Best Bars near Waterloo Bridge

The Understudy is the National Theatre's vibrant riverside craft bar on London's South Bank, offering indoor and outdoor seating, a curated selection of local craft beers, and rotating street food from KERB traders. With stunning Thames views, it's an ideal spot for casual meals, pre- or post-theatre drinks, open late into the night. Enjoy smash burgers, Middle Eastern flatbreads, Mexican tacos, and indie cocktails in this lively hub supporting local makers.

Perched on the sixth floor of the Royal Festival Hall, the Southbank Centre Members Bar offers a serene retreat with panoramic Thames views. This contemporary wine bar serves drinks and light bites amid expansive glazing and a balcony, blending exclusivity with cultural buzz from the vibrant arts complex below. Ideal for pre-show relaxation or casual socializing in central London.

Nestled within the bustling Southbank Centre Food Market, Honestfolk Cocktail Bar delivers expertly crafted seasonal cocktails and timeless classics from a cozy mobile setup. Overlooking the River Thames, it captures London's vibrant street food scene with refreshing drinks amid sizzling grills and global flavors. Open weekends, it offers a perfect pit stop for market-goers seeking quality libations in a lively, open-air atmosphere. Cocktails feature fresh ingredients, from zesty citrus blends to rich winter eggnogs, paired with the hum of Southbank's cultural energy.

The American Bar at The Savoy is London’s oldest surviving cocktail bar, renowned worldwide for its historic significance and innovative cocktails. Located within the iconic Savoy Hotel, this elegant bar blends classic and contemporary mixology in a sophisticated Art Deco setting. With a smart-casual dress code and a walk-in policy, it offers an unforgettable experience steeped in over a century of cocktail history and legendary clientele.

Nestled within the iconic Savoy Hotel on London’s Strand, the Beaufort Bar is a sophisticated cocktail lounge inspired by its theatrical past. With dramatic black and gold Art Deco interiors, a DJ spinning sultry tunes, and a menu celebrating martinis, champagne, and creative cocktails, it offers an elegant nocturnal escape. Open Thursday to Saturday evenings, it is a magnet for stylish crowds seeking luxury, live entertainment, and expertly crafted drinks in a lavish setting.

A seasonal cocktail bar and pop-up operation known for freshly made, creative drinks and sunny outdoor seating on London’s Southbank; run by the Thirsty Farrier team who specialise in mobile bars and festival pop-ups, it pairs relaxed riverside vibes with a changing seasonal menu and convivial service, making it an easy stop for an afternoon or an evening social drink.

Nestled on Wellington Street in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden, Be At One Covent Garden Lyceum is a lively cocktail bar renowned for its extensive menu of over 100 meticulously crafted drinks. This welcoming spot buzzes with energy, offering 2-for-1 happy hours, expert mixology masterclasses, and a party-ready atmosphere perfect for after-work unwinding or celebratory nights out. Housed in a Grade II listed building with a storied past as the Old Bell pub, it blends historic charm with modern cocktail innovation amid London's theater district.

Nestled beneath the Michelin-starred Frog restaurant in Covent Garden, Eve Bar offers a moody, theatrical atmosphere paired with innovative, zero-waste cocktails crafted by acclaimed mixologists. The bar’s design weaves biblical and gothic motifs with rich, intimate seating, creating a seductive setting for adventurous drinkers. Complemented by creative bar snacks and a commitment to sustainability, Eve Bar invites guests to ‘Resist Everything Except Temptation’ in the heart of London’s vibrant theatre district.

Established in 1890, Gordon's Wine Bar is London's oldest wine bar, nestled just off Villiers Street near Embankment. This atmospheric cellar bar, famed for its vaulted candlelit ambiance and oak barrels of sherry and port, offers a rich selection of award-winning wines and artisanal foods. Steeped in history and family tradition, Gordon's is a timeless retreat for wine lovers seeking a unique London experience.

Nestled in Charles Dickens' former publishing offices in Covent Garden, Plume Wine Bar captivates with its two-level charm: a bright rococo-inspired salon upstairs and a dimly lit speakeasy cavern below. Specializing in global sparkling wines excluding Champagne, it offers an atlas-guided selection of crémants, Italian bubbles, English fizz, and rare finds from Japan to Brazil. Pair them with sharing plates like cheese boards, cured meats, parmesan fries, baked camembert, and inventive chips. The intimate setting fosters connection, complete with a unique 'PidgeonMail' note-passing system to strangers.