Bankside

Better Bankside
Bankside Community Space
18 Great Guildford Street
London SE1 0FD
T 020 7928 3998
www.betterbankside.co.uk Visitor Guide
Places
to visit

Eating
and
drinking

Tate
Modern

Borough
Market

This Bankside Guide is brought Places

to you by Better Bankside the to stay
Business Improvement District
(BID) for the area. Better Bankside
is the second BID in London
and the first south of the river.
A Business Improvement Golden Shopping
District (BID) is an independent,
business-owned and led Hinde
company, which seeks to
improve a given location for
commercial activity. Better
Bankside’s members are the
300 companies in the BID Finding
area who pay its annual ‘levy’.
Many of these are heavily This guide was designed your way
involved in the governance and printed in Bankside around
of the company. on FSC approved material.
Design
Commercial Art
www.commercial-art.co.uk
Imagery Southwark
Mickey Lee Cathedral
www.thebiglondon.com
Print
Scanplus
www.scanplus.co.uk
Visit
Bankside
Becket preached Deriving its name from one of the
medieval causeways built to hold
Bankside
history
back the Thames, Bankside is
Shakespeare entertained one of the oldest settlements in
Britain and its early history owes
Drake moored much to its riverside location.
When the Romans founded Londinium on the north bank
of the Thames, a bridge was built near the present day

Dickens lived London Bridge, and the surrounding area has been inhabited
ever since.
It has provided London with activities not always welcomed

Mandela enjoyed
in the City itself, and as an Elizabethan ‘red light’ zone,
developed into London’s finest theatre district. Some
of England’s greatest writers and players, including William
Shakespeare, lived and worked here. Up until 1600 stews

Kapoor exhibited were a Bankside speciality–along with taverns and bear

baiting, flourishing in the ‘Liberty of the Clink’ under
the jurisdiction of the Bishops of Winchester who had their
summer palace here. In the 17th century the Puritans
Foster designed put an end to all that, closing down the theatres during
the Commonwealth.
During the late 18th century Bankside quickly developed

Oliver shopped into an industrial environment, with docks, warehouses

and wharves. Following industrial decline after the Second
World War it remained largely undiscovered, until its recent
renaissance as one of the capital’s prime visitor destinations.

You should visit Today Bankside’s heritage survives in its street names–
Bear Gardens was the site of the bear baiting and Rose

with this guide Alley was the site of the Rose Theatre, where Shakespeare’s
Titus Andronicus and Henry VI were first performed.

What is Bankside is one of central 4 –7 8–9, 12 10–11 Guide

Bankside? London’s riverside destinations, Places Top 3’s Bankside index
stretching from Blackfriars to visit eating at a
Bridge to London Bridge. and glance
drinking
The area offers a true alternative to 13–14 14–15 16–17
the West End and is famous for its Shopping Places Itineraries
intriguing history, iconic landmarks, to stay
vibrant art scene, world class markets,
atmospheric pubs, award winning
restaurants and shops. 18 19
To find out more about this historic Can you How to
and progressive part of London, get spot? get here
up-to-the-minute event information Finding
and take advantage of special offers your way
visit www.visitbankside.com around

3
Places Bankside Gallery Free
to visit Home to the Royal Watercolour Society and the Royal
Society of Painter-Printmakers, Bankside Gallery runs
an exciting programme of exhibitions featuring watercolours
and prints. Works are for sale at affordable prices.
Open daily 11am–6pm
48 Hopton Street, London SE1 9JH
T 020 7928 7521 www.banksidegallery.com
Borough Market Free
The UK’s finest gourmet food market, located in a unique
1 position under a network of railway viaducts, winner
of numerous awards and voted by Londoners their favourite
place to visit. For more information, see the Shopping pages.
Open Thurs 11am–5pm/Fri 12pm–6pm/Sat 8am–5pm
8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL
T 020 7407 1002 www.boroughmarket.org.uk
2 6
The Clink Prison Museum
On the site of the original ‘Clink’ Prison, this museum
examines some of London’s unsavoury past from 1144
to 1780. The prison, known as ‘The Clink’ from the 15th
Century, and its inmates were involved with the Gunpowder
Plot, Babington Plot, Bye Plot, The Mayflower and many more.
3 Open Mon–Fri 10am–6pm/Sat–Sun 10am–9pm
1 Clink Street, London SE1 9DG
T 020 7403 0900 www.clink.co.uk
Floatworks
Since its inception in 1993, Floatworks has rapidly
established itself as the largest Floatation centre
4 9
anywhere in the world. With 9 floatation suites it’s
a chance to relax and enjoy an oasis of calm before
stepping back into the hustle and bustle of Bankside.
Open Mon–Sun 10am–10pm
1 Thrale Street, London SE1 9HW
T 0207 357 0111 www.floatworks.com
5 premieres of new writing or lavish revivals of classic
Golden Hinde
A fully working, authentic reconstruction of Sir Francis
Drake’s famous ship, the Golden Hinde is open to the
public for guided and self-guided tours. It is even possible
to join Drake and his crew on an overnight imaginative
voyage of adventure. Please phone ahead for opening times.
Professional actors onboard dressed in period costume have
extensive knowledge of 16th century life and how to bring
history alive. The Pirate Academy offers weekend workshops
throughout the year for youngsters who want to brush
up on their pirate skills. Special events include the overnight
living history experience.
Pickfords Wharf, Clink Street, London SE1 9DG
T 020 7403 0123 www.goldenhinde.com
4 For further information visit www.visitbankside.com
1 Jerwood Space Free 6 Places
A beautifully refurbished Victorian building, combining to visit
dance & theatre rehearsal spaces with a gallery showing
a year-round programme of the best of contemporary 
visual arts. Both gallery and Café 171 are open to the public.
Open Mon–Fri 10am–5pm/Sat–Sun 11am–3pm
(Closed Bank Holidays)
171 Union Street, London SE1 0LN
T 020 7654 0171 www.jerwoodspace.co.uk
2
The London Bridge Experience 7
Take a trip back in time through the life of London Bridge 3
and meet characters with creepy tales to tell. Winner
of the Best All Year Round Scare Attraction 2008.
Open Mon–Fri 10am–5pm/Sat–Sun 10am– 6pm
2–4 Tooley Street, London SE1 2PF T 0800 0434 666
www.thelondonbridgeexperience.com
3 London Walks
Join the ‘Along the Thames Pub Walk’ or the ‘Shakespeare’s
London Walk’ to discover the quirky facts about Bankside.
London Walks guides include authors, journalists, actors
and the crème de la crème of professionally qualified Blue
Badge and City of London guides.
Walks take place every day, morning, afternoon and evening.
T 020 7624 3978 www.walks.com
Did you know?
4 The Millennium Bridge is the first new bridge over
the Thames in London since Tower Bridge of 1894.
Menier Chocolate Factory 8
It’s not a factory and they don’t make chocolate…
but they do produce some of the most exciting
and innovative theatre in town. Whether it’s world
5 musicals, there is something in the programme to
suit all theatrical tastes. The venue won Outstanding
Newcomer at the 2005 Evening Standard Awards.
53 Southwark Street, London SE1 1RU
Box office 020 7907 7060
www.menierchocolatefactory.com
Menier Gallery* Free 9
Housed on two floors of the historic Menier Chocolate
Factory, it offers a dramatic space in which to view works
of art and design. The Menier Gallery is just two minutes’
walk from Borough Market and 5 minutes from Tate
Modern. The gallery also makes a great venue for evening
events. *The Menier Gallery is run by the registered charity
Paintings in Hospitals (no. 1065963).
Open Mon–Sat 10am–6pm
51 Southwark St, London SE1 1RU
T 020 7407 3222 www.meniergallery.co.uk
5
Places Purdy Hicks Gallery 10
to visit This commercial gallery showcases works of internationally
recognised contemporary artists in an impressive
display space.
Open daily Mon–Fri 10am– 6pm/Sat 11am– 6pm
65 Hopton Street, London SE1 9GZ
T 020 7401 9229 www.purdyhicks.com
Shakespeare’s Globe 11
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is ‘the beating heart
of theatrical London’ (Sunday Times), dedicated to
11 exploring Shakespeare’s work through performance
and education. The theatre faithfully reconstructs the
open-air playhouse designed in 1599 and Shakespeare’s
Globe Exhibition, open all year round, is the world’s
largest exhibition devoted to Shakespeare and the
London in which he lived and worked.
A fascinating guided tour inside the theatre reveals
12 the story of its reconstruction and gives an exciting
insight into the working life of the Globe.
Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition also offers tours of
the nearby Rose Theatre site to pre-booked groups.
The Rose, built in 1587, was the first Elizabethan
Theatre on Bankside and was where Shakespeare
learnt his craft.
13
During school holidays, Shakespeare’s Globe hosts
costume dressings, sword-fighting displays and
performances from the Shakespeare’s Globe musicians.
There are also special events to celebrate dates such
as Shakespeare’s birthday (23rd April).
Open daily
21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
14
T 020 7902 1400 www.shakespeares-globe.org
Southwark Cathedral Free 12
Southwark Cathedral is London’s oldest Gothic
church. A church has occupied the site for over
1400 years. It has connections with William
Shakespeare, US-university benefactor John Harvard
and a Mohegan Indian chief. Visit the tomb of
the first English poet, John Gower and learn about
a 17th century doctor, Dr Lockyer, and his pills.
Admission by donation.
Inside the peaceful haven of Southwark Cathedral
enjoy a lunchtime organ or music recital on select
Monday and Tuesday.
Open daily 8.00am–6.00pm
(subject to services taking place)
London Bridge, London SE1 9DA
T 020 7367 6700 www.southwarkcathedral.org.uk
6 For further information visit www.visitbankside.com
Tate Modern Free 13 Places
This is the World’s most popular gallery of modern to visit
art and is housed in the impressive Bankside
Power Station. Entrance to the permanent collection,
which includes works from leading artists like
Picasso, Warhol and Dalí, is free. Tate Modern also
holds world-acclaimed temporary exhibitions as
well as education programmes, activities and events,
many of which are free.
Tate Modern offers a range of activities for children and
adults to explore together . These include any-time
activities for families, plus drop-in and ticketed special
activities for weekends and school holidays. Tate Modern 5
also screens films made by artists whilst music offers new
interpretations of the displays. For art enthusiasts specialist
talks, discussions, and symposiums feature internationally
renowned artists, art critics, historians and theorists.
The Tate Boat, operated by Thames Clippers, runs
between Bankside Pier and Millennium Pier for
Tate Britain. 11
Open Sun–Thu 10am– 6pm/Fri–Sat 10am–10pm
(Closed 24–26 Dec)
Bankside, London SE1 9TG
T 020 7887 8888 www.tate.org.uk/modern
Did you know?
1963 saw the opening of the Bankside Power Station–
which would eventually become Tate Modern–built
on the site of Tudor fishponds that had supplied pike
to the religious houses and palaces nearby.
Vinopolis 14
12
Unique Wine Tasting Attraction
Treat your taste buds to a diverse range of wines, beer
from the microbrewery, Bombay Sapphire cocktails,
the best in rums, whisky and absinthe. With 150 wines
from all over the world and themed sections representing
the regions they come from, the Wine Tour offers visitors
a unique opportunity to explore the wines and spirits
13
of the world all under one roof. Featured countries include:
France, Italy, Australia, California, South Africa and
some lesser known regions such as Thailand and China.
Vinopolis holds a series of tasting events including
Cocktail, Whisky and Beer Masterclasses, Welcome
to Wine and Welcome to Food and Wine tastings. Perfect
for understanding how food and wine work together.
14
A Cheese and Wine tasting will help you complement
your cheese board with the right wines. Vinopolis also
plays host to some exclusive wine tasting sessions giving
you a chance to ‘meet the experts’.
Open Thurs, Fri, & Sat 12pm–10pm/Sun 12pm– 6pm 
( Last admission is 2.5 hours before closing) 
No 1 Bank End, London SE1 9BU
T 0870 241 4040 www.vinopolis.co.uk
7
Top 3’s Breakfast Stops Hidden Gems Top 3’s
eating Monmouth Coffee Company 15 Café 171 27 eating
2 Park Street T 020 7645 3585 Jerwood Space, 171 Union Street T 0207 654 0171
and Monmouth offers a choice of deliciously roasted coffee Modern canteen food using fresh seasonal ingredients
and
drinking beans and high quality coffees from all around the world, offering international variety and remarkable value drinking
as well as pastries and cakes to have with your coffee. Sit for money in a stylish and relaxed atmosphere.
at the large communal table to enjoy baguettes from Paul,
The Table 28
pastries from Villandry, and jams from England Preserves.
85 Southwark Street T 020 7401 2760
Brindisa 16
The Roxy Bar and Screen 29
18–20 Southwark St T 0207 357 8880
128–132 Borough High Street T 020 7403 4423
Enjoy a Spanish breakfast on Fri and Sat from 9–11am
Roast 17
19
Floral Hall at Borough Market T 0845 034 7300 International Flavours 27
Silka 30
6–8 Southwark Street T 020 7378 7777
Coffee Stops This is one restaurant dedicated not only to the delights
Swan at the Globe at Shakespeare’s Globe 18 of the palate, but also to the health and well-being of
Shakespeare’s Globe T 020 7928 9444 its clientele. The Indian menu features low-fat, healthful
Situated on the Piazza level with wonderful views of foods skilfully prepared with dishes geared to make you
21 the river, the Café offers a selection of home-made foods feel light and energized or calm and chilled out. 29
with friendly service.
Tas Pide 31
Amano 19 20–22 New Globe Walk T 020 7928 3300
Clink Street T 020 7234 0000
Feng Sushi 32
Tate Modern Espresso Bar 20 13 Stoney Street T 020 7407 8744
Level 4, Tate Modern T 020 7887 8888
24 30
Did you know? Afternoon Teas
Vinopolis sits on the site of the old Anchor Brewery, The Refectory at Southwark Cathedral 33
which was established in 1710 and was once the T 020 7407 5740
largest brewery in the world. Set in a tranquil courtyard-setting on the riverside of
the Cathedral complex, this is an ideal venue for morning
coffee and afternoon teas. At lunchtimes it offers an
innovative range of freshly prepared soups, hot dishes,
25 36
Alfresco Dining sandwiches and salads. The food is freshly prepared
on the premises.
The Real Greek 21
Bankside Riverwalk, nr Shakspeare’s Globe Harpers Sandwich Bar 34
T 020 7620 0162 Harpers Sandwich Bar, 3 Southwark Street
Al fresco dining with views of the Thames, the Real T 0207 407 9666
Greek serves mezedes and souvlaki with Greek wines, Café 2 35
beers and ouzo. Level 2, Tate Modern T 020 7887 8888
Pizza Express 22 An award winning café suitable for all the family.
Bankside Riverwalk, nr Shakspeare’s Globe
T 020 7401 3977
Takeaways
The Anchor 23
Fish! 36
34 Park Street T 020 7407 1577
Cathedral Street T 020 7407 3801
Tsuru 37
Panoramic Views 4 Canvey Street T 020 7928 2228
Tate Modern Restaurant 24 Roast To Go 38
Level 7, Tate Modern T 020 7887 8888 Borough Market T 0845 034 7300
Situated on Level 7, at the top of the building, the restaurant
with a view is a stylish place to enjoy a special meal, a light
lunch or just a glass of wine at the bar. Evening with Friends
Swan at the Globe Brasserie 25 The Refinery 39
at Shakespeare’s Globe 110 Southwark Street T 0845 468 0186
Shakespeare’s Globe T 020 7928 9444 Black and Blue 40
Founders Arms 26 Rochester Walk, Borough Market T 020 7357 9922
Bankside Riverwalk, nr Bankside Gallery T 020 7928 1899 Barrowboy & Banker 41
6–8 Borough High Street T 020 7403 5415
8 For further information visit www.visitbankside.com 9
Bankside 1 Bankside Gallery 15 Monmouth 26 Founders Arms 41 Barrowboy & Banker 58 Joy
2 Borough Market Coffee Company 27 Café 171 42 Roast 59 Oliver Bonas
at a 3 The Clink 16 Brindisa 28 The Table 43 Cantina Vinopolis 60 Southwark
glance Prison Museum 17 Roast 29 The Roxy Bar 44 La Cave Restaurant Cathedral Shop
4 Floatworks 18 Swan at the Globe at and Screen 45 The Rake 61 Golden Hinde Shop
5 Golden Hinde Shakespeare’s Globe 30 Silka 46 Brew Wharf 62 Majestic Wine
6 Jerwood Space 19 Amano 31 Tas Pide 47 George Inn Warehouse
7 The London 20 Tate Modern 32 Feng Sushi 48 Wine Wharf 63 The Whisky Exchange
Bridge Experience Espresso Bar 33 The Refectory at 49 Bedales at Vinopolis
8 Menier Chocolate 21 The Real Greek Southwark Cathedral 50 Viva Verdi 64 Holiday Inn
Factory 22 Pizza Express 34 Harpers Sandwich Bar 51 Bar Blue 65 Mercure Hotel
9 Menier Gallery 23 The Anchor 35 Café 2 52 Del’Aziz 66 Novotel
10 Purdy Hicks Gallery 24 Tate Modern 36 Fish! 53 Clinks Bar 67 Premier Inn
11 Shakespeare’s Globe Restaurant 37 Tsuru 54 De Gustibus 68 The Southwark Rose
12 Southwark Cathedral 25 Swan at the Globe 38 Roast To Go 55 Neal’s Yard Remedies 69 St Christopher’s Inn
13 Tate Modern Brasserie at 39 The Refinery 56 Paul Smith
14 Vinopolis Shakespeare’s Globe 40 Black and Blue 57 Bankside Mix

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Bankside
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No access until 2011 26 Diversion via Hopton Street
London Bridge
Waterloo Station

11 18 22 21 Queen’s W City Pier

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New Globe Walk

31 23
Hopton Street
1 25
5

Bank End
Hopton Street 35 61

Tower Bridge
Clink Street
Hopton Street

20 24 13 35 14 3 19
10 67
Park Street Park Street 43 62 7
41 Tooley
51 63 Street

Stoney Street

Bedale Street
12 33
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10 11
Top 3’s ‘Special Occasion’ Restaurants
eating Roast
Floral Hall at Borough Market T 0845 034 7300
and Using the finest of the country’s produce, the award
drinking winning Roast is dedicated to the best of British
cooking. From succulent spit roasts and deeply flavoured
puddings cooked over days, to organically grown salad
leaves with real taste. Roast is also open for breakfast .
Cantina Vinopolis
No 1 Bank End T 0870 899 8856
La Cave Restaurant
Bank Chambers, 6–10 Borough High Street
42
T 020 7378 0788
Pubs with a Difference
The Rake
14 Winchester Walk T 020 7407 0557
The smallest bar in London was founded by the people
45 behind Utobeer, the beer specialist that’s had a stall in
nearby Borough Market for seven years. Not surprisingly
there are over 100 bottled beers from around the world,
and what a marvellous selection it is.
Brew Wharf
Stoney Street T 020 7378 660
Microbrewery, restaurant and bar.
47
George Inn
77 Borough High Street T 020 7407 2056
London’s last remaining galleried coaching inn.
Wine Bars
Wine Wharf
48
Stoney Street T 020 7940 8335
Informal and relaxed, with leather sofas, soft lighting
and an eclectic selection of music. The building combines
a modern style bar and kitchen with the industrial chic
of a Victorian warehouse. Wine Wharf’s creative wine list
includes more unusual boutique wines complemented
by a menu of wine friendly dishes.
51
Bedales
Bedale Street T 020 7403 8853
Viva Verdi
6 Canvey Street T 020 7928 6867
Cocktail Bars
Bar Blue
Vinopolis, Bank End T 020 7940 8333
Bar Blue serves superb canapés and bar foods with
Oriental influences. Bar Blue is a contemporary space
with minimalistic decor with a smart and extensive
drinks list to match.
Del’Aziz
5 Canvey Street T 020 7633 0033
Clinks Bar
53 Southwark Bridge Road T 0207 089 0400
12 For further information visit www.visitbankside.com
Bankside is a shopping Shopping
42 haven for art and food lovers.
Food and Drink
43 Borough Market (2), Great Britain’s gourmet market,
offers specialities directly from the producers, organic
products, delicatessen, cheese, wines, fish and imported
44
continental fare.
1
If you’re not familiar with the produce on the stalls, or
you’re not sure how to cook it, just ask: the traders will
be delighted to tell you about their specialities, where
they come from and how to make the most of them.
45 Look round carefully before you buy–the Market sells
some expensive delicacies but there are also lots of
delicious cheaper cuts of meat and good value seasonal
2
fish, vegetables and fruit. www.boroughmarket.org.uk
Surrounding the market there are other excellent food
shops, such as De Gustibus (54), a popular artisan baker
and cafe and Monmouth Coffee Company (15),
46 that sources and roasts coffee from around the coffee
growing world and you can try any of the coffees before
buying beans to take home.
13
47
Did you know?
Until 1750 London Bridge was the only crossing of the
Thames in central London and so Borough High Street
was the main road south to the English Channel.
48
15
Art and Culture
The three shops inside Tate Modern (13) offer over
10,000 different book and magazine titles, 70 new products
exclusive to Tate, as well as posters, prints, stationery
and postcards featuring well-known works of art.
www.tate.org.uk
55
49
The Bankside Gallery (1) shop also offers a wide
range of books, greetings cards and art materials
50 as well as an interesting selection of children’s books.
Both the Bankside Gallery and the Menier Gallery
offer the opportunity to take home a real gem of art as
a souvenir of your visit as all exhibited works are for sale.
57
51
Boutiques and Shopping
Neal’s Yard Remedies (55) provides a vast selection
of organic remedies for our bodies, whilst clothes designer
Paul Smith (56) opened the only clothing shop in
sight in a building that was featured in Guy Richie’s
52 film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
Located behind Tate Modern is Bankside Mix (57)
53 stop by Joy (58) or Oliver Bonas (59) to pick up the
latest fashion looks as well as great gifts for all.
13
Shopping History and Heritage
Southwark Cathedral’s shop (57) is the place
to visit for the widest range of quality greetings cards.
It is a hidden treasure house of stylish gifts, souvenir
items, traditional toys, designer jewellery, candles and
books, nestled between the Cathedral and the River.
Last but not least, find a varied range of nautical and
historical souvenirs at the Golden Hinde Shop (58)
on Clink Street such as model ships, pirate T-shirts,
posters, postcards, books and much more with prices
starting at only 15p!
On top of all this, there are great souvenirs to be had from
2 66
the shop at Shakespeare’s Globe, which offers a wide
range of beautiful gifts for both adults and children, from
exquisite hand-crafted goods to books, postcards, T-shirts
and seasonal souvenirs reflecting the ever-changing
events and performances in the exhibition and theatre.
www.shakespeares-globe.org
59
Wine and Spirits
At nearby Vinopolis, those looking to choose wines
for the food they have just bought at the market, can
browse Majestic Wine Warehouse (59), which
offers a stock of over 800 wines from all over the world
with single bottles and cases. www.majestic.co.uk
For possibly the greatest selection of whisky in
London . . . if not the world, visit The Whisky
Exchange at Vinopolis (60), which with over
1000 whiskies and premium spirits is a whisky
lover’s paradise. www.thewhiskyexchange.com
Places Express by Holiday Inn London
to stay Southwark
The Express by Holiday Inn offers great value for money
and a superb location. The hotel offers both the leisure and
business traveller all the facilities needed for a comfortable
stay in the capital. Situated in the heart of Bankside,
it is within walking distance from many London attractions.
103–109 Southwark Street, London SE1 0JQ
T 020 7401 2525 www.exhisouthwark.co.uk
Mercure Hotel London City
64
Bankside
The Mercure is a stylish, contemporary and comfortable
4 star deluxe hotel close to all Bankside attractions and
10 minutes from the West End. All 144 rooms are en-suite
with modern styling and feature an easy chair, workstation,
wifi access, modem point, two telephone lines, voicemail,
lap-top sized safe, satellite TV, movies, minibar, hair
65
dryer, tea/coffee facilities, iron and ironing board and
comfort cooling. Room service is available 24 hours a day.
71–79 Southwark Street, London SE1 0JA
T 020 7902 0800 www.mercure.com
14 For further information visit www.visitbankside.com
Novotel London City South 66 Places
An AA 4-star New Generation Novotel located minutes to stay
from Bankside’s attractions. Waterloo station, West End
shopping, nightlife and theatre land are all a short tube
ride away. Opened in 2003, this hotel offers 182 stylish
and contemporary Novation bedrooms, the Elements
restaurant, Clinks Bar and a rooftop Leisure and Fitness
Suite with gym, sauna and steam room. The hotel
also offers 6 meeting rooms all with natural daylight,
air conditioning and Wifi/Broadband access.
53–61 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HH
T 020 7089 0400 www.novotel.com
Premier Inn London Southwark 67
Premier Inn offers highly competitive prices and excellent
value and service. There are 59 rooms, including several
family rooms, which can accommodate 2 adults and 2
children. The hotel is adjacent to the Anchor pub, from
where Samuel Pepys witnessed the awesome destruction
67
of the Great Fire of London in 1666.
34 Park Street, London SE1 9EF
T 0870 990 6402 www.premierinn.com
Did you know?
No 49 Bankside and 61 Hopton Street vie for the title
of the oldest domestic houses in Bankside, dating back 68
to the late 17th and early 18th century respectively.
All Seasons 68
Southwark Rose Hotel
One of London’s hidden gems, the Southwark Rose 69
Hotel is stylish and contemporary, with high standards
64
of design providing superb value for money. At the heart
of Bankside and within only a few minutes walk from
London Bridge, simplicity really is the essence of good
taste in this stylish, chic hotel.
47 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HH
T 020 7015 1480 www.southwarkrosehotel.co.uk
St Christopher’s Inn 69
There are three St Christopher’s hostels situated just
around the corner from London Bridge Station on Borough
65 High Street and close to many bars and pubs including
the historic George Inn.
161–165 Borough High Street, London SE1 1HR
T 020 7407 1856 www.st-christophers.co.uk
15
Itineraries Must-Do Bankside for Families
Have you wondered what it’s like to sail aboard a Tudor
galleon? Start your day with a storytelling session on board
the Golden Hinde with costumed actors to experience
first hand the wonderful story of the voyage of Sir Francis
Drake and learn of life aboard the Golden Hinde.
Heading west, pop into the Clink Prison, where children
can touch and handle original artefacts including torture
devices and items of punishment.
In the afternoon follow the river walkway westwards to
Shakespeare’s Globe and Tate Modern. Shakespeare’s
Globe is the ideal place in which to introduce children
to Shakespeare. With the freedom to come and go as
one pleases, parents can take small children in and
out of the theatre auditorium without disturbing their
fellow theatregoers, while the exhibition includes
interactive displays, and scheduled dressing and fighting
demonstrations.
At Tate Modern join the drop in ‘Start Weekend Sessions’
– a selection of challenging but fun object-and paper-based
games to be played in the gallery.
Must-Do Bankside for Couples
Start the day at Tate Modern, admiring the impressive
art installation in the gallery’s turbine hall and then check
out one of Tate’s temporary exhibitions. Enjoy views from
the Tate’s restaurant on Level 7 over lunch or for some
pub grub enjoy a meal with a view at the Founder’s Arms
public house on the river walkway outside Tate Modern.
Then make your way eastwards along the river walkway
and visit Vinopolis taking one of their self-guided tours
which includes wine tasting sessions.
In the summer, finish the day with a pre-theatre meal
at Shakespeare’s Globe restaurant and an evening
performance at The Globe Theatre.
In the winter, enjoy a pint of local George Ale and
a meal at the George Inn, the only remaining galleried
inn in London.
Beyond the Riverside
Starting at Southwark station, stroll up to Southwark
Street, where under the bridge you will see Poured
Lines, one of the largest public artworks in London by
high profile British artist Ian Davenport. Along and around
Southwark Street, there are a number of art galleries: Purdy
Hicks Gallery, Novas Gallery and the Menier Gallery.
For lunch head to the Jerwood Space on Union
Street; Café 171’s glasshouse and courtyard make for
year-round al-fresco dining with adjoining art gallery.
On Fridays and Saturdays take a stroll along Park Street
to Borough Market.
End the day with a pre-theatre meal at the Menier
Chocolate Factory Restaurant and take
in a show in their theatre before it hits the West End!
16 For further information visit www.visitbankside.com
Film Locations Itineraries
Start at Blackfriars Bridge where Jonathan Rhys Meyers
throws evidence of his crime into the river in Woody
Allen’s thriller Match Point (2005).
Next on Bankside is the imposing yet impressive
Tate Modern gallery. The former power station was
used in Judge Dredd (1995), while its Turbine Hall
served as the entrance to a government minister’s
residence in thriller Children of Men (2006).
Next up is the Millennium Bridge, a dance sequence
was shot on the bridge in Bollywood film I See You (2006).
Further along Bankside is the Anchor Pub where
Tom Cruise has a drink with Ving Rhames in Mission
Impossible (1996).
Eastwards, at the corner of Southwark Bridge was a
derelict site called Ballard’s Wharf. The site, which has
since been built on, is where the climax to Ealing comedy
Hue and Cry (1947), was shot. South of the bridge
is Park Street which features in Howards End (1992 ).
Did you know?
William Shakespeare is commemorated by a monument
erected in 1912 on the south side of Southwark
Cathedral’s Nave and William Shakespeare’s brother,
Edmond, is buried at the Cathedral.
Continue to Clink Street, Stoney Street and Winchester
Walk where police chase and corner the beast in
An American Werewolf in London (1981). Number
7 Stoney Street is the door to the Leaky Cauldron in
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004 ).
Head along Stoney St to Borough High Street and on
to the historical Borough Market where Lock, Stock
and Two Smoking Barrels (1999) filmed.
Heath Ledger’s final film The Imaginarium of Doctor
Parnassus was also filmed around Borough Market and
Southwark Cathedral
Bridget Jones’ singleton flat is above the nearby
Globe Pub on Bedale Street, the very same pub where the
Great Train Robbery was planned more than 40 years ago.
Head back towards London Bridge across which Naomi
Watts rides her motorcycle in Russian mafia flick Eastern
Promises (2007).
To the left of the bridge is Southwark Cathedral which
appears in Pool of London (1950), while Jeremy
Irons looks for Meryl Streep underneath the railway
lines between the Cathedral and Green Dragon Court
in Harold Pinter’s adaptation of The French
Lieutenant’s Woman (1981).
17
Can you Winchester Rose
spot? The 14th century rose window of the Great Hall of
the Bishop of Winchester’s palace, where Henry VIII
first laid eyes on young Catherine of Aragon.
Clink Prison Gibbet
This gibbet, used for the public displaying of executed
criminals and a traditional form of deterrent from
the Middle Ages until 1832, hangs outside the Clink
Prison Museum.
Ferryman’s Seat
In the absence of bridges, until the mid-18th century,
there were thousands of Watermen–river taxis–plying
their trade on the river. Many of these would wait in
Bankside for customers to return to the city from the
theatre or bear-baiting.
Poured Lines
One of the largest public artworks in London by high
profile British Artist Ian Davenport.
Frost Fair Frieze
The Bankside Frost Fair harks back to the harsh winters
before London Bridge was widened in 1815. Then the
Thames would freeze over and people took to the ice.
You’ll find the old tradition remembered in a grey slate
Frost Fair frieze by local sculptor, Richard Kindersley.
Did you know?
Excavations in the area near Vinopolis exposed the
remains of a Roman wine store, evidence that wine has
been an important part of the lifestyle of this particular
area of London for nearly two thousand years.  times to Bankside
Finding Look up!
your way On the corners of junctions, beneath the street name
signs you will find directional arrows to help you
around find your way to many exciting attractions. Along
the riverside there are tall fluted columns that have
direction ‘fingers’.
Follow the orange! If you are travelling from Southwark
Station to Tate Modern and the riverside, follow the
orange painted street furniture including lamp-posts,
litter bins and bollards.
Better Bankside rangers patrol the area every day
and can provide useful information–look out for the
pink T-shirts!
18 For further information visit www.visitbankside.com
Boat and bus How to
The River Thames is a great way to arrive in get here
Bankside; taking a Thames Clipper up or down
river and alighting at Bankside Pier is one of the
most picturesque routes into the area.
RV1 is bus a service that links Covent Garden,
South Bank, Waterloo, Bankside, London Bridge
and Tower Gateway. For visitors it provides an
easily recognisable link (due to their distinctive
icons) from many of London’s most established
attractions to some of its newest, south of the river
(over thirty attractions are connected by this service).
Nearest stations
For Station
Tate Modern and Mansion House
(Circle and District line)
Shakespeare’s Globe
Southwark
(Jubilee line)
Borough Market Southwark
and Southwark Cathedral (Jubilee Line)
London Bridge
(Jubilee and Northern
lines and mainline
rail services)
Bankside is opposite St Paul’s Cathedral and
can be reached by walking across Blackfriars
Bridge, Southwark Bridge or the Millennium
Bridge. Bankside also neighbours the South Bank
and can be reached along the riverside walkway.
Approximate walking
From Time
The London Eye 30 minutes
The Royal Festival Hall 21 minutes
Waterloo Station 18 minutes
Tower Bridge 18 minutes
St Paul’s Cathedral 13 minutes
Mansion House station 15 minutes
Southwark Station 10 minutes
London Bridge 3 minutes
Enjoy walking along Bankside’s medieval streets,
and discover a new secret around every corner!
The Thames Path is closed at Blackfriars Bridge
until late 2011 due to the redevelopment of Blackfriars
Station and the creation of a new station south
of the river. A fully accessible diversion is in place
on Hopton Street.
 Bankside
Better Bankside
Bankside Community Space
18 Great Guildford Street
London SE1 0FD
T 020 7928 3998
www.betterbankside.co.uk Visitor Guide
Places
to visit

Eating
and
drinking

Tate
Modern

Borough
Market

This Bankside Guide is brought Places

to you by Better Bankside the to stay
Business Improvement District
(BID) for the area. Better Bankside
is the second BID in London
and the first south of the river.
A Business Improvement Golden Shopping
District (BID) is an independent,
business-owned and led Hinde
company, which seeks to
improve a given location for
commercial activity. Better
Bankside’s members are the
300 companies in the BID Finding
area who pay its annual ‘levy’.
Many of these are heavily This guide was designed your way
involved in the governance and printed in Bankside around
of the company. on FSC approved material.
Design
Commercial Art
www.commercial-art.co.uk
Imagery Southwark
Mickey Lee Cathedral
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