively backdrop for patrons. It’s a great spot for music enthusiasts looking to enjoy performances in an intimate setting.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday: 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Tuesday to Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Closed on Bank Holidays
The Hole In The Wall
Address: 5 Mepham Street, London, SE1 8SQ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled directly opposite Waterloo Station’s Victory Arch entrance, The Hole In The Wall is tucked beneath a railway arch on Mepham Street. Its unassuming façade and proximity to the station make it a convenient yet often overlooked gem for commuters and visitors alike.
- What’s the Vibe? This independent, family-run free house exudes a no-frills, old-school charm. The front bar offers a cosy, rugby-themed setting, while the larger rear bar is more utilitarian, featuring sports on TV and a small heated patio. The pub’s atmosphere is unpretentious and welcoming, attracting a diverse mix of patrons from office workers to theatre-goers.
What’s On Offer
- Cask Ales & Local Brews: A haven for real ale enthusiasts, The Hole In The Wall boasts four handpumps in the front bar and six in the rear, showcasing a rotating selection of cask ales primarily from London and southern England breweries. Regular offerings include brews from Allsopp’s, Five Points, and Iron Pier.
- Live Irish Folk Music: Adding to its unique character, the pub hosts live Irish acoustic folk sessions every Sunday evening from 7:30 to 10:00 pm. These performances contribute to the pub’s lively and communal atmosphere.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12:00 pm – 11:30 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm
The White Hart
Address: 29 Cornwall Rd, Greater London, SE1 8TJ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled on a quiet corner of Cornwall Road in Waterloo, The White Hart is just a short stroll from Waterloo Station and the South Bank. Surrounded by historic Dickensian workers’ cottages, it offers a peaceful retreat amidst the bustle of central London.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub exudes a quintessentially British charm with its traditional wood-panelled interiors and wrap-around windows. It’s a cosy, characterful spot that blends vintage aesthetics with a relaxed, homely atmosphere, making it feel like a step back in time.
What’s On Offer
- Evening Set Menu: From Monday to Friday after 5pm, guests can enjoy a two-course meal for £20 or three courses for £23. The menu features favourites like crispy fried mozzarella, hearty sausage and mash, and indulgent sticky toffee pudding.
- Sunday Roasts: Every Sunday from 12pm to 5pm, The White Hart serves up traditional British roasts. These are popular among locals and visitors alike, so booking ahead is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Saturday: 12:00 – 23:00
- Sunday: 12:00 – 22:30
Ready to Visit?
Just a short stroll from the London Eye Pier, the South Bank and Waterloo area is a haven for pub lovers and cocktail seekers alike. Whether you’re in the mood for the quirky theatrics of Vaulty Towers on Lower Marsh, the charming and traditional White Hart tucked away on Cornwall Road, or the lively atmosphere and excellent pies at The Stage Door, there’s no shortage of spots to unwind. Add in the riverside novelty of Tattershall Castle or the local ales at The Hole In The Wall, and you’ve got yourself a proper pub crawl within easy reach of the Clipper stop.
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