Ready for a tipple with a view? Look no further than the iconic area around The Shard! This towering marvel isn’t just about breathtaking cityscapes; it’s surrounded by some of the best bars and pubs where London’s charm really shines through. From sky-high cocktails that’ll make you feel on top of the world to cosy, tucked-away pubs where the real London whispers, there’s a spot for every taste. Whether you’re after the glam of a rooftop bar or the earthy feel of a traditional British pub, the vicinity of The Shard serves up an unforgettable night out. Cheers to discovering your new favourite watering hole!
Bunch of Grapes
Address: 2 St Thomas St, London, SE1 1LY
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Bunch of Grapes is conveniently located near London Bridge station, Borough Market, and the Shard, making it a centrally positioned British pub in the heart of London.
- What’s the Vibe? This venue boasts a welcoming and friendly atmosphere that’s ideal for everything from casual after-work drinks to weekend gatherings. With its rich 200-year heritage, the pub combines traditional charm with a vibrant, contemporary feel.
What’s On Offer
- Exceptional Beer Garden & Food Offerings: Known for its hidden beer garden, the pub is a pioneer of vertical drinking in London. When it comes to food, it serves a wide array of British classics, from hearty ‘Bunch Burgers’ to lighter dishes for those with a smaller appetite, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
- Wide Beer & Wine Selection: Their beer selection is extensive, featuring a mix of traditional Young’s ales and guest beers, alongside a varied wine list.
- UEFA Euro 2024 Viewings: As a prime spot for sports enthusiasts, the Bunch of Grapes offers front-row seats to all the live action from the UEFA Euro 2024, providing a dynamic environment for football fans.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The pub welcomes guests throughout the week with opening hours from 12:00 to 23:00 (Monday to Wednesday), extending to 23:30 on Thursday to Saturday, and closing at 22:00 on Sunday. Food service is available daily until 21:00 or 22:00 depending on the day.
Aqua Shard
Address: Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London, SE1 9RY
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Aqua Shard is positioned on Level 31 of The Shard, which stands as the UK’s tallest building. This unique location in the heart of London, near London Bridge, provides a spectacular setting for the venue.
- What’s the Vibe? The restaurant offers a contemporary British dining experience complemented by breathtaking 360-degree views of London through its floor-to-ceiling glass windows. It’s known for its stylishly modern interior and a romantic atmosphere that has been described as one of the most jaw-dropping experiences in London.
What’s On Offer
- Contemporary British Cuisine & Cocktails: Aqua Shard prides itself on delivering innovative contemporary British dishes. Utilising the finest seasonal ingredients, the menu is a testament to high-quality British cuisine, coupled with an exquisite selection of carefully crafted cocktails.
- Peter Pan Afternoon Tea: Among its unique offerings, the Peter Pan Afternoon Tea stands out as a creative and thematic dining experience. It reflects Aqua Shard’s dedication to offering distinctive culinary adventures that go beyond the ordinary.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The opening hours cater to a wide array of dining experiences, from lunch and dinner to afternoon tea and weekend brunch. Specifically, lunch is available from Monday to Friday between 12 pm and 2:30 pm, brunch on weekends and bank holidays from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, and dinner is served daily from 6 pm to 10:30 pm. The bar offers extended hours, open from Monday to Wednesday until midnight and until 1 am from Thursday to Sunday.
Redwood Sports Pub & Kitchen
Address: Bridge Station, London, SE1 9SP
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Redwood Sports Pub & Kitchen is ideally located at London Bridge Station. The venue sits adjacent to the entrance of London Bridge station and boasts a prime position opposite the iconic Shard. This premium sports pub is part of the ETM group, renowned for their diverse and quality offerings in the hospitality sector.
- What’s the Vibe? The atmosphere at Redwood is both vibrant and welcoming, blending traditional and modern elements in its décor. The venue is adorned with sporting memorabilia, creating a unique and engaging environment. Big screens are strategically positioned throughout, ensuring guests don’t miss any action. Whether it’s to catch a football match, rugby, NFL, or any other major sporting event, Redwood provides a lively setting where fans can come together.
What’s On Offer
- Live Sports Coverage: Redwood stands out as the ultimate destination for sports enthusiasts, offering coverage of a wide range of sports including football, rugby, NFL, tennis, basketball, golf, boxing, and Formula One. The pub features giant ultra-high definition screens, ensuring an immersive viewing experience for all major tournaments and sporting events.
- Events: Beyond regular sports screenings, Redwood hosts special events such as St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, complete with themed menus and live music. These events offer guests unique experiences with special offers on drinks and the opportunity to enjoy the pub’s lively atmosphere.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The pub welcomes guests throughout the week with opening hours as follows: Monday to Friday from 11 am to midnight, Saturday from 10 am to midnight, and Sunday from 11 am to 11:30 pm. The kitchen closes at 10:30 pm.
Redwood Sports Pub & Kitchen provides a comprehensive experience for sports fans and foodies alike, from its strategic location and vibrant atmosphere to its wide-ranging sports coverage and special events. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a match with friends or seeking a lively venue for an evening out, Redwood offers something for everyone.
Quarter Bar & Lounge
Address: 8-18 London Bridge St, London, SE1 9SG
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Quarter Bar & Lounge is nestled in the heart of London Bridge, offering a chic and contemporary space for visitors. This venue boasts a convenient location within the London Bridge area, making it an easily accessible spot for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy a drink or a meal in a stylish setting.
- What’s the Vibe? The ambiance of Quarter Bar & Lounge is one of relaxed sophistication. During the day, it provides an ambient setting for business lunches or interviews, transitioning into a charming and stylish bar by night. With low, relaxing music and plush, velvet seating areas, it offers a warm welcome to those seeking a cosy spot for drinks or food. The bar is known for its friendly team of professional bar staff and cocktail makers, ensuring a pleasant experience for all guests.
What’s On Offer
- Exemplary Cocktail Selection: One of the standout features of Quarter Bar & Lounge is its impressive cocktail list, which includes all the classics as well as unique creations with a London Bridge Hotel twist. The cocktails are made from locally sourced and fresh ingredients, with the bar staff constantly innovating new recipes to delight patrons. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic drink or something more avant-garde, the bar’s extensive selection has something to cater to every taste.
- Delicious Food Menu: In addition to its cocktail offerings, Quarter Bar & Lounge serves up a delectable all-day menu featuring hot and cold sandwiches, salads, main dishes, and the venue’s celebrated afternoon tea. The menu is designed to cater to a variety of palates, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a bite to eat in a welcoming and stylish environment.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The venue is open Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 11.45 pm, and on Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays from 10.00 am to 11.45 pm. Last orders for food are taken at 10.00 pm, while you can order drinks up until 11.30 pm.
Quarter Bar & Lounge stands out as a premier destination in London Bridge for those seeking a mix of excellent drinks, tantalizing food, and a comfortable yet sophisticated atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a casual meetup, a business lunch, or a relaxing evening, this venue promises an enjoyable experience.
Oblix
Address: The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London, SE1 9RY
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Oblix is strategically perched on the 32nd floor of The Shard, one of London’s most iconic buildings. Its location offers panoramic views across central London, stretching from the East to the West, providing a breathtaking backdrop for dining.
- What’s the Vibe? The venue is inspired by the New York skyline, offering a sophisticated yet urban casual dining experience. It presents a contemporary and sophisticated atmosphere, split across two distinct spaces – Oblix East and Oblix West. Both areas offer unique dining experiences, with Oblix East providing an eclectic mix of innovative dishes and award-winning cocktails, and Oblix West offering a more refined urban dining space.
What’s On Offer
- Gourmet Dining & Signature Dishes: Oblix’s menu stands out for its delicate balance of flavours and premium ingredients, served as simple, wholesome dishes. Highlights include crispy squid with chilli and lime, fried octopus, caramelized pork skewers, and the luxurious beef burger topped with cheese and truffle mayonnaise. For seafood lovers, the BBQ black cod with coriander salsa is a must-try.
- Brunch: Oblix offers a special brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays, featuring three delectable courses designed to share, with starters and self-service desserts that update daily. Mains range from toasted sourdough with avocado to seafood linguini and grilled baby chicken with lemon.
- Afternoon Tea: Additionally, the venue offers afternoon tea with a twist, showcasing an array of award-winning cocktails alongside it.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Dinner at Oblix West and East: Monday to Sunday from 6pm – 10:30pm.
- Lunch at Oblix West: Wednesday to Friday from 12pm – 3pm.
- Brunch at Oblix West: Saturday to Sunday from 12pm – 3pm.
Ready to Visit?
Discover the magnetic charm of London around The Shard, a beacon for both high-flying cocktail spots and earthy, traditional British pubs. Dive into the historic ambience of the Bunch of Grapes, a pub cherished for its 200-year legacy and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for sports enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Or, elevate your experience at Aqua Shard, where contemporary British cuisine meets breathtaking city views, offering a dining spectacle amidst the clouds. Whether your preference lies with the classic allure of a pub or the sophisticated air of a rooftop bar, this area promises an unforgettable exploration of London’s dynamic bar scene.
Share the Love
Why not venture to one of these remarkable bars and discover your new favourite spot? Be it the inviting warmth of the Bunch of Grapes or the stunning vistas at Aqua Shard, your visit is sure to be memorable. Don’t keep the experience to yourself; share this article with friends and encourage them to join you on this adventure. Once you’ve indulged in the delights these venues have to offer, remember to share your review and spread the word about these gems in the heart of London.