Find top rated London pubs and craft beer bars near South Bank
This London craft beer guide points you to easy, local spots for a pint. Start on the South Bank and Waterloo, where compact pubs, riverside bars and small breweries sit close to one another. Find cosy corners for a quiet drink, lively bars for groups, and beer gardens for sunny afternoons. The guide highlights top rated London pubs and the best breweries in London, with tips on rotating taps, tasting flights and how to join a casual London beer tour. Head out with simple routes, quick transport notes, and suggestions for matching food to beer. Relax, taste a range of styles, and leave knowing where to return next time.
Southwark Tap & Wine Bar
Image / Southwark Tap & Wine Bar
Raise a glass beneath the arches, where live music and friendly buzzing vibes meet.
Good for
What to expect
Find a lively, unfussy bar set in atmospheric brick arches, with plush leather seating and pockets of cosy corners. Expect a broad selection of wines and keg beers, Enomatic wine dispensers and an electronic darts board for a bit of friendly competition. Staff are welcoming and the crowd ranges from solo visitors to groups celebrating milestones. Sound levels rise on live music nights, while afternoons feel calmer and more chat-friendly.
Plan your visit
Head out for casual catch-ups, informal celebrations or a chilled solo evening. Book a group spot if hosting a larger party, arrive earlier on busy nights to secure a comfy couch, and leave room for a game of electronic darts to lift the mood. Staff can steer to quieter corners or the main buzz, depending on the vibe wanted.
Waterloo Tap
Image / George Gaston
A lively South Bank pub, perfect for a pint and prime people-watching.
Good for
What to expect
Expect a buzzing, sociable pub under a brick arch, where exposed brickwork meets a polished copper back bar and a chalkboard list of rotating beers. Seating mixes cosy tables inside with simple outdoor benches for sunny days. The crowd is a blend of commuters, tourists and local beer fans, so the mood shifts from relaxed afternoons to energetic evenings. Staff are friendly and often offer tasters, though toilet facilities are limited, so factor that into a longer visit.
Plan your visit
Perfect as a pre- or post-train stop thanks to its proximity to Waterloo station. Head inside to take in the copper back bar and changing chalkboard list, or grab an outdoor bench when the weather allows. Weekends get busier, so arrive earlier for a quieter seat and be prepared to order at the bar.
BrewDog, London Waterloo Station
Image / BrewDog Waterloo
Great beers and lively cellar vibes: a cosy pit-stop beneath Waterloo.
Good for
What to expect
Expect a lively, down-to-earth atmosphere and a wide rotating selection of craft beers on tap. The space is industrial in style, with cosy corners and communal tables that suit solo visitors, couples, or small groups. Staff are known for being friendly and helpful, so ordering and recommendations are straightforward. Food is available as a complement to drinks, though experiences can vary, so focus on the drinks and the sociable vibe. Evenings bring a buzzy crowd, while daytime visits are calmer and easier to navigate.
Plan your visit
Drop in as a convenient stop before or after travel, or book time with friends for a casual meet-up. Aim for a mid-afternoon visit to avoid the busiest periods if a quieter table is preferred, otherwise enjoy the energetic evening crowd. Ask the bar team for recommendations from the rotating taps, and pick a spot near the windows or under the feature lighting for atmosphere.
Flowers of the Forest
Image / Dai Tree
Suntrap beer garden, friendly locals and screens for every game.
Good for
What to expect
Expect a familiar, friendly neighbourhood pub where staff know regulars and give solid beer tips. The courtyard soaks up sun when it appears, while a covered area with heaters keeps things cosy on cooler days. Inside, several screens show different sports and a well-used pool table draws small groups. The layout rarely feels overcrowded, so it works for a quiet pint, a catch-up with friends or a lively match night without the crush.
Plan your visit
Head out for a courtyard spot when the sun’s out, or take a covered table if it’s cooler. Check the nearest screens for the match, then challenge friends to a game of pool. Ask the staff for beer recommendations and settle into the relaxed, local atmosphere.
BrewDog Waterloo
Image / Web
Craft beer, playful spirit and plenty of reasons to linger
Good for
What to expect
Arrival brings a lively, social atmosphere and a long list of beers from house taps and rotating guests, paired with a menu designed for sharing and bold flavours. The interior balances open seating with private booths and co-working corners, while activity areas add an element of playful competition. Service is welcoming and efficient, making it a good pick for everything from casual catch-ups to informal work meetings.
Plan your visit
Book ahead if planning to use activity spaces or private rooms, as these are popular. Ideal for an after-work meet-up, a weekend family outing or a solo stop for a relaxed drink. Dress for comfort if planning to try the play areas, and allow time to explore the venue’s different zones.
German Kraft Beer
Image / German Kraft Beer
South Bank hidden gem: bold craft beer and a sunny beer garden for relaxed hangs.
Good for
What to expect
Expect an honest, hands-on brewery visit: a short tour of stainless steel tanks, guided tastings and pints poured at the bar. The space mixes industrial fittings with cosy communal seating, and the beer garden offers a breezy spot to linger. Staff are knowledgeable and happy to talk beer, making this a good choice for newcomers and enthusiasts alike. Music and friendly chatter set a lively tone, perfect for small groups or solo stops.
Plan your visit
Head out with a small group or solo, arrive ready to taste and ask for a guided tour. Match a tasting with a walk around the beer garden, sample street-food stalls nearby, and leave time to chat with the bar team. Carry cash or card and plan a short walk to another South Bank spot after, for a smooth afternoon or evening.
The Crown & Cushion
Image / Hampstead Village London
Cosy pub charm, lively bar buzz and unexpected Thai flavours, perfect for a relaxed stop.
Good for
What to expect
Step into a cosy, characterful pub filled with warm lighting, wood panelling and nostalgic memorabilia. Expect a relaxed, sociable vibe where knowledgeable staff serve expertly poured pints, and food from the Thai kitchen upstairs can be enjoyed in the bar. The mix of locals and visitors makes for lively conversation, comfortable seating and a genuine neighbourhood feel.
Plan your visit
Drop by for a casual drink and a slice of local life, grab a bar seat for people watching, or sit with friends in a cosy booth. Order food from the upstairs kitchen and enjoy it in the pub, ask the staff for menu pointers, and allow a little extra time at peak moments when the atmosphere is at its liveliest.
Tamesis Dock
Image / Thatsup
Riverside revelry on a floating bar, panoramic Thames views and a buzzy London vibe.
Good for
What to expect
A quirky, photogenic bar set on a real boat, with a mix of indoor seating and open rails for waterside lounging. Service is friendly and typically quick, even when busy. The venue has a buzzy social vibe on sunny days and weekends, while weekdays feel more relaxed. The boat’s slight lean and gentle rocking are part of its charm, so keep personal items secure near the railings. Great for informal drinks, relaxed dates, or small groups seeking a memorable London backdrop.
Plan your visit
Dress in layers, as riverside seating is exposed to the elements; choose the outdoor rail seats for sunshine and skyline views, or the cosy interior when it’s breezy. Arrive early to snap the best waterside spots and to avoid queues on busy days. Keep belongings tucked in and watch small items near railings, and check the venue’s social feed before visiting for the latest on music or special nights.
Fountain & Ink
Image / Fountain & Ink
Central South Bank pub, lively terrace and friendly bar staff, perfect for after-show drinks.
Good for
What to expect
Expect a busy, friendly atmosphere that suits a range of plans: an afternoon drink, a relaxed dinner or an informal meeting. The interior mixes warm wood and smart lighting, while the terrace faces the riverside for people-watching. Staff are approachable and accommodating, including allergy-aware service. Noise levels rise in the evening, making this a social, upbeat spot rather than a quiet hideaway.
Plan your visit
Head out after a South Bank walk or a show at the nearby cultural venues. Arrive early for a sunny terrace spot, or choose a cosy table inside for a quieter conversation. Ask staff about menu options if dietary needs apply. Good for single travellers, groups and business catch-ups, especially when aiming for a social, central spot.