Cask ales, friendly faces, cosy corners and classic comfort food – sometimes only a pub will do! From quirky independent dive bars to classic neighbourhood pubs and one of the UK's biggest craft beer venues, here's a look at South Bank's most popular pubs.

Fountain and Ink

This stylish, airy hangout attracts enthusiastic regulars with its great range of beers and yummy artisanal sourdough pizzas. The bar has a huge drinks offering, boasting 16 draught beers, over 80 different bottled beers from around the world, plus a great wine list and plenty of no-and-low alcohol, and gluten-free options available as well. The pub is slightly off the beaten path on Stamford Street, one of the streets that runs parallel to the Queen’s Walk, a short walk from the Oxo Tower Wharf. Find Out More

The Waterloo Tap

One of South Bank’s most popular spots for a pint can be found just a short walk from Waterloo Station, right underneath the railway bridge. Waterloo Tap’s mission is to showcase beers by top independent brewers from the UK and abroad, with 20 keg and 6 cask beers on at all times with lots of rotation. Set in one of the many atmospheric arches that stretch across South Bank from the Waterloo Station, it’s an always busy spot with a bustling and welcoming buzz. There's no need to book. Simply rock up and grab a stool inside or on their long terrace that spills out beneath the arches. Find Out More

The Mulberry Bush

A major local favourite for a proper British roast is The Mulberry Bush on Upper Ground, just behind the National Theatre and OXO Tower Wharf. The perfect excuse to head to the pub, The Mulberry Bush is famed for their Sunday roasts, served with the fluffiest Yorkies, crispy roasties, and of course lashings of proper gravy. At the bar choose from a selection of Young’s cask and local ales, London craft lagers and small-batch spirits and wines. Find Out More

Hole in the Wall

Opened in 1947, The Hole in The Wall is a Waterloo institution. A stone's throw from Waterloo Station, this quirky little gem of a pub located inside one of the railway arches, has hardly changed over the decades. A firmly independent pub, they offer one of the most interesting selections of cask ales from across the UK with regularly changing guest ales. The old-fashioned decor, friendly regulars and Sunday night Irish folk sessions lend this little spot a unique charm. Find Out More

The Thirsty Bear

Located on Stamford Street, a short walk from the Oxo Tower and Blackfriars Station, The Thirsty Bear is a friendly, high-tech sports pub with eight TVs and a large projector showing all the big sporting events. In 2017 The Thirsty Bear was even nominated for Best UK Sports Pub in the national Great British Pub Awards. If you can't miss a minute of the game, the pub also has a handy ordering system with iPads installed on the tables so you can place an order from your seat. Some of the tables even have their own beer taps on them! Find Out More

Doggett's Coat and Badge

If you’re in search of a riverside location, Doggett’s Coat & Badge – or Doggett’s for short – is squeezed into the far corner of South Bank by Blackfriars Bridge and just a short walk to Bankside where you’ll find the world-famous Globe Theatre and Tate Modern. This family-friendly pub is one of the best real ale pubs in South Bank too. With top-notch panoramic views over the Thames towards St Paul’s Cathedral and the train station just around the corner, Doggett’s is an ideal spot to catch up with friends, relax with family or chat with colleagues. There's plenty of space inside plus a substantial beer garden hidden away in the back. Find Out More

Brewdog Waterloo

One of the largest bars in London, Brewdog's huge location beneath Waterloo Station spreads over two floors and 27,500ft of space. There are a whopping 60 taps serving draft craft beers from the on-site Brewdog microbrewery plus loads of fun activities to keep you busy including a speakeasy cocktail bar (find the entrance inside the red phone booth), a podcast recording studio, duckpin bowling lanes and even an actual slide! Find out more here

The Hop Locker

Not exactly a pub per se, but if you enjoy a good beer garden and a wide choice of brews on tap, this is the spot! Known for its excellent range of local, national and international tipples, The Hop Locker pops up in two locations. The main riverfront bar is underneath Hungerford Bridge and is open seven days a week. Next door is Oh My Dog, home of South Bank’s ultimate custom made franks. The taps are on constant rotation meaning there’s always something different to try. The team of breezy bartenders go the extra mile to provide advice on what the latest brews on offer are like. And if one Hop Locker isn't enough, you can find a second pop-up stall at the Southbank Centre Food Market, open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Find Out More