Top Free Things to do in South Bank
You don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy a great day out sightseeing in South Bank.
Ask any Londoner about their favourite places to relax in the city during the summer and the words South Bank will undoubtedly come up! Once you've stretched your legs with a stroll along the river on the Queen's Walk, kicking back for a drink or two and a bite to eat at one of South Bank’s pop-ups and terraces is a quintessential London summer experience.
Here’s a look at who’s popping up this summer to put on your radar.
Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden
WHEN: 1 April until mid-September
This peaceful space on top of the Queen Elizabeth Hall (reached via those iconic yellow staircases) has become a much-loved feature of the Southbank Centre. Open throughout Tuesday to Sunday spring and summer the garden is home to over 200 wild native plants, a luscious lawn and some of South Bank’s best views.
The garden has its own casual pop-up Roof Garden Bar & Kitchen with wines, beers, soft drinks and coffees served from an upcycled shipping container.
Forza Taps at National Theatre
WHEN: 17 April until late September
The chic terrace wine bar at National Theatre, Forza Wine, expands its al fresco space with a second terrace, Forza Taps, seating 60. Forza Taps operates on a casual walk-in-only basis and serves drinks and snacks. In typical Forza style, these are elevated snacks, including Arrosticini, Forza’s playful take on Abruzzo’s famous kebab-like skewers.
The 'tap' drinks on offer include Frizzante, rosé, white and red wines, negronis, spicy palomas, and a lineup of classic spritzes and posh sodas.
Jimmy’s BBQ Club
WHEN: 24 April until 21 September
The BBQ Club by Jimmy Garcia is always a summer favourite and each year the space keeps on getting bigger and better! This year Jimmy's BBQ Club is back in prime position opposite the Southbank Skatepark. The signature riverside BBQ Club Cabana is back, where guests can book a sit-down six-course tasting menu incorporating their own Big Green Egg barbecue.
There's also a separate Bar & Grill serving up casual street food and drinks and an expansive beer garden with plenty of seating stretching along the Queen's Walk. Find out more and reserve a table here.
Street food on the South Bank by KERB
WHEN: 17 April until late September
This year’s summer pop-up by street food incubators KERB (who are permanent residents at the National Theatre's Understudy bar), spreads right across the theatre's sunny piazza. Expect a tasty selection of guest street food traders and a huge pop-up bar with plenty of tables and deck chairs for enjoying the sun.
Food traders joining for the summer include Duck Shed, Venezuelan fried chicken by El Pollote, and Moroccan street food by Harissa and Lemon. From May, two more food trucks are rolling in; Happy Pot, serving spicy comfort food including signature coconut chicken rendang, and Oh My Dog hot dogs.On the drinks side of things, you can look forward to craft beers by Two Tribes, cocktails by Black Lines and premium softs from Double Dutch.
Between the Bridges
WHEN: 17 April through to Christmas
Spreading out between Jubilee Gardens and Hungerford Bridge, Bridge, Between The Bridges is one of London's biggest pop-up destinations. The complex encompasses several indoor all-weather bar areas with stages and AV equipment for performers, arranged around a huge central courtyard where a big screen shows major sporting tournaments such as Wimbledon.
There’s a busy programme of events throughout the summer that includes drag brunches, themed DJ nights such as the epic Swiftogedon and the legendary Barrioke, plus a choice of food trucks and pop-up bars. Find out more here.
The Thirsty Farrier
WHEN: 24 April until 22 September
This quirky pop-up bar is the perfect photo-op, sitting with a prime view of Big Ben and the London Eye. Fashioned from a salvaged vintage horsebox, the bar serves up classic British summer cocktails like Pimm's and elderflower G&Ts.
A small ‘cocktail garden’ faces right onto the river and is a surprisingly peaceful spot to kick back and relax just a stone’s throw from the many famous attractions at County Hall.
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