Whether you’re hopping off Waterloo Station or going for a walk along the Thames, South Bank has a great variety of lovely spots to grab a quick coffee and pastry. When looking for a nice cup of coffee you not only want to get something flavourful but also have a great location and environment to create the ultimate cafe experience. We have put together a list of some of the cafes in South Bank that have the perfect blend of atmosphere and taste in this iconic location.
Don’t miss: A guide to coffee shops near London Bridge
A guide to some of the best places to get coffee on and off the river in South Bank
In a nutshell
The Stomping Grounds Cafe – Scroll to recommendation
Hayward Gallery Coffee – Scroll to recommendation
Riverside Terrace Cafe – Scroll to recommendation
Draughts – Scroll to recommendation
Coffee Academy – Scroll to recommendation
Beany Green – Scroll to recommendation
Paradiso – Scroll to recommendation
Costa Coffee – Scroll to recommendation
Black Sheep Coffee – Scroll to recommendation
The Glitch Cafe – Scroll to recommendation
The Travel Cafe – Scroll to recommendation
The Black Penny – Scroll to recommendation
National Theatre Espresso Bar – Scroll to recommendation
The Stomping Grounds Cafe
For a quick cup of coffee while on the go, Stomping Grounds is a great grab and go spot right next to a lot of South Bank’s attractions. Nestled between Waterloo Bridge, Hayward Gallery, King’s College, The London Eye, Jubilee Garden and Jubilee and Hungerford Bridge, it’s perfectly located. Head here as a destination in its own right or as a cosy spot where you can refuel while going for a walk.
Stomping Grounds Cafe use their own special blend of coffee available to have in or take away, as well as hot chocolate, tea and a range of cold drinks. We recommend their popcorn latte for something a little different! Plus, if you really enjoy their signature coffee, you can buy the beans to take home and sip from the comfort of your sofa. With a mission to be the most eco friendly cafe in London, park yourself on one of their benches and just enjoy the world passing by. Situated in the Southbank Centre, there’s plenty of food stalls nearby should you get hungry.
Where: Southbank Centre, London SE1 8XX
Walking Distance From Waterloo Station: 6 Minutes
Website
Hayward Gallery Coffee
Whether you’ve been visiting the exhibitions in the Hayward Gallery or just want to take in the spectacular views of Waterloo Bridge, Hayward Gallery Cafe is a brilliant choice. With a selection of hot and cold drinks aswell as excellent coffee and a wide range of snacks and light bites it’s the ideal spot to refuel.
Don’t just come here for the food and beverage offering however, the surroundings are visually appealing too, with interiors by award-winning Softroom and beautiful murals adorning the walls.
Where: Southbank Centre, London SE1 8XX
Walking Distance From Waterloo Station: 6 Minutes
Website
Riverside Terrace Cafe
When heading to the Royal Festival Hall, or if you’re just in the area, the Riverside Terrace Cafe is the perfect pitstop. With a comprehensive menu packed with sandwiches, soups, light meals and hot & cold drinks, you’re spoilt for choice. Focusing on fresh food and consistently great tea and coffee, you can head here knowing you won’t be let down.
In the summer make the most of the outside seating available with a huge open-air terrace overlooking the river. As well as being able to enjoy the views you can benefit from their own pop-up Riverside stage featuring live performances and DJs.
Where: Riverside Terrace Cafe, Royal Festival Hall
Walking Distance From Waterloo Station: 5 Minutes
Website
Draughts
Draughts London is a coffee shop with a difference. Nestled under the arches by Waterloo, it offers a cosy and creative space where you can enjoy coffee, cocktails and food alongside an array of board games. Gather your friends, family or other half and play everything from your old favourites like Monopoly and Chess, to completely new games you might never have heard of.
Food wise, tuck into everything from giant nachos to korean chicken, washed down with delicious coffee and tea, draught beers and a great wine list.
Where: Arch 16, Leake St, London SE1 7NN
Walking Distance From Waterloo Station: 6 Minutes
Website
Coffee Academy
At the base of the iconic OXO Tower is Coffee Academy which not only serves smooth roasted, organic, and fairtrade coffee beans but also delicious freshly baked doughnuts and other delicious pastries. It’s right on the Thames and has outdoor seating so you can enjoy your coffee with a seat and a view or take it for a short walk and you’ll be on the Blackfriars Bridge.
If you walk the other direction you can take your doughnut and coffee to the Bernie Spain Gardens and enjoy it on the grass. Perfectly located for a quick stop on your journey, Coffee Academy offers all you could need for a refuel.
Where: Brand Academy, Coffee Academy, Unit G11 Bargehouse Street Oxo Tower Wharf, London SE1 9PH
Walking Distance From Waterloo Station: 10 Minutes
Website
Beany Green
Just under the Jubilee and Hungerford Bridge and outside the Royal Festival Hall is a retrofitted 10ft shipping container which has been turned into the Beany Green Cafe. The container itself is a piece of art which has been adorned with art from Peter Blake making for a very colourful little cafe on the South Bank.
Featuring Australian coffee and serving banana bread along with other fresh and homemade pastries and treats, you’re guaranteed a great experience every time you visit, no matter the time of day. Later in the afternoon they open as a bar which also serves Aussie wines, craft beers, and cocktails. It is a great spot to grab a coffee while on a stroll or for a drink in an artistic environment.
Where: Belvedere Road, Southbank SE1 8XX
Walking Distance From Waterloo Station: 4 Minutes
Website
Paradiso
Paradiso is a popular spot which is right next to Waterloo Station and also has a vibrant courtyard which is a nice change of pace from sitting street-side or indoors. They offer a wide variety of coffee and also serve sandwiches, pastries and other delights. When the afternoon hits and you fancy something a bit stronger than coffee, their bar serves cocktails and beer on tap, sometimes putting on events in the evenings.
Paradiso makes for a nice after work place to hang out for a change of pace, or a relaxing spot to grab a coffee in the afternoon. Its location near the station in the inner part of South Bank also makes it convenient for a sit down on your way to other staples and tourist attractions in London.
Where: 44 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RG
Walking Distance From Waterloo Station: 5 Minutes
Website
Costa Coffee
With 50 years of experience making coffee, Costa Coffee has a history which goes back to 1971. Their signature blend Mocha Italia has been around for just as long and is definitely worth a try for any coffee connoisseur. They have locations globally and all around London as well as a large roastery they opened in 2017 in Essex.
Costa’s range of cold drinks, snacks, and sandwiches alongside their coffee makes it the ideal spot when you’re doing other activities in the area. The coffee shop has a beautiful open design with plenty of windows to let in the sun. Being a coffee chain it is very consistent in its approach and delivers a good experience for a coffee stop every time.
Where: 42-48 The Cut, London SE1 8LP
Walking Distance From Waterloo Station: 7 Minutes
Website
Black Sheep Coffee
Black Sheep Coffee’s South Bank Tower location has a vintage and cosy feel. With leather half booth seating and wooden floors it offers a nice respite from the concrete of the London streets. They serve a wide variety of coffee blends and have an extensive menu of food and drinks to go along with it. The cafe is spacious and its relaxed interior helps you get away from the hustle and bustle.
Black Sheep Coffee has multiple locations around London and are rather well known. Make the most of their wifi and the fact they’re dog friendly if you’re on a walk with your pooch. There’s also a bar onsite if you’re cruising through South Bank later in the evening.
Where: Unit 4 & 5A, Southbank Central, Hatfields, London SE1 9PG
Walking Distance From Waterloo Station: 10 Minutes
Website
The Glitch Cafe
The Glitch Cafe is one of the areas more quirky cafes. It offers a versatile space to drink, dine and spend your day. Whether you’re looking to work in comfort, meet with friends or relax with a book and cup of coffee you’ll find it all here.
Nestled a short walk from Waterloo station amidst the energetic streets of Lower Marsh, it’s a creative space designed to inspire. The food menu focuses on toasties – including chilli & brie, double cheese, pesto mozzarella and vegan, snacks such as peanuts and pastries including crossaints and buns.Drinks wise, you can sip on a range of coffees (with 10p off your bill if you opt for plant-based milk), teas, cocktails, cold drinks and spirits. Prices are reasonable, the vibe is unmatched and the Glitch Cafe is one you really don’t want to miss.
Where: 1 Wootton St, London SE1 8TG
Walking Distance From Waterloo Station: 5 Minutes
Website
The Travel Cafe
Priding itself as an “Open space for travellers, coffee culture and creative people” the Travel Cafe is a bright and upbeat spot for a unique cafe experience. The interior and exterior is beautifully adorned with vibrant plantlife of all kinds from ferns to cactuses. Alongside espresso drinks, pastries and delicious brunch food, they also sell the beautiful flora to take home. While you might be sitting inside for your cup of coffee, the environment of the cafe transports you to the feeling of relaxing in a garden. It is a nice breath of fresh air to the standard cafe format.
Where: 139 Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7HR
Walking Distance From Waterloo Station: 7 Minutes
Website
The Black Penny
Serving hand-picked coffee from the hills of Narino as well as eggs, hash, and other small plates, The Black Penny is a decadent and well rounded place to start your morning. While the inside has a few knick knacks and interesting decorations it retains an air of sophistication and modern design. The Black Penny offers a wide variety of healthy and delicious menu items for breakfast and brunch. They take the extra step in making their coffee by using special special barista coffee grinders instead of automated machines along with specially trained staff and their staple of hand-picked coffee cherries. The taste truly speaks for itself and the cakes and pastries they serve pair perfectly.
Where: 17 Casson Sq, London SE1 7BQ
Walking Distance From Waterloo Station: 4 Minutes
Website
National Theatre Espresso Bar
Right next to the National Theatre is an amazing little cafe and bar. While the cafe itself is small there is a huge amount of outdoor seating all located right on the Thames. Serving freshly made cakes, snacks and gourmet coffee is only the start of the great things about this place. The outdoor area of the National Theatre Espresso Bar is a great place to meet up with friends and get ready to go out for an exciting day.
Its location on the Thames is right in the middle of all the action. Events often happen all around plus there’s a selection of food trucks nearby when you feel peckish. Maybe most obviously as a benefit is that it’s part of the National Theatre, so you can go there before or after catching a show.
Where: National Theatre, London SE1 9PX
Walking Distance From Waterloo Station: 5 Minutes
Website
South Bank Cafes – Top Tips
- Plan your walking route ahead of time so you can duck into at least one of the above coffees
- Check the opening times of the cafe before you go. Some differ depending on the day of the week or if there are events going on
- Bring a card as most places are cashless
- Look into times of shows on the South Bank. Some places can be busier when events are due to start or have just finished
- Get a table with a view – South Bank is perfectly located to look at the happenings on the River Thames
- If bringing your dog, check their policy on this ahead of time
Save these places the next time you’re looking for the best South Bank Cafes. Whether you’re after somewhere for a takeout coffee, lunch with friends or work, you’re spoilt for choice. Which is your favourite venue?
