Sea Containers Restaurant on London’s Southbank
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Sea Containers Restaurant offers a stylish Modern British dining experience overlooking the Thames on London’s vibrant Southbank. Known for its lively yet comfortable ambiance, the venue features thoughtfully crafted menus with small plates and seasonal dishes, complemented by an extensive wine and cocktail selection. Its riverside location provides iconic views, making it a favored spot for brunch, dinner, and special occasions in a chic, contemporary setting.
A brief summary to Sea Containers Restaurant
- 20 Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PD, GB
- +442037471063
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Luxury
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 7 am-10:30 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-10:30 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-10:30 pm
- Thursday 7 am-10:30 pm
- Friday 7 am-10:30 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-10:30 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-10:30 pm
Local tips
- Reserve a table in advance, especially for weekend brunch or dinner, to secure a riverside seat.
- Try the bottomless prosecco during brunch for a festive and value-packed experience.
- Visit in warmer months to enjoy the outdoor terrace overlooking the Thames.
- Explore the diverse wine and cocktail menu to complement your meal.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Sea Containers Restaurant location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Sea Containers Restaurant
A Riverside Dining Experience with a Modern British Flair
Sea Containers Restaurant is situated at 20 Upper Ground, London SE1, right on the bustling Southbank by the River Thames. This location offers diners sweeping views of the river and iconic London landmarks, creating a memorable backdrop for any meal. The restaurant specializes in Modern British cuisine, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients crafted into small plates and shareable dishes. The menu balances classic flavors with contemporary culinary techniques, appealing to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters.Atmosphere and Interior Design
The venue’s interior blends modern and industrial aesthetics with warm, inviting touches. Natural light floods the space during the day, highlighting the stylish décor that combines sleek lines with rustic elements, evoking the maritime heritage of its name. The ambiance is lively and fun yet maintains a comfortable volume level conducive to conversation. This balance makes it suitable for a range of occasions, from casual lunches to intimate dinners or celebratory gatherings.Culinary Highlights and Beverage Selection
Sea Containers is praised for its diverse menu, including standout dishes like expertly cooked lamb hash, chicken and waffles, and fresh fish options. The kitchen’s attention to detail ensures generous portions that match the restaurant’s premium pricing. Complementing the food is an extensive drink menu featuring carefully curated wines, craft cocktails, and popular choices like bottomless prosecco during brunch. This combination elevates the dining experience, appealing to both food connoisseurs and casual diners.Service and Guest Experience
The staff at Sea Containers are noted for their friendliness and attentiveness, contributing significantly to the overall experience. While some guests have reported inconsistencies in service speed, many highlight the professionalism and welcoming nature of the team. The restaurant’s commitment to guest satisfaction is evident in the care taken to accommodate dietary preferences and create a pleasant dining atmosphere.Location and Surroundings
Located in a vibrant cultural district, Sea Containers benefits from its proximity to theatres, galleries, and the Thames Path. The Southbank area is a hub for both locals and tourists, offering a dynamic urban setting with scenic riverwalks. This makes the restaurant an excellent choice for those seeking a stylish meal with the convenience of nearby entertainment and sightseeing options.Seasonal Appeal and Visitor Tips
Sea Containers thrives year-round, with indoor comfort during colder months and a terrace area that becomes especially inviting in warmer weather. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance for peak times, particularly weekends and special events. The venue’s lively yet relaxed vibe suits a broad audience, including families, couples, and groups celebrating special occasions.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
South Bank Community Area
0.1 km
A vibrant riverside cultural and historic district in central London, home to iconic landmarks, arts venues, and scenic Thames views.
Blackfriars Bridge
0.2 km
Historic and widest Thames crossing in London, blending Victorian engineering with medieval heritage and stunning river views.
Victoria Embankment
0.4 km
A historic riverside promenade in London blending Victorian engineering, scenic gardens, iconic monuments, and stunning Thames views.
King's Reach commemoration memorial
0.4 km
Historic riverside memorial honoring King George V’s Silver Jubilee and the naming of London’s Thames stretch as 'King’s Reach'.
Hare Pl
0.6 km
Discover Hare Place in Temple, London—a serene historic enclave steeped in centuries of legal tradition and architectural charm.
Prince Henry's Room
0.6 km
Discover a rare Jacobean timber-framed treasure on Fleet Street, rich with history, ornate plasterwork, and tales from London's past.
Ludgate Circus
0.7 km
Historic Victorian junction where London's ancient Ludgate once stood, blending rich legend, architecture, and urban vitality.
Waterloo Bridge
0.7 km
Waterloo Bridge, London’s elegant Thames crossing, famed for its wartime women builders and breathtaking panoramic city views.
St Clement Danes Church
0.7 km
Historic London church and Central Church of the Royal Air Force, famed for its Wren architecture, RAF memorials, and iconic 'Oranges and Lemons' bells.
The Old Watch House
0.7 km
A quaint early 18th-century parish watch house on London’s Strand, offering a rare glimpse into pre-Metropolitan Police community policing.
Bomber Harris Memorial
0.7 km
A solemn tribute to RAF Bomber Command’s leader and airmen, set within the historic St Clement Danes Church in London’s Temple district.
3 Gunpowder Square
0.7 km
A modern square in London’s financial district commemorating the dramatic history of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot and Guy Fawkes’ daring conspiracy.
Queen Anne Statue
0.8 km
Historic statue commemorating Queen Anne’s reign and the completion of St. Paul’s Cathedral, symbolizing Britain’s royal heritage and resilience.
The National Firefighters Memorial
0.8 km
A solemn tribute in London honoring the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who served during the Blitz and beyond.
Queen Victoria St
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant charm of Queen Victoria Street, a historic thoroughfare in London, blending modern attractions with rich history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bargehouse
0.1 km
Explore Bargehouse at Oxo Tower Wharf, a raw industrial space on London’s South Bank, hosting cutting-edge art exhibitions and immersive creative events.
Thames Beach
0.2 km
Discover Thames Beach, a tranquil urban riverside escape with sandy shores, iconic views, and family-friendly charm in the heart of London SE1.
56 Gabriel's Wharf
0.2 km
A vibrant riverside enclave blending creative shops, art, and dining on London’s iconic South Bank.
Observation Point
0.3 km
Breathtaking panoramic views of London's iconic skyline from a vibrant riverside vantage on the South Bank.
Monument Queen Victoria
0.4 km
Historic gateway memorial with majestic statues of Queen Victoria and Edward VII, crowned by the iconic City of London dragon.
Shakespeare in the City Walk
0.4 km
Discover Shakespeare’s London through hidden alleys, historic sites, and live performances on this immersive two-hour walking tour starting at Blackfriars Station.
Roupell St
0.4 km
Step back into 19th-century London on Roupell Street, a beautifully preserved Georgian workers' terrace and beloved film location near Waterloo.
Southbank Boardwalk
0.4 km
Experience London's vibrant riverside culture, festive markets, and stunning Thames views along the lively Southbank Boardwalk.
The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple
0.5 km
Discover the historic heart of English law and royal heritage at the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, home to stunning Elizabethan architecture and centuries of tradition.
The Blackfriar
0.5 km
A Grade II* listed Art Nouveau pub on the site of a medieval Dominican friary, packed with friar-themed carvings, mosaics, and stained glass in the heart of London.
Two Temple Place
0.5 km
Discover Two Temple Place, a neo-Gothic Victorian mansion blending literary grandeur and architectural mastery on London’s iconic Victoria Embankment.
National Theatre
0.5 km
A Brutalist masterpiece on the South Bank, home to world-class theatre and dramatic river views.
Middle Temple Venue Hire
0.5 km
A stunning Elizabethan hall at the heart of London’s legal heritage, blending history, architecture, and tradition in a serene riverside setting.
Tate Modern
0.6 km
Discover groundbreaking modern and contemporary art in London's iconic former power station, featuring world-class collections and stunning river views.
Temple Station
0.6 km
Step into history at Temple Station, a Victorian-era gateway to London’s medieval Knights Templar district and legal heritage.
Essential places to dine
Sea Containers Restaurant
0.0 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
0.2 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
0.6 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
Wahaca Southbank
0.6 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
Ikoyi Restaurant
0.7 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
The Archduke
0.7 km
Lively steakhouse and wine bar in Waterloo with superb Scotch beef, classic desserts, and live jazz in a buzzy, inviting atmosphere.
Ping Pong Southbank
0.7 km
Lively Southbank dim sum and cocktail bar blending traditional Chinese flavors with modern Asian fusion in a bustling riverside setting.
Strada Southbank
0.8 km
Authentic Southern Italian flavors served with vibrant riverside views in the heart of London’s Southbank.
wagamama southbank
0.8 km
Lively riverside pan-Asian dining with fresh, bold flavors and stunning Thames views at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Bustronome London
1.0 km
Dine in luxury aboard a panoramic double-decker bus while touring London’s iconic landmarks with gourmet cuisine and fine wines.
Madison
1.0 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Troia Southbank
1.0 km
Experience authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine with halal options in a vibrant riverside setting near the London Eye.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
1.0 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
OKAN South Bank
1.0 km
Experience authentic Osaka-style okonomiyaki and Japanese street food in a cozy, lively South Bank eatery with friendly service and a nostalgic vibe.
Sarastro
1.1 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
0.1 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
0.1 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.
j-me original design ltd
0.1 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
Sugar And Style
0.2 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
Bankside Arches Boutique
0.3 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Twinings - The Strand
0.7 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
The Store X
0.7 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
Southbank Centre Shop, Mandela Walk
0.8 km
Discover creative gifts, sustainable homewares, and arts-inspired souvenirs on vibrant Mandela Walk, opposite Royal Festival Hall—a stylish treat amid South Bank's cultural heartbeat.
Custom Gifts By Jupiter
0.9 km
Unleash creativity with bespoke gifts and custom decor from this South Bank artisan haven near the Thames and iconic landmarks.
Gift Shop - London Eye Shop
1.0 km
Capture London's magic at the London Eye Gift Shop: exclusive souvenirs, Thames views, and iconic keepsakes from the wheel's base.
The Old Curiosity Shop
1.0 km
Step into a Tudor-era timbered cottage steeped in Dickensian lore, nestled amidst the vibrant heart of modern London.
One New Change
1.0 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
London Silver Vaults
1.0 km
The world's largest underground marketplace for fine antique and contemporary silver, hidden beneath historic Chancery Lane.
London Transport Museum - Shop
1.1 km
Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
Borough Yards
1.1 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Lyaness
0.0 km
Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
0.2 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
The Understudy
0.4 km
Riverside craft beers, KERB street food, and Thames views at the National Theatre's lively bar – perfect for pre-show bites or late-night hangs on London's South Bank.
Black Parrot
0.6 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
honestfolk Cocktail Bar (Southbank Centre Food Market)
0.7 km
Seasonal cocktails and classics from a cozy mobile bar at Southbank Centre Food Market, where Thames breezes mingle with market buzz and craft libations.
Southbank Centre, Members Bar
0.7 km
Elevated wine bar with Thames panoramas and cultured calm atop Royal Festival Hall—perfect for drinks amid London's arts heartbeat.
Bar @ 26 Leake Street
0.9 km
Experience London’s vibrant street art and nightlife culture at 26 Leake Street, a unique cocktail bar and event venue in Waterloo’s iconic graffiti tunnels.
The Thirsty Farrier Cocktail Bar
0.9 km
A vibrant London cocktail bar offering expertly crafted seasonal drinks with scenic riverside views and a welcoming atmosphere.
Waterloo Lost Property Office Speakeasy
0.9 km
Discover a hidden 1920s-inspired speakeasy in Waterloo serving expertly crafted cocktails in a seductive, vintage setting.
Slug & Lettuce - County Hall
0.9 km
Chic South Bank cocktail haven in County Hall: bottomless brunches, 2-for-1 sips, pub classics, and Thames views for London's liveliest lunches and nights out.
American Bar
0.9 km
Step into London’s oldest cocktail bar, where over a century of mixology mastery meets elegant Art Deco charm at The Savoy.
Beaufort Bar
0.9 km
Step into the Beaufort Bar’s jet-black and gold Art Deco glamour for exquisite cocktails, live sultry music, and a timeless London night out.
All Bar One Waterloo
0.9 km
Sophisticated South Bank bar serving creative cocktails, sharing plates, and wines in a lively spot near Waterloo Station and the London Eye.
Be At One - Covent Garden Lyceum
1.0 km
Shake up your night in Covent Garden with 100+ cocktails, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclasses in a historic spot pulsing with theater-district energy.
Plume Wine Bar
1.0 km
Covent Garden speakeasy in Dickens' old offices: sparkling wines from afar, cheesy sharing plates, and note-passing to strangers in candlelit luxury.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Proud Late
0.8 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.
Cirque Du Soul
0.9 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
0.9 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
0.9 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
1.1 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Heaven
1.2 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
The Steel Yard
1.2 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
Carwash Nightclub
1.2 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Ministry of Sound
1.3 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
1.3 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
1.4 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
1.5 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
The Roxy
1.5 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
The Ivy Club
1.5 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Zoo Bar & Club
1.5 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Scenic
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
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
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly