Outdoors
Bankside is a wonderful place for a leisurely stroll or jog, whichever section you start from. The four bridges that span the area - which are, in order from the most western, Blackfriars, Millennium, Southwark and London Bridge - are each at a walkable distance from the others, and interspersed with a fine selection of cafés, restaurants and Bankside's cultural attractions.
London Walks, a walking tour company, offer two walks through Bankside that will help you discover the quirky facts and immerse yourself in the area's history. The Along the Thames Pub Walk and Shakespeare's London. Try the first walk on an evening, when the lights of the bridges and buildings give the river a totally different character. A London Walks leaflet can always be picked up at the Founders Arms pub, in front of Bankside Gallery.
Al Fresco Dining
During the summer, Bankside offers a multitude of al fresco dining opportunities as well as fantastic riverside views (some of which can be enjoyed during the winter months too).
Here are a few suggestions...
- As you enter Bankside from the west under Blackfriars Bridge, the Founder's Arms pub offers spectacular views of the Thames and the City from an outside terrace. Their printed menu illustrates the north bank skyline so you can pick out the buildings and monuments. Bankside Riverwalk, nr Bankside Gallery, 020 7928 1899
- Past Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe, you will encounter a series of eateries that offer al fresco dining including Pizza Express (Bankside Riverwalk, west of Southwark Bridge Road, 020 7401 3977), The Real Greek and Eat (Bankside Riverwalk, nr Southwark Bridge). These are great places for relaxing as people stroll by - great stops for people watching.
- A little further on The Anchor was the pub from where Samuel Pepys witnessed the awesome destruction of the Great Fire of London in 1666. From the huge outside seating area and the first floor balcony you get a great view of both St Pauls and Tower Bridge. 34 Park Street, 020 7407 1577
- On medieval Clink Street Amano offers an atmospheric option. Having built up a reputation for the quality of its breakfast and lunch menu, Amano (from the Italian for "made by hand") offers a healthy alternative to the pub for grazing and drinking on a summer evening.
- Borough Market is offers tasty-licious takeaways from a range of small eateries: from sushi at Feng Sushi to Spanish jamon at Brindisa to fish at Fish! Takeaway to roast beef sarnies at Roast to Go.
- Black and Blue, in the heart of bustling Borough Market, is a very summery place to be with an outside eating area perfect for watching lunchtime workers let off the leash, crowding the pavements outside pubs and grabbing hot takeaway food from the market stalls.
- Along Stoney Street, Brew Wharf is a small outdoor haven to enjoy exactly what the name suggests a selection of own brews, which are aimed to please both the experienced and novice ale drinker, using traditional British malts and hops. British food also available.
- Finally, for something a little more historic, have a meal or a couple of drinks in the cobbled courtyard of the George Inn, London's last remaining galleried coaching inn. It serves a number of excellent guest beers, including its own George Ale.
Picnic Spots
There are some great picnic spots in Bankside so grab a snack and make your way to one of these spaces:
- Tate Modern's lawn on the riverside
- Look out for Better Bankside's pink chairs and tables outside Tate Modern, in Southwark Cathedral's courtyard and in leafy Cathedral Square (on the north side of the Cathedral). They offer respite to weary feet!
- Red Cross Gardens, a newly restored community garden on Redcross Way, between Union Street and Marshalsea Road. Originally laid out by Octavia Hill in 1887, it has been restored to its Victorian glory.
