A Nightlife Guide To London Bridge

London Bridge is probably most famous for the nursery rhyme which has long regaled children with the tale of its demise. Despite its numerous collapses, the often-rebuilt bridge was London’s only crossing over the River Thames until the mid-eighteenth century. Nowadays, London Bridge holds far more than people crossing a river – the surrounding area supports a thriving nightlife for everyone, whether that means clubs, wine bars or a quintessentially British riverside pub.

Borough Market

A great spot for food during the day, Borough Market is a different story at night. With lots of bars scattered around, there is no shortage of places to grab a drink. Emphasis here is largely on wine, with lots of wine shops around and Bedales is here to service those grapey needs well into the night. For anybody looking for something hoppier, The Globe Tavern gastropub and beer bar The Rake should suffice.

Number One Bar

Anchor Bankside

One of London’s many wonderful riverside pubs, the Anchor Bankside has been doing its thing since 1615. If that’s not proof the folks here are good at what they do, then we really don’t know what is. There’s an abundance of outdoor seating here and they’ve often got an outdoor bar open too. Even if the rustic, woody bar is rammed, people have a tendency to perch on the wall that runs along the riverside so there is plenty of space. There’s usually a busker busting out the classics in the evening too.

The Horniman

The Horniman is named after the notable Victorian benefactor and Liberal Member of Parliament who owned the 19th century tea warehouse in which it is found. Bearing chandeliers, a riverside terrace and friezes depicting its eponymous travels around Africa, this fine establishment does not constitute the entirety of Frederick Horniman’s legacy – he was also responsible for founding the splendid South London museum that bears his name.

The George Inn

Another delightfully British pub, The George Inn, like the Anchor Bankside, boasts a rich history. The quaint watering hole formerly served as a coaching inn from the 17th century and is now protected as a Grade I-listed building owned and leased by the National Trust. Oak beams, crackling fires and creaking floorboards characterise the homey pub, ideal for a winter’s day – which is probably why Charles Dickens frequented the place. With a beautifully picturesque and spacious outdoor courtyard, it’s also perfect for a pint on a sunny day.

The Old School Yard

Let out the child within at this school-themed cocktail bar, complete with an array of retro arcade games to liven things up. Mixing the joys of younger years with the alcohol-related perks of adulthood, The Old School Yard is the ideal playground for everyone over the age of 18. Lacking the childhood drawbacks of bullies and homework, everyone is free to chill out cocktail in hand and momentarily forget the burdensome responsibilities of elder years.

Balls Brothers

Trying to find a great place that serves wine from around the world in a cellar bar that slightly resembles a maze, but also has a terrace and a petanque pitch? Probably not, but Balls Brothers has got it all. Founded in 1860, this chain has outlets dotted all over central London. Nurse a Malbec under the exposed brickwork arches, enjoy a Chardonnay in a cosy booth or head to the outdoor terrace to sip Chablis on a sunny day.

Check out some of our other South London nightlife guides for areas like Brixton, Clapham and Peckham.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.