Dining Out In SE1, London

It doesn’t matter whether you’re living in Waterloo, studying in Bermondsey, or spending a day out in the Elephant and Castle, Bankside, Lambeth, or South Bank areas of London; at some point you’ll be hungry, and this is where SE1.co.uk comes in.

Although it may not seem like it, there is a wide range of choice when it comes to eating out in this area of London, which includes cuisine from French, Italian, British, Mediterranean, Modern European, Turkish, Indian, and Japanese Menus. Venues include chain restaurants, dining in hotel or theatre restaurants, or a choice of gastro pubs, bistros and cafes.

First under the spotlight are some SE1 eateries which offer dining with a view, including the famous OXO Tower in Barge House Street, South Bank. Overlooking the River Thames, this building houses a restaurant, bar and brasserie owned by retailer Harvey Nichols, which offers a mix of cocktails, modern British or global cuisine, tasting menus, and a ‘Not Afternoon Tea’, which is a mix of indulgent desserts and cocktails. For something a little less formal, the Anchor on Bankside is close to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and has its own Fish and Chip shop on the premises, while the National Theatre is home to several cafes and restaurants, some of which offer al-fresco dining in the summer, overlooking the river Thames. The Lyttelton Café, Olivier Café, and National Theatre Expresso Bar are perfect for casual eating, including soups, salads, and bagels. Also in the same building are Terrace Bar and Food which offers Mezze (Mediterranean/Middle Eastern Appetisers), and the Mezzanine Restaurant. Their food menu is Modern European in style, with an emphasis on fish, though there’s also a Sunday roast thrown in for good measure.

If it’s an unusual name you’re looking for, rather than the view, then SE1 will not disappoint. You may find yourself eating in the Laughing Gravy in Southwark, which offers seasonal British Cuisine, or Livebait in The Cut, Waterloo, a brasserie specialising in fish and shellfish dishes, including the famous ‘Livebait Platter’. This dish contains lobster, crab, prawns and crevettes, sourced from around the world. Davey’s Wine Bar Chain also has a significant presence in this area of London, and along with a full complement of drinks, also offers British classics such as rack of lamb, and a daytime menu of sharing plates/sandwiches. Outlets with unusual names include Stinkers and The Mug House, both on Tooley Street near London Bridge.

Continuing the less formal, affordable theme, there are numerous high street chains with outlets around the area, including Pizza Express in New Globe Walk, Japanese chain Wagamama which has an outlet in Clink Street, and the Leon Chain of restaurants is spreading its ‘natural fast food’ message on Canvey Street close to the Tate Modern. Frequently attracting good reviews online, there are also a collection of Gastropubs in the area, which offer an alternative to the high street chains. These include Anchor and Hope at The Cut, The Garrison in Bermondsey Street and the Draft House in Tower Bridge Road. The Draft House offers up an interesting menu of British dishes, including Cotswold Watercress and Nettle Soup, Beer Battered East Coast Hake, and Heather Honey Ice Cream.

If all this has whetted your appetite, and you’re planning a special meal out, then maybe hotel dining will feature in your plans. There are numerous luxury hotels situated on or around the banks of the River Thames, that offer something a little different to diners. The Larder at Hilton Tower Bridge and the County Hall Restaurant at Marriot County Hall, both serve up Modern European Dishes, while the latter is also famous for its afternoon tea, served up in the Library Lounge, which often needs to be reserved four weeks in advance. Other options include the London Bridge Hotel, which has the Borough Bar’s daytime menu, the modern British dishes of the Londinium Restaurant, and the Bermondsey Square Hotel, which houses the popular Alfies Bar and Kitchen.

If a little bit of luxury isn’t quite enough, and you want to dine where all the rich and famous do, then SE1 does have one special offering in the form of Le Pont De La Tour, the place where Tony Blair entertained President Clinton. Here the menu combines traditional French cooking with modern and stylish meals, and offers three course lunches and dinners. There’s also a special roast dinner served on Sundays, and a more affordable/relaxed bar and grill, offering a full wine list, and separate starters, main courses, and desserts. The restaurant can cater for private hires too, offering exclusive hire of the main restaurant, use of the brasserie or al-fresco dining areas, or semi-private dining in the unique spaces of the Wine Cellar and Salon Privé. With outstanding views of the river, it could be one of the best places in SE1 to host a dinner/event, or could it?

When it comes to private hire, this area of London does have one other trick up its sleeve in the form of the HMS Belfast. Originally built as a warship, its rich history includes service during the Second World War and Korean War, and a part in the famous D-Day Normandy Landings. The ship is now owned and preserved by the Imperial War Museum, and houses 4 function rooms for all kinds of events. Weddings, corporate events, and celebrations are all catered for, along with a special naval themed Christmas package, which includes options for a guided tour of the ship, use of the HMS Piper, or a 1940’s re-enactment of life on board ship. These special extras sit alongside various drinks packages, festive buffets, and traditional sit down Christmas dinners.

So whether you’re pushing the ‘boat out’, or just looking for a cozy pub lunch, London SE1 offers something for all tastes, budgets and occasions. There’s variety around every corner in terms of location, style, pricing, and menus, so where will you go next time you’re hungry and in London, SE1?