Dining & Nightlife
Banh Bao Brothers
Leake Street

Banh Bao Brothers
Banh Bao Brothers is bursting on to Leake Street Arches, and we’re are bringing Vietnam with us.
Smuggling in new flavours from the old country, you’ll find familiar favrouites with a twist, vigour and freshness you never knew they had, and dishes you’ve never heard of bringing you back to the flavours you know and love.
The history of food is written by grandmas, and we think we’ve got one of the best: Madame Bay. Her secret recipes were developed with care, love and a healthy dose of cheekiness – all important ingredients when you’re cooking a banquet for 13 children every day!
Ray, our head chef, co-founder and one half of the Banh Bao Brothers, is Madame Ray’s last student. Together, we will be honouring her legacy, continuing her legend and keeping the flavours alive in London.
Opening Times
MONDAY - THURSDAY
BRUNCH 11:00 - 15:00
DINNER 18:00 - 00:00
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
BRUNCH 11:00 - 15:00
DINNER 18:00 - 01:00
SUNDAY
BRUNCH 12:00 - 15:00
DINNER 18:00 - 22:00
Accessibility
Full access guide for Banh Bao available here.
We Think You'll like
Spiritland
Beautifully-styled 180-seat restaurant and bar.
Florentine Restaurant & Bar
Florentine is the new restaurant and bar in London's buzzing South Bank, just minutes from Waterloo station
Florentine
at Park Plaza Waterloo
Opening Times
Monday – Saturday 7am – 11pm
Sunday 7am – 10pm
Find us
6 Hercules Road, London SE1 7DU
Nearest Tube Station: Lambeth North, Waterloo & Westminster
Florentine is an all-day dining restaurant and bar minutes from London South Bank’s trendy Lower Marsh and Waterloo, opposite Lambeth North tube station.
Florentine serves a Brasserie-style menu and a bar featuring the best of British bubbles and craft beers as well as a range of signature cocktails, with DJ sessions throughout the evenings and weekends for a refreshing, relaxed vibe.
Florentine’s menu is simple and eclectic, with a range of freshly-made dishes including flatbreads baked in our feature oven, a tantalising Ostrich egg dish to share and all-day classics from Eggs Florentine to our mouthwatering Tomahawk steak. We serve British bubbles by the bottle, such as Chapel Down and Camel Valley, craft beers by Brewdog and Portobello Brewing Co. and cocktails using our own homemade syrups and infusions.
House Restaurant
A stylish dining destination at the National Theatre, serving contemporary classics.
House
National Theatre
Opening Times
Dinner: Monday to Saturday, 5 – 11pm. Sunday, closed.
Lunch: served Tuesday to Saturday when there is a scheduled matinee performance. Please refer to the National Theatre calendar.
Saturday 11th March: last orders 8.30pm.
Contact
Where better to enjoy a pre-theatre meal than the stunning surrounding of National Theatre's fine-dining restaurant, House.
The dining destination serves up a stylish menu of contemporary dishes - think elegant combinations such as blood orange with sea bass and smoked duck breast with poached figs.
Alternatively theatre lovers can indulge in the themed afternoon teas, inspired by previous productions - perfect gift for the budding thespian.
National Theatre has been a world-leading performance venue from it's opening night in 1963 - producing over 800 plays since. Did you know the company was based at The Old Vic while its new home was being built in South Bank? Denis Lasdun's concrete structure would go on to become a world-famous icon of Brutalist architecture.
Sea Containers Restaurant
Enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner with views across the Thames as your backdrop.
Sea Containers Restaurant
at Sea Containers London
Covid-19 Update
Due to Government Restrictions, Sea Containers Restaurant will be temporarily closed from the 5th November.
Covid-19 Safety Measures
As our attractions and venues begin to re-open, the highest hygiene and safety precautions are being followed to ensure the experience is safe for all.
For further information on the current measures Sea Containers London are putting in place, see here.
Delivery
If you want to enjoy Sea Containers' classic dishes in the comfort of your home, they have now launched our first take away and delivery service, available from Wednesday 19 August. Perfect for those looking for an excuse not to cook and for friends to share, the service will include dishes from the restaurant's seasonal A la Carte and Brunch menu.
Delivery is available via deliveroo.
Opening Times
BRUNCH
Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays: 12pm until 4.00pm
LUNCH AND DINNER
Monday to Friday : Lunch: 12pm- 4pm (last seating)
Dinner: 5.30pm-10pm (last seating)
Saturday and Sunday/ Bank Holidays: 5pm until 11pm
*Please note that during the month of August the restaurant will be closed on Monday and Tuesday all day and Sunday for dinner.
Contact
Accessibility
Full access guide available here.
Sea Containers Restaurant brings together the best of British and American cuisine in sleek and modern surroundings, boasting breath-taking views across the river Thames.
Located on the ground floor of Sea Containers London, the restaurant has a light and spacious feel thanks to floor to ceiling windows, right on London’s South Bank. Inspired by the Golden Age of transatlantic travel, expect subtle nautical design, including the famed giant, copper clad wall inspired by the hull of a ship,
Sea Containers Restaurant offers a modern yet casual dining experience overlooking the River Thames. Taking influence from the Mediterranean, the menu celebrates seasonality and ingredient-led cooking, offering a selection of small and large plates designed to be shared.
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and offers a bottomless Bloody Mary or Prosecco brunch on the weekend, with menus reflecting the best locally sourced produce. A variety of small plates, sharing dishes and classic comfort food is also available as well as more formal feasting options.
Penny
A relaxed all-day café and late night bar located in the basement of The Old Vic.
Penny
at the old vic
Opening Times
Mon-Wed 8am-1am, Thu-Fri 8am-2am, Sat 10am-2am
Kitchen open: 8am-7.30pm
The Old Vic has undergone a bit of a transformation as of late, the most noticeable of which is it’s shiny new bar, Penny!
Inspiration for the name comes from The Penny Lectures: a series of talks hosted in the halls of The Old Vic in 1882, designed to encourage new thinking and ideas amongst the people of London. What was once The Pit Bar is now a stylish, relaxed all-day café and late night bar, serving local food, proper coffee and great wines.
Imagined by the people behind M1lk and Fields Café, Penny will serve creative and wholesome food and drink, using fresh, local produce with simplicity and provenance at the heart of the offering. Coffee connoisseurs can also rejoice, as speciality coffee from Workshop Coffee, Clerkenwell will be served alongside the all day menu.
Stylish and unpretentious, this is an ideal spot to grab a drink or a bite to eat pre/post performance – and because The Old Vic has always been a theatre that reaches out to other parts of the community, the theatre will be donating a penny for each item sold to a charity inspired by the themes of the show on the main stage at the time.
Primo Bar
A stylish bar open from 5pm until late 7 days a week hosting live music every night.
Primo Bar
At Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
Raise your glass to London’s local entertainers at Primo Bar
With free live music on the main stage every night of the week, handcrafted cocktails and stunning views of Big Ben from the VIP area, Primo Bar is the place to be any day of the week.
Reservations and private hire
Make an online reservation via the Primo Bar website. Primo Bar London is available for private hire or part hire for birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events and product launches. Please see the private hire brochure for a range of available options, and contact the bar for further information.
OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie
The iconic dining destination serves up sophistication and stunning views.
Lyaness Bar
Award-winning cocktail bar located in Sea Containers London.
Lyaness
Sea Containers London
Opening Times
Monday | 4pm - 1am |
Tuesday | 4pm - 1am |
Wednesday | 4pm - 1am |
Thursday | 4pm - 2am |
Friday | 12pm - 2am |
Saturday | 12pm - 2am |
Sunday | 12pm - 12.30am |
Contact
UPDATE: Due to Governmental Restrictions, Lyaness Bar will be temporarily closed from Thursday 5th November. However we're excited to say you can now order Lyanness straight to your home via Deliveroo! For further information, please see here.
The latest endeavours from the award-winning Mr Lyan and team, and voted as one of the top 50 World's Best Bars.
Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar
South Bank's premier steak restaurant and cocktail bar.
Gillray's
Steakhouse & Bar
Opening Times
Monday | 6:30am –10:30pm |
Tuesday | 6:30am –10:30pm |
Wednesday | 6:30am –10:30pm |
Thursday | 6:30am –10:30pm |
Friday | 6:30am –10:30pm |
Saturday | 7am –10:30pm |
Sunday | 7am –10:30pm |
The bar is open until midnight daily.
Accessibility
Full access guide available here.
If you're headed to Gillray's, bring an empty stomach and high expectations. Situated in full view of Parliament, the seat of British democratic administration, Gillray's fine food is as remarkable as its surroundings.
Everything about Gillray's is a seeming nod to British culture and heritage. Their meat is sourced from British farms. Their bar boasts not only fantastic staff but over 100 types of gin. Their service is of the highest quality in the British sense - subtle, yet polished. Even their decor is reflective of the old-world grandeur of the Houses of Parliament. During afternoon tea, a tray is neatly delivered to your table and drinks are filled (or refilled) in a smooth, near unnoticeable ballet of table service.
Their bar is open till midnight and serves a mixture of classic and contemporary cocktails, a wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits.
Brasserie Joël
Classic French-influenced bistro dishes with a twist.
Brasserie
Joël
Opening Times
Lunch
Monday | 12pm - 2pm |
Tuesday | 12pm - 2pm |
Wednesday | 12pm - 2pm |
Thursday | 12pm - 2pm |
Friday | 12pm - 2pm |
Saturday | Closed |
Sunday | 12pm - 2pm |
Dinner
Monday | 5.30pm - 10.30pm |
Tuesday | 5.30pm - 10.30pm |
Wednesday | 5.30pm - 10.30pm |
Thursday | 5.30pm - 10.30pm |
Friday | 5.30pm - 10.30pm |
Saturday | 5.30pm - 10.30pm |
Sunday | 5.30pm - 9.30pm |
Accessibility
Full access guide available here.
French restaurant, Brasserie Joël is located at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London - just minutes from London's South Bank.
Head Chef, Franck Katemesha
The restaurant also offers a host of specials including Bring Your Own Wine on Mondays and Beef and Wine Club on Tuesdays.
Brasserie Joël holds 2 AA rosettes for culinary excellence.
Drawing Room
Secret bar in the BFI Southbank (behind the bookcase!)
Drawing Room
BFI Southbank
Opening Times
Monday | 10am-11pm |
Tuesday | 10am-11pm |
Wednesday | 10am-11pm |
Thursday | 10am-11pm |
Friday | 10am-11pm |
Saturday | 10am-11pm |
Sunday | 10am-10.30pm |
For the more explorative of South Bank frequenters, the Drawing Room at BFI Southbank will make for an interesting and altogether more private experience. To enter, look for the secret door behind a bookcase at BFI Southbank. Find it, and you’ve found the way to the Drawing Room – an intimate cocktail bar (which is also available for private parties).
The Drawing Room is also perfect for hosting a stylish, intimate private party or event.
Kitchen National Theatre
Kitchen is National Theatre's all-day cafe.
Kitchen
National Theatre
Opening Times
Monday | 9.30am - 8pm |
Tuesday | 9.30am - 8pm |
Wednesday | 9.30am - 8pm |
Thursday | 9.30am - 8pm |
Friday | 9.30am - 8pm |
Saturday | 9.30am - 8pm |
Sunday | Closed |
Kitchen Cafe
Full access guide available here.
Kitchen is the National Theatre's all-day café - it's the perfect pit stop for lunch with friends, tea and cake or a pre-show light bite.
The contemporary cafe serves up a range of freshly cooked meals - with a menu that changes daily, but affordable examples include tuna provencale linguine and steak and ale pie.
Alternatively choose a baked treat from the giant cake table which you can't miss in the centre of the cafe. With it's location directly opposite the river, enjoy the large outdoor eating areas in warmer months.
The Archduke
Steak restaurant and wine bar under Waterloo Station's railway arches with free jazz on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Archduke
Waterloo
Opening Times
- Sunday - Thursday: 12pm - 11pm
- Friday & Saturday: 12pm - 1am
Halfway between Waterloo Station and the South Bank riverside, The Archduke was amongst the first restaurant and wine bar to open in South Bank in 1979 and is instantly recognisable by its striking and award-winning architecture. Carved from under the railway arches by Waterloo Station, it has become something of a London institution. In addition to fine food and a well-assorted bar, The Archduke plays host to Jazz performances every evening and Sunday afternoon.
Pret A Manger
Pret A Manger, or 'ready to eat' is a hugely successful UK brand of cafes, renowned for its organic and fresh produce.
Pret
A Manger
Opening Times
Monday | 5am-11pm |
Tuesday | 5am-11pm |
Wednesday | 5am-11pm |
Thursday | 5am-11pm |
Friday | 5am-11pm |
Saturday | 5am-11pm |
Sunday | 7am-11pm |
Contact
Pret creates handmade natural food avoiding the obscure chemical, additives and preservatives common to so much of the 'prepared' and 'fast' food on the market. Pret operates a bit like a restaurant. They build kitchens in (or very near) every shop. They also offer their unsold food to charity at the end of each day rather than keeping it to sell the next day.
Pizza Express
Pizza Express Italian restaurants provide exceptional quality food such as pizza and pasta as well as live music, takeaway and table bookings, always in style.
Pizza
Express
Opening Times
Monday | 11.30am-11.30pm |
Tuesday | 11.30am-11.30pm |
Wednesday | 11.30am-11.30pm |
Thursday | 11.30am-11.30pm |
Friday | 11.30am-12pm |
Saturday | 11.30am-12pm |
Sunday | 11.30am-11pm |
Contact
Enviably located just off the Southbank Centre, directly opposite the Royal Festival Hall main entrance, Pizza Express is close to major attractions like the London Eye and the Aquarium. It's extremely spacious but with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere – making the place ideal for every sort of occasion.
McDonald's Waterloo
Everyone's favourite fast food burger joint!
McDonald's
Waterloo Station
Opening Times
Monday | 5am - 1am |
Tuesday | 5am - 1am |
Wednesday | 5am - 1am |
Thursday | 5am - 1am |
Friday | 5am - 1am |
Saturday | 5am - 1am |
Sunday | 5am - 1am |
Brasserie Blanc
Riverside restaurant serving a mixture of French cuisine and European classics as well as coffees and pastries.
Brasserie
Blanc
Opening TImes
Monday | 8am-11pm |
Tuesday | 8am-11pm |
Wednesday | 8am-11pm |
Thursday | 8am-11pm |
Friday | 8am-11pm |
Saturday | 9am-11pm |
Sunday | 9am-11pm |
Accessibility
Full access guide available here.
Brasserie Blanc is a contemporary French restaurant and cafe. They serve everything from fine cuisine to that first essential coffee of the day, enjoyed with the morning papers, to delicious fresh breakfasts or that mid-morning coffee and pastry.
Gather some friends for a leisurely lunch or pop in for our seasonal, two course set menu complete with a specially priced glass of wine . Many of their restaurants have great little bars where you can stave off the hunger until dinner with a glass of wine and a plate of appetisers.
Finish off your work day with colleagues & fresh cocktail specials or a glass of our bespoke French bubbly, and enjoy their seasonally changing a la carte menu with the best of local, sustainable and seasonal French food.
Skylon Restaurant & Bar
Skylon serves modern British cuisine