Southbank Place: Your Guide to the Best Cafés, Restaurants, Fitness, and Everyday Essentials

At Southbank Place, life is designed for ease – whether you’re living here or simply exploring the neighbourhood. From your morning coffee to a nourishing lunch or last-minute groceries in the evening, everything you need is right on your doorstep. For residents, it means daily essentials and refined conveniences are always within reach. For visitors, it’s the perfect base to discover some of London’s best cafés, restaurants, and fitness spots, all just moments from the river. And when it comes to dining out, you’re perfectly placed between the vibrant restaurants of The Cut – a hub of pre-theatre favourites – and the South Bank’s riverside icons, from street food markets to elegant dining rooms with sweeping Thames views.

Morning rituals are made simple at Southbank Place, with cafés that bring both quality and convenience to your daily routine.

• Gail’s Bakery
  Start your day the right way at Gail’s, celebrated for its freshly baked sourdough, pastries, and exceptional coffee. Whether you’re grabbing something on the go or settling in for a relaxed breakfast, it’s a space that feels both local and indulgent.
• The Black Penny
  The Black Penny combines comfort with quality. Known for hearty brunches, seasonal plates, and its perfectly brewed coffee, it’s a calm retreat where you can meet friends or enjoy a moment of quiet away from the buzz of Waterloo.
• Joe & The Juice
  Fuel your day with vibrant energy at Joe & The Juice. From cold-pressed juices and smoothies to fresh sandwiches and great coffee, this international favourite offers healthy, on-the-move options with a touch of Scandinavian cool.

When it comes to lunch, Southbank Place has the perfect mix of quick bites and nourishing plates.

• Atis
  The newly opened Atis brings its vibrant salad bowls and chef-curated plates to the heart of Southbank Place. From build-your-own bowls to grab-and-go options, it’s a go-to spot for healthy, flavour-packed meals that work for both office lunches and casual dinners.
• Strada Southbank
  For something a little more leisurely, Strada Southbank is a riverside favourite serving modern Italian classics. From wood-fired pizzas to fresh pasta and crisp salads, it’s the ideal spot for a relaxed lunch with friends or colleagues. All while enjoying sweeping views of the Thames.

Southbank Place makes life simpler, with everything you need for daily living just steps away.

M&S Food
A British staple, M&S Food Hall ensures grocery shopping is always easy. Whether it’s your weekly shop or an evening when you want something quick but delicious, M&S offers fresh produce, everyday essentials, and ready-made meals that are far from ordinary.

Staying active is effortless with world-class fitness facilities right around the corner.

• Victus Soul Waterloo
  Just moments from Southbank Place and Waterloo Station, Victus Soul brings together performance, convenience, and community. With HIIT&RUN, Strength Reformer, and recovery-focused classes, it’s a fitness experience designed to build strength, endurance, and confidence. Post-workout, the Soul Bar offers protein shakes and coffee, making it easy to recharge and reconnect.
• Residents’ Health Club & Spa
  For residents of Southbank Place, wellness is taken to another level with a luxury private health club and spa within the development. Featuring expansive workout spaces, state-of-the-art equipment, a wide choice of classes, and serene spa facilities, it offers the ultimate environment for both fitness and relaxation. From intense training sessions to restorative treatments, it’s a place designed for a truly elevated lifestyle.

Just a short walk from Southbank Place, The Cut is a lively street connecting The Old Vic and The Young Vic theatres, and it’s lined with some of Waterloo’s best restaurants. Perfect for pre-theatre dining, casual dinners, or long, indulgent evenings.

• Anchor & Hope
  For a true British pub experience, Anchor & Hope is one of London’s most acclaimed gastropubs. Expect seasonal British dishes, a buzzing atmosphere, and a hearty menu that makes it a firm favourite with both locals and theatre-goers.
• Tas Restaurant
  A neighbourhood favourite, Tas specialises in Anatolian Turkish cuisine. Think fresh meze, grilled meats, and generous sharing plates. The kind of food that turns dinner into an occasion.
• Byron, Rosa’s Thai & Franco Manca
  If you’re after something quick and familiar, The Cut has you covered with a trio of much-loved high-street names. Byron serves reliably good burgers with all the classic sides; Rosa’s Thai offers fragrant curries and wok-fried noodles in a vibrant, casual setting; and Franco Manca is the spot for slow-risen sourdough pizzas with bold Italian toppings. Between them, these restaurants cover all the everyday cravings, whether it’s burgers, noodles, or pizza.
• Meson Don Felipe
  This lively Spanish tapas bar has been a Waterloo institution for over 30 years. With its warm atmosphere, authentic dishes, and live Spanish guitar, it’s perfect for sharing plates with friends late into the evening.

Nearby on the Southbank

• Skylon
  Not on The Cut but just moments away on the riverfront, Skylon offers modern British cuisine in one of the most iconic dining rooms on the South Bank. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Thames, it’s an elegant choice for special occasions, cocktails, or a sophisticated dinner with spectacular views.
• Southbank Centre Food Market
  For a more laid-back vibe, the Southbank Centre Food Market brings together some of London’s best street food traders every weekend. From Korean fried chicken to Venezuelan arepas and gourmet brownies, it’s the place to sample global flavours, grab a bite between exhibitions, or enjoy a casual riverside feast with friends.