London
Date ideas in South Bank and Borough
Updated
The Thames's south bank fits a lot into a mile and a half of riverside: free galleries, three great theatres, a film house, two food markets and a view of the river at almost every turn. You can walk the whole stretch from the London Eye to London Bridge in an afternoon and stop wherever takes your fancy, and plenty of it is indoors when the weather turns. Here's where we'd take someone, from a cheap and cheerful Saturday to a night worth dressing up for.
Our picks in South Bank and Borough
Tate Modern
Bankside, by the Millennium Bridge
Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG- Culture
- Rain-proof ☔
- Free
Wander the free collection in the old Bankside Power Station, starting in the vast Turbine Hall, then climb to the top-floor viewing level for a look over the river to St Paul's.
Why it's a good date: There's enough here for a whole afternoon, and it costs nothing unless you book a paid exhibition. Pick one floor each and show the other your favourite piece.
Photo: Thomas Dahlstrøm Nielsen, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
Borough Market
Borough High Street, by London Bridge
Address: 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL- Activity
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Dog friendly
- Foodie
Graze your way round London's best-known food market under its Victorian iron and glass roof, sharing a bit of everything from the cheese, bakery and street-food stalls.
Why it's a good date: Agree to split everything, so you each get to try twice as much. It's busiest on Saturdays, so a weekday lunchtime is calmer.
Photo: Stephen Armstrong, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Shakespeare's Globe
New Globe Walk, Bankside
Address: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT- Culture
- Mid-price
- Big night
See a play in the open-air reconstruction of Shakespeare's theatre, standing in the yard as a groundling or seated in the galleries; in winter, plays move into the candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse next door.
Why it's a good date: Standing in the yard is cheap and puts you right by the stage, so it's a great first taste. Bring a layer for the open-air season: the yard has no roof.
Photo: Tristan Surtel, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
Padella
Southwark Street, Borough
Address: 6 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TQ- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Share bowls of fresh hand-rolled pasta, like the pici cacio e pepe, at the busy little pasta bar on the corner of Borough Market.
Why it's a good date: Simple, generous and very good, and cheap enough to order an extra plate to share. It doesn't take bookings: join the virtual queue and go for a wander in the market till your table's ready.
South Bank riverside walk
The Queen's Walk, Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge
Address: The Queen's Walk, by the London Eye, London SE1 7PB- Outdoors
- Free
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Romantic
Follow the Thames Path along the river from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge, past the London Eye, the Southbank Centre, Tate Modern and the Globe.
Why it's a good date: It's car-free nearly all the way, with street performers, river views and somewhere to stop every few minutes. Go as the sun sets and watch the lights come on across the water.
Photo: Lewis Clarke, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Lyaness
Sea Containers London, Upper Ground, South Bank
Address: Sea Containers London, 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD- Bar
- Rain-proof ☔
- Mid-price
- Big night
- Romantic
Order inventive cocktails built around unusual house-made ingredients at Ryan Chetiyawardana's bar in Sea Containers London, by the river.
Why it's a good date: Some of the most creative drinks in London, in a calm, plush room. The staff are happy to guide you through the menu, and walk-ins are welcome, though booking is safer at weekends.
Photo: Acabashi, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
Old Operating Theatre Museum
St Thomas Street, London Bridge
Address: 9a St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RYClimb a narrow spiral staircase into the roof of an old church to find Europe's oldest surviving operating theatre and a garret of medicinal herbs.
Why it's a good date: Small, strange and fascinating, and it gives you plenty to talk about over a drink afterwards. It's only open a few days a week and the stairs are steep, so check before you go.
National Theatre
Upper Ground, South Bank
Address: Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PX- Culture
- Rain-proof ☔
- Mid-price
- Big night
See a play at one of the National's three stages, in the concrete landmark by Waterloo Bridge, with bars and terraces looking over the river.
Why it's a good date: There's always something on worth seeing, and the foyers are lovely for a drink before curtain up. Keep an eye out for cheaper day seats if you're happy to decide last-minute.
Photo: Anthony O'Neil, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Maltby Street Market
Ropewalk, off Maltby Street, Bermondsey
Address: Arch 46, Ropewalk, Maltby Street, London SE1 3PA- Activity
- Cheap and cheerful
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Foodie
Eat your way along Ropewalk, a narrow lane of street-food stalls and bars tucked under the railway arches in Bermondsey.
Why it's a good date: Smaller and more relaxed than Borough, with a proper neighbourhood feel. It's a weekend market, so make it a lazy Saturday or Sunday and finish with a drink in one of the arches.
Photo: Bex Walton, CC BY 4.0 (cropped and resized)
GŎNG
Shangri-La The Shard, St Thomas Street, London Bridge
Address: Level 52, Shangri-La The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU- Bar
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Romantic
- Big night
Order a cocktail on the 52nd floor of the Shard, at the Shangri-La hotel's bar, with the whole of London spread out below.
Why it's a good date: A drink with one of the best views in the city, without paying for the viewing platform. Book a window table and go just before sunset to see the lights come on.
Photo: Colin, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
BFI Southbank
Belvedere Road, under Waterloo Bridge
Address: Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 8XT- Activity
- Cheap and cheerful
- Culture
- Rainy day
Browse the second-hand book stalls under Waterloo Bridge, then catch a classic, a new release or a rare archive print at the British Film Institute's cinemas.
Why it's a good date: Pick a book for each other at the stalls before the film starts. The riverfront bar is a good spot to talk it over afterwards.
Photo: Ashley Van Haeften, CC BY 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Walk through the graffiti tunnel under Waterloo station, where artists are allowed to paint the walls and the art changes almost daily.
Why it's a good date: It's free, takes ten minutes and is different every time you go. You'll often catch someone painting, and the arches along the tunnel have places to eat and drink.
Photo: Owen Tudor1, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
Scootercaffe
Lower Marsh, Waterloo
Address: 133A Lower Marsh, London SE1 7AE- Café
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Cosy
Settle in at a scruffy, much-loved café-bar in an old scooter repair shop, with a vintage Vespa in the corner and a small courtyard out the back.
Why it's a good date: Coffee by day and a drink in the evening, with old records on and no fuss. It doesn't take bookings, so just turn up, and it's handy before or after something on the South Bank.
London Eye
Jubilee Gardens, South Bank
Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB- Activity
- Rain-proof ☔
- Mid-price
- Romantic
Ride the giant wheel on the river for a slow half-hour loop above Westminster, the Thames and the South Bank.
Why it's a good date: Touristy, yes, but the view is worth it, and a clear evening around sunset is the time to go. Book ahead online rather than queueing on the day.
Photo: Danbu14, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped and resized)
Restaurant Story
Tooley Street, Bermondsey
Address: 199 Tooley Street, London SE1 2JX- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Romantic
- Foodie
Book Tom Sellers' tasting menu, a run of playful, inventive courses rooted in British flavours, in a calm modern dining room by Tower Bridge.
Why it's a good date: Keep it for an anniversary or a big occasion, and give it the whole evening: the courses come at an unhurried pace and it's all about the food. Book well ahead.
Bao Borough
Stoney Street, Borough
Address: Bao Borough, 13 Stoney Street, London SE1 9AD- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Share Taiwanese bao and grill plates at Bao's late-night grill house under the railway arches on Stoney Street.
Why it's a good date: Moody and fun, with trains rumbling overhead, and the market right outside for a wander first. It takes bookings, which saves queuing.
Kolae
Park Street, Borough
Address: Kolae, 6 Park Street, London SE1 9AB- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Book a table at the Southern Thai grill house on the edge of Borough Market, with dishes cooked over charcoal and plenty to share.
Why it's a good date: Bold, smoky cooking with a Michelin Bib Gourmand for good value. Order a few plates between you and go back for more.
Flour & Grape
Bermondsey Street, Bermondsey
Address: Flour & Grape, 214 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3TQ- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Cosy
Share plates of fresh pasta and a bottle from the Italian list at the friendly pasta spot on Bermondsey Street.
Why it's a good date: Good pasta for not much, on one of the nicest streets for a wander south of the river. It doesn't take bookings, so leave your number and have a drink nearby while you wait.
Flat Iron London Bridge
Tooley Street, London Bridge
Address: Flat Iron, 112-116 Tooley Street, London SE1 2TH- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
Have a simple steak supper at Flat Iron on Tooley Street, where the steak comes with a little meat cleaver to cut it.
Why it's a good date: A proper steak dinner for a small bill, just round the corner from Tower Bridge. Walk over the bridge afterwards for the views.
Casa do Frango London Bridge
Southwark Street, Borough
Address: Casa do Frango, 32 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TU- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
Share Portuguese piri-piri chicken from the charcoal grill in the bright, plant-filled dining room on Southwark Street.
Why it's a good date: A sunny, relaxed room that's easy on the wallet, a couple of minutes from Borough Market and the river.
Tas The Cut
The Cut, Waterloo
Address: Tas, 33 The Cut, London SE1 8LF- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Cosy
Share Turkish mezze and grills at the long-running Tas on The Cut, a short walk from the Old Vic and the Young Vic.
Why it's a good date: A warm, busy room and good value, which makes it an easy dinner before a show. Order lots of small plates and share.
Wahaca Southbank
Southbank Centre, South Bank
Address: Wahaca, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX- Restaurant
- Cheap and cheerful
Grab tacos and cocktails at the bright Mexican street-food restaurant built from shipping containers beside the Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Why it's a good date: Colourful and cheerful, with a terrace for sunny evenings, and right on the riverside walk. Pair it with a film at the BFI or a stroll along the river.
Mercato Metropolitano
Newington Causeway, Elephant and Castle
Address: Mercato Metropolitano, 42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR- Restaurant
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Wander the huge sustainable food market at Elephant and Castle and pick a stall each for dinner.
Why it's a good date: There's loads of choice and plenty of space to sit, about ten minutes' walk south of Borough. It's a good shout when you can't agree on what to eat.
Trivet
Snowsfields, Bermondsey
Address: Trivet, 36 Snowsfields, London SE1 3SU- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Foodie
- Romantic
Book dinner at Jonny Lake and Isa Bal's Michelin-starred restaurant near London Bridge, with inventive cooking and a famously deep wine list.
Why it's a good date: Serious food in a relaxed, unstuffy room, so it feels special without being formal. Let the sommelier choose a wine for you.
Sollip
Melior Street, London Bridge
Address: Sollip, Unit 1, 8 Melior Street, London SE1 3QP- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Foodie
- Romantic
Book the tasting menu at the small Michelin-starred restaurant near London Bridge, where French technique meets Korean flavours.
Why it's a good date: A calm, elegant room run by a married couple, with each course a little surprise. A quiet, grown-up choice for an anniversary.
Oblix West
The Shard, London Bridge
Address: Oblix, Level 32, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Romantic
- Big night
Book a window table on the 32nd floor of the Shard for grilled meat and fish with the whole of London spread out below.
Why it's a good date: The view is the star, so book for sunset and ask for a window. It's a proper treat, so save it for a big occasion.
Hutong
The Shard, London Bridge
Address: Hutong, Level 33, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Romantic
- Big night
Head up to the 33rd floor of the Shard for northern Chinese cooking in a dark, lantern-lit dining room with floor-to-ceiling views.
Why it's a good date: Glamorous and dramatic, especially after dark when the city lights come on. Book well ahead for a window table.
Le Pont de la Tour
Shad Thames, Bermondsey
Address: Le Pont de la Tour, 36D Shad Thames, London SE1 2YE- Restaurant
- A treat
- Romantic
- Big night
Book a table by the river at the classic French restaurant in Butler's Wharf, looking straight out at Tower Bridge.
Why it's a good date: Hard to beat for a romantic view, with a terrace on summer evenings. Walk along the cobbles of Shad Thames afterwards and over the bridge.
Oxo Tower Restaurant
Oxo Tower Wharf, South Bank
Address: Oxo Tower Restaurant, Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, London SE1 9PH- Restaurant
- A treat
- Romantic
- Big night
Take the lift to the top of the Oxo Tower for modern British cooking and a long view up and down the Thames.
Why it's a good date: A South Bank classic for celebrations, with a terrace looking over the river towards St Paul's. Ask for a window table when you book.
Skylon
Royal Festival Hall, South Bank
Address: Skylon, Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Romantic
- Big night
Dine in the big glass-walled room on the upper floor of the Royal Festival Hall, looking out over the river.
Why it's a good date: A sense of space and occasion, and handy before or after a concert in the hall below. The bar is lovely for a drink with the view.
Hawksmoor Borough
Winchester Walk, Borough
Address: Hawksmoor Borough, 16 Winchester Walk, London SE1 9AQ- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Foodie
- Big night
Share a big charcoal-grilled steak at Hawksmoor's handsome restaurant tucked behind Borough Market.
Why it's a good date: A handsome, polished room that suits a celebration, with excellent cocktails. Have a look round the market first if you go at lunchtime.
Dates in South Bank and Borough: quick answers
What are good rainy-day dates on the South Bank?
Tate Modern is free and big enough for a whole afternoon. The Old Operating Theatre Museum, a film at BFI Southbank, a play at the National Theatre and a graze round covered Borough Market all keep you dry, and the Leake Street graffiti tunnel is under cover too.
Are there free or cheap date ideas on the South Bank and in Borough?
Yes. Tate Modern's collection, the riverside walk along the Thames and the Leake Street graffiti tunnel are free. For cheap eats, try Padella's pasta, Borough Market or Maltby Street Market at the weekend, or a coffee or a drink at Scootercaffe.
Where can we get a drink with a view near London Bridge?
GŎNG, on the 52nd floor of the Shard, has one of the best views in London. For cocktails by the river, Lyaness at Sea Containers London is a short walk along the South Bank.
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