Zita Whalley on 29th July 2022
Dine out on the Thame’s grandeur in style at one these bars, restaurants or terraces that offer dynamite views of London's iconic cityscape…
Photo: Le Pont de la Tour
So, you want to have a drink or a meal with a view of the Thames. Lucky for you, The Shard is sprinkled with swanky spots serving up food, cocktails and killer views of the river. Aqua Shard, Hutong, Oblix, Sky Lounge, TĪNG all offer sublime dining and sky high views of the city and the Thames. So does GŎNG - which claims to be the highest hotel bar in Europe. You're spoilt for choice here, really.
Address: 32 London Bridge Street SE1 9SG
A post shared by GŎNG Bar (@gong_bar)
One of two places to eat at the museum the bar and kitchen on the sixth floor serves up a view of the city and the Thames from the terrace. It also serves up modern British cuisine for lunch, dinner and snacks, with dishes and drink specials based on current exhibitions as well. The museum's restaurant a few levels up, also boasts brilliant views, but it is closed for the moment.
A post shared by Tate Eats (@tateeats)
Stalwart French restaurant, Le Pont de la Tour has partnered with award-winning rosé brand, Maison Mirabeau, to launch a south of France inspired seafood and rosé terrace this summer. With one of the best views of London Bridge there is, feast on gin cocktails and rose, as well as a fresh seafood and seasonal French fare while you overlook the Thames. Open until September.
Address: 36D Shad Thames,Tower Bridge SE1 2YE
A post shared by London Foodie Blog (@london.foodie.blog)
At the top of the OXO Tower is a fantastic 200ft Thames-side terrace serving cocktails and bar snacks – it’s a great spot for a cocktail and a bite while overlooking the Thames and the iconic London skyline. Summertime means sassy collaborations and quaffable cocktails, while everything from a cup of coffee to six course tasting menus with wine pairings are on offer all year round.
Address: Barge House Street, South Bank SE1 9PH
A post shared by OXO Tower Restaurant (@oxo_tower)
The Ivy Tower Bridge is a Parisian-style all-day dining restaurant with an alfresco terrace that seats 50 and directly overlooks the Thames and Tower Bridge. The modern British menu is all-encompassing including breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoon tea, weekend brunch, light snacks, cocktails and dinner. Should the weather turn, you can retreat indoors and still enjoy the same lovely views through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Address: One Tower Bridge SE1 2AA
A post shared by The Ivy Tower Bridge (@theivytowerbridge)
Sea Containers London are celebrating British summertime with impressive views over the city, bespoke summer drinks and decor inspired by the heart of the British countryside. Cocktails are tailored around Grey Goose's newly launched essence flavours, and to further the countryside theme, guests will be treated to an ‘urban picnic’ of delights, including new and unique flavours such as smoked BBQ jackfruit sliders and Guinness flavoured ice cream.
Address: Sea Containers London, 20 Upper Ground SE1 9PD
A post shared by 12th Knot (@12th_knot)
Most South Bank amblers don’t even know it’s there, but The Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, designed by the Eden Project and maintained by Grounded EcoTherapy gardeners, is an excellent find. With plenty of leafy greenery including a wildflower meadow, mini allotments, alongside riverside views and a cafe-bar, it’s one a great spot in the sun.
Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road SE1 8XX
A post shared by Jaki Jo (@jakijo)
Perched on the 15th floor of the Crowne Plaza London – Albert Embankment and blessed with panoramic views over the River Thames and the Houses of Parliament, Mezemiso brings together Japanese and Lebanese cuisine. Mezemiso’s Cigar and Shisha Terrace occupies one of the most desirable spots in the restaurant. With an extensive cigar and shisha menu to match the unparalleled Westminster view, the 20-seat outdoor terrace is a great spot to try Mezemiso’s signature cocktails.
Address: 10-11 Albert Embankment SE1 7TP
The terrace of Tavolino, a neighbourhood Italian restaurant and bar, offers a smashing view of the majestic Tower Bridge – you could bask in that view for days. It also offers a sweeping view of the Thames including HMS Belfast, which could be an option if you want to escape the bustle along the bank. The upstairs dining area also offers the same spectacular vista.
Address: 2 More London Riverside, SE1 2DB
A post shared by Tavolino Kitchen (@tavolinokitchen)
The Best Riverside Pubs on the Thames Across London
Stage Adaptation of Ghibli Studio Classic Comes to The Barbican for World Premiere
Summer Holidays: Great & Fun Things To Do With The Kids