Hay's Galleria
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
A historic riverside shopping and dining destination on the south bank of the Thames, Hay's Galleria transforms a 19th-century warehouse and former wharf into a vibrant mixed-use space. Beneath its distinctive arched glass roof, visitors discover boutique shops, restaurants, cafes, and market stalls, all centered around David Kemp's mesmerizing 60-foot kinetic sculpture, The Navigators. Once known as the 'Larder of London' for its role in the spice and tea trade, this Grade II listed building now offers postcard-worthy Thames views, excellent people-watching, and easy access to iconic London landmarks.
A brief summary to Hay's Galleria
- 1 Battle Bridge Ln, London, SE1 2HD, GB
- +442074031041
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 8 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-11 pm
- Thursday 8 am-11 pm
- Friday 8 am-11 pm
- Saturday 9 am-11 pm
- Sunday 9 am-10:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekday mornings for fewer crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere. The galleria is less busy before 11 AM and midweek, allowing you to appreciate the architecture and The Navigators sculpture without the weekend rush.
- Capture the glass roof and iron beams during daylight hours for stunning photography. The natural light creates beautiful shadows and reflections, and the architectural details are most striking when illuminated from above.
- Grab coffee and pastries at White Mulberries café, which offers excellent quality and great views of the galleria. It's an ideal spot to sit, relax, and people-watch while enjoying the riverside atmosphere.
- Explore the information signs at the entrance to learn about the site's history as a 19th-century wharf and its transformation during the 1980s regeneration. Understanding the backstory enriches your appreciation of the space.
- In December, visit for the Christmas by the River market, which features festive stalls, seasonal treats, and exceptional photo opportunities. The holiday decorations and market atmosphere create a magical riverside experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Hay's Galleria location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Hay's Galleria
From Wharf to Warehouse: A Maritime Legacy Reimagined
Hay's Galleria stands as a testament to London's transformation from industrial powerhouse to modern cultural capital. Built in the 1850s as Hay's Wharf, this riverside complex became one of the busiest food trading dockyards in the Pool of London, earning the nickname 'the Larder of London' for handling approximately 80% of the dry produce imported to the city. Tea clippers from India and China would navigate into the dock, their holds filled with exotic spices, silks, and the prized black tea that fueled Victorian society. For over a century, the wharf hummed with the activity of dock workers, merchants, and sailors from across the globe. The Great Fire of Southwark in 1861 necessitated extensive rebuilding, yet the complex continued its vital role in London's commerce until devastating bombing during World War II left it severely damaged.The Architectural Transformation of the 1980s
The regeneration of Hay's Galleria in the 1980s represents one of London's most successful urban renewal projects. Rather than demolishing the historic structures, architects Twigg Brown preserved the original tea and produce warehouses, converting them into office spaces, shops, and restaurants while retaining the dock itself. The masterstroke was the installation of a sweeping glass roof that encloses the entire space, creating a bright, weather-protected atrium reminiscent of a Victorian railway terminal. This design decision maintains the industrial character of the original wharf while providing the comfort and accessibility expected by modern visitors. The arched colonnades that run along either side of the galleria frame restored facades and create intimate shopping corridors beneath the soaring glass canopy.The Navigators: A Kinetic Tribute to Shipping Heritage
At the heart of Hay's Galleria stands David Kemp's extraordinary bronze sculpture, The Navigators, a 60-foot moving artwork that captures the spirit of the site's maritime past. This kinetic masterpiece depicts an industrial-age ship with oars that mimic rowing motions, while water jets and fountains add dynamic movement and sensory drama. Created in collaboration with architect Bob Clements, who envisioned a sculpture that would reflect the galleria's shipping heritage with energy and motion, The Navigators has become an iconic symbol of the site. Visitors are drawn to its hypnotic movement and the interplay of water, bronze, and light—a contemporary artistic statement that honors the centuries of maritime activity that once defined this location.Shopping, Dining, and Riverside Living
Today, Hay's Galleria functions as a sophisticated mixed-use destination blending retail, hospitality, and office space. Boutique shops and market stalls offer artisanal goods, jewelry, leather bags, and unique souvenirs, while an array of restaurants and cafes cater to every taste and budget. Côte Brasserie serves French cuisine, Bills offers hearty brunches and cocktails, and Pret A Manger provides quick refreshment. The outdoor terraces and pavement-style seating areas provide ideal vantage points for people-watching and soaking in the galleria's cosmopolitan atmosphere. Seasonal pop-ups and the annual Christmas by the River market add festive variety to the calendar. The covered arcade ensures comfort regardless of weather, while the riverside location offers stunning views of the Thames, Tower Bridge, and the City of London skyline.A Cultural Hub Between Landmarks
Situated between London Bridge and the River Thames in the London Borough of Southwark, Hay's Galleria occupies a prime position within London's cultural landscape. The site sits adjacent to world-class attractions including the Tate Modern, The Globe Theatre, The Bridge Theatre, and White Cube Gallery. Borough Market, Tower Bridge, and the historic Cathedral of Southwark are all within easy walking distance. The Thames Path runs directly past the galleria, making it a natural stop for riverside walks and photography. The proximity to London Bridge Station provides rapid connectivity to all corners of London via multiple Underground lines, National Rail services, and the Elizabeth Line, ensuring accessibility for visitors from across the city and beyond.Atmosphere and Experience
Walking through Hay's Galleria is an immersive experience that engages multiple senses. The soaring glass roof floods the space with natural light, creating an airy, inviting atmosphere that feels both grand and intimate. The sound of water from The Navigators sculpture mingles with the ambient chatter of diners and shoppers. The restored Victorian warehouse architecture provides visual interest at every turn, while the blend of heritage and contemporary design creates a unique aesthetic that appeals to both history enthusiasts and modern travelers. Whether you arrive as a tourist seeking London's iconic sights, a local enjoying a leisurely lunch, or a business professional between meetings, the galleria welcomes all with its open, accessible character and carefully curated mix of experiences.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Custom House
0.4 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
Wakefield Tower
0.5 km
Medieval royal tower steeped in 13th-century splendor and tragic history within the Tower of London.
1 Tower Hl Ter
0.5 km
Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
Monument to the Great Fire of London
0.5 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
Roman Wall of Londinium
0.6 km
Explore the towering Roman Wall at Tower Hill, a striking relic that shaped London’s ancient cityscape and echoes 2,000 years of history.
Tower Hill Memorial
0.6 km
Honouring 35,000 merchant seafarers with no grave but the sea—a dual memorial to two world wars.
20 Fenchurch St
0.6 km
Iconic London skyscraper with a unique top-heavy design, featuring the Sky Garden — a free public rooftop oasis with panoramic city views and dining.
Trinity Square
0.6 km
Historic formal gardens honouring maritime sacrifice amid London's ancient heart and architectural grandeur.
St Olave's Church, Hart Street
0.6 km
Medieval survivor where Viking legend, plague history, and literary fame converge in a Gothic gem.
Sundial at the Tower Hill
0.7 km
Discover the Sundial at Tower Hill, a picturesque spot in London where history and beauty meet, perfect for relaxation and photography.
Trinity House
0.7 km
Five centuries of maritime heritage and seafarer welfare in a restored Georgian masterpiece.
Tower Hill
0.7 km
Explore Tower Hill in London, where history meets stunning views and vibrant culture in the heart of the city.
London Wall
0.7 km
Explore London Wall, an ancient Roman landmark revealing the rich history of Londinium amidst the modern cityscape of London.
St Mary Abchurch
0.8 km
Wren's intimate masterpiece crowned by a celestial dome and adorned with Grinling Gibbons' finest carvings.
113 Cannon St
0.8 km
A distinguished Grade II listed classical building in London’s financial district, showcasing early 20th-century architectural elegance.
Unmissable attractions to see
English Grounds
0.1 km
Experience the tranquility and beauty of English Grounds in London, a perfect escape into nature and culture amidst the vibrant city life.
HMS Belfast
0.2 km
Explore nine decks of naval history aboard HMS Belfast, London’s iconic WWII cruiser with stunning Thames views and immersive exhibits.
More London Place
0.2 km
A vibrant riverside business and cultural precinct blending modern architecture with iconic Thames views near Tower Bridge.
The Shard
0.3 km
Experience breathtaking views of London from The Shard, the tallest building in the UK, where modern architecture meets stunning landscapes.
The View from The Shard
0.3 km
Experience London’s highest panoramic views from the iconic glass spire of The Shard, with stunning 360-degree vistas and luxury amenities.
Lantern Ghost Tours
0.3 km
Discover London’s haunted past with Lantern Ghost Tours, blending history, ghost stories, and atmospheric pub stops near London Bridge.
The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs
0.4 km
Dive into 2,000 years of London’s darkest history and face your fears in the UK’s top horror attraction beneath London Bridge.
The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
0.4 km
Step into Europe’s oldest surviving surgical theatre, hidden in a church attic, and explore the raw, pre-anaesthetic world of 19th-century surgery and herbal medicine.
London Bridge
0.4 km
Discover the historic London Bridge, a stunning architectural marvel offering breathtaking views and a gateway to the heart of London's vibrant culture.
Potters Fields Park
0.4 km
A peaceful riverside park by Tower Bridge blending historic pottery heritage with vibrant gardens and iconic London views.
Billingsgate Roman House & Baths
0.4 km
Explore one of London’s best-preserved Roman private homes and bathhouses, revealing ancient luxury beneath the modern city streets.
Southwark View Point
0.4 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of London’s iconic skyline from the vibrant South Bank’s premier open-air viewpoint.
Southwark Cathedral
0.4 km
Discover Southwark Cathedral’s rich history, stunning Gothic architecture, and cultural ties in the heart of London’s historic South Bank.
Bridge Theatre
0.4 km
Experience cutting-edge theatre in London’s innovative Bridge Theatre, where flexible design meets immersive performances by the Thames.
St Dunstan in the East Church Garden
0.5 km
A peaceful historic garden oasis in the heart of London’s financial district, blending Gothic ruins with lush greenery and tranquil charm.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Story
0.5 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
La Dame de Pic London
0.6 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
14 Hills
0.8 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Madison
1.2 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
1.2 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
1.2 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Mercato Metropolitano
1.3 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.4 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.7 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.9 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
St. John
2.1 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Lyle's
2.1 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Nomadic community
2.2 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
2.2 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
2.2 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tower of London Shop
0.4 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Traders Gate
0.5 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Bermondsey Antique Market
0.9 km
Uncover vintage treasures at London’s oldest antiques market, where history meets haggling every Friday morning in Bermondsey Square.
The Royal Exchange
0.9 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
1 Poultry
1.0 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
One New Change
1.2 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Middlesex Textiles
1.3 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Petticoat Lane Market
1.3 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.4 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Fashion St
1.6 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
Commercial St
1.6 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Spitalfields Market
1.6 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
1.7 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Sclater Street Market
1.7 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
1.7 km
Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Nine Lives
0.3 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.6 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Old School Yard
0.7 km
Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
The Bootlegger
0.7 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
Demon, Wise & Partners
1.1 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
Moonshine Saloon
1.1 km
Step into London’s Moonshine Saloon for an immersive Wild West cocktail adventure with live actors, games, and bespoke drinks made from your own spirits.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
1.1 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
The Bell
1.3 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Discount Suit Company
1.4 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
Dirty Dicks
1.4 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Astronomer, EC1
1.4 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
1.4 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
1.5 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
1.6 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
Lyaness
1.6 km
Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
0.7 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
Ministry of Sound
1.4 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
E1
1.6 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
Corsica Studios
1.7 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
XOYO LONDON
2.2 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
The Hoxton Pony
2.2 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
2.3 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
2.3 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
2.3 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
London Best Night Clubs
2.4 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Trafik
2.4 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
Proud Late
2.5 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Club 701
2.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic clubbing scene at Club 701, South London's energetic hotspot on Old Kent Road.
Basing House - Shoreditch
2.6 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
2.7 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
