Although not an obvious go-to for the cocktail scene, such as Soho or Shoreditch, London Bridge is a vibrant area with plenty of bars to choose from, making it the perfect place for anyone looking for a great night out. Whether you’re looking for a cozy pub or a trendy cocktail bar, my Lush Guide to the Best Bars in London Bridge has got you covered.
London Bridge (London SE) sits on the southern bank of the River Thames, just east of the City of London. The nearest tube/train station is London Bridge Station. The main streets are Borough High Street, Tooley Street, and Bermondsey Street, but there are loads of other small streets hiding a great place or two for happy hour or after-work drinks.
The most iconic feature of the London Bridge area is, of course, the London Bridge itself. Not Tower Bridge, a short walk away, which sometimes confuses people, the current bridge is a modern construction, but it has a rich history dating back to Roman times. It has been rebuilt and modified several times over the centuries and offers stunning views of the river and the city skyline.
London Bridge is also home to some of the oldest spots in the city. The area is also a magnet for food lovers with its Borough Market and Vinegar Yard tempting the hungry. It’s not just foodies who flock to the area, as cocktail lovers will also enjoy the lively atmosphere and diverse selection of bars.
Cocktail Bars
Here are a few of the best places that are worth seeking out:
Lyaness, the perennial top of the 50 Best Bar list situated inside Sea Containers London, has made a name for itself as one of the most innovative cocktail destinations in the world. Opened by renowned mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana, also known as Mr Lyan, the bar is built on the ethos of challenging traditional bartending techniques and ingredients.
Lyaness focuses on creating unique drinking experiences through its use of curated “flavor blocks”—unconventional ingredients like Infinite Banana or Peach Emoji—which allow bartenders to craft entirely new flavors and combinations. The bar’s philosophy is all about pushing boundaries, making it a haven for adventurous drinkers looking for something truly different.
The interior of Lyaness perfectly complements its modern cocktail concept. Set against the backdrop of the River Thames, the bar’s stylish blue, marble, and gold design exudes a sense of understated luxury while remaining accessible and inviting.
Large windows let in natural light, creating a vibrant atmosphere during the day, while evenings transform the space into a cozy, intimate setting. With a focus on both creativity and hospitality, Lyaness has become a staple in London’s vibrant bar scene, offering not just drinks but an immersive, high-end experience for cocktail lovers.
- Lyaness, 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD
Swift Borough
My friends Mia Johansson and Bobby Hiddleston of Swift Soho and Shoreditch have opened a third bar right near London Bridge station. The bar is spread across two floors, each with its own distinct atmosphere.
The ground floor features a lively and bustling bar area with high ceilings, comfortable seating, and a vibrant atmosphere. The lower floor of Swift offers a more intimate setting. With a speakeasy-like atmosphere, it exudes a vintage charm with dim lighting and its own extensive drinks menu.
The cocktail menu at Swift is renowned for its creativity and attention to detail. The talented team of mixologists curates a menu of innovative and classic cocktails, blending traditional techniques with modern flavors. It’s truly one of my favorites!
Top Tip(ple)🍸: They have a special cocktail ingredient of the month, like rhubarb or blood orange, so don’t miss out on trying one of those.
- Swift Borough, 66 Borough High St, London SE1 1XF
Nine Lives
Nine Lives is one cool bar – not just because they have good drinks, but they have been leading the way with their sustainable approach to mixology since they opened. They use seasonal ingredients, homemade syrups, and locally sourced produce as well as emphasize waste reduction, recycling, and ethical sourcing. The result is a menu that is not only delicious, but also environmentally conscious.
This hidden gem features lush greenery, loads of bamboo trees and dim lighting all inside (!) making you feel miles away from busy London above. In addition to their regular cocktail offerings, Nine Lives features a “Highballs & Hurricanes” section on their menu, which includes a selection of refreshing long drinks and tropical-inspired cocktails.
Nine Lives is truly an awesome little neighborhood bar!
Top Tip(ple)🍸: The Strawberry Feels cocktail – they make Strawberry Campari. That’s all I need to say.
- Nine Lives, 8 Holyrood St, London SE1 2EL
Call Me Mr Lucky
Tucked away in a basement under the Breakfast Club restaurant, you would miss this speakeasy bar if you didn’t know it was there. Head downstairs to find a tiny space decorated with garlands of lights and kitsch. It’s so much fun that you might not want to leave!
The cocktail menu is creative and well-crafted, with options ranging from classic drinks to more experimental concoctions.
Top Tip(ple)🍸: Don’t miss trying your hand at the GET LUCKY OR DICE TRYING! You get three dice with the cocktail and if you roll 3 6s, everyone in the bar get a shot!
- Call Me Mr Lucky, 11 Southwark St, London SE1 1RQ
GŎNG
If you like a bar with a view, then GŎNG is the one for you! Situated on the 52nd floor of The Shard, one of London’s most iconic skyscrapers, GŎNG not only has great drinks, but vistas to die for.
Sip your cocktail while sitting next to floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the skyline of London Bridge, picking out the Tower Bridge, the River Thames, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and beyond. It’s not all about the view, the cocktails are great too.
In addition to its signature cocktails, GŎNG boasts an impressive selection of spirits, including a wide range of premium whiskies, gins, rums, and more.
Top Tip(ple)🍸: Their Voyager Zheng menu is not to be missed if you are at GŎNG – the Onibasu Martini is a fav!
- GŎNG, Level 52, Shangri-La The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU
Pubs
London Bridge is home to some of the most iconic, oldest, and best pubs in the south London. Here are a London Bridge pubs that you should definitely not miss:
The George Inn
One of the oldest pubs in the city, The George Inn is one of the few remaining coaching inns in the city. The original inn on the site was established in the medieval period and was known as The George and Dragon. That pub was destroyed in a fire in 1676 and was subsequently rebuilt.
The current building, which dates back to the 18th century, is a lesson in Tudor architecture featuring a timber-framed façade adorned with intricate carvings on the outside. The interior retains much of its original charm, with low ceilings, wooden beams, and a cozy atmosphere.
The George Inn has played a significant role in London’s social and cultural scene. In the past, it served as a popular stop for travelers and was known for accommodating stagecoaches on their routes. It has also been frequented by famous figures throughout history, including William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens. In fact, it is believed that Dickens himself mentioned the inn in his novel “Little Dorrit.”
Today, The George Inn continues to operate as not only a pub but a great beer garden, with a wide selection of beers, ales, and spirits.
The George Inn is also part of the National Trust, a conservation organization that helps preserve historic sites and properties across the United Kingdom.
For history buffs seeking a taste of London’s past, The George Inn is it!
- The George Inn, 75 Borough High St, London SE1 1NH
The Barrowboy and Banker
We moved up a few centuries with The Barrowboy and Banker – a traditional British pub! Now we are in the Victorian era with its grand architecture and lively atmosphere. The pub takes its name from the historical roles of barrowboys, who were street vendors selling fruit and vegetables from their wheelbarrows, and bankers, referencing the nearby financial district.
You can’t miss the the grand bar area where you can find beers, cask ales, spirits, and wines. Don’t miss the basement which houses a microbrewery. Here, they produce their own range of handcrafted beers, adding a unique touch to the pub’s offerings. Visitors can witness the brewing process and even enjoy some of the freshly brewed beers on-site.
- The Barrowboy and Banker, 6-8 Borough High Street, London SE1 9QQ.
The Old Thameside Inn
The Old Thameside Inn is a lovely riverside pub along the banks of the Thames and one of the best spots for people watching on the weekends. We are back to the Tudor style here with wooden beams, exposed brickwork, and a fireplace adding to its charm.
One of the standout features of the Old Thameside Inn is its spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the river. This terrace offers great views of landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the Shard, and the City of London skyline.
- The Old Thameside Inn, Pickfords Wharf, Clink St, London SE1 9DG
The Bermondsey Beer Mile
The Bermondsey Beer Mile is a stretch of approximately one mile (1.6 kilometers) that is home to a remarkable concentration of craft breweries, taprooms, and beer bars. The area has become renowned for its diverse selection of high-quality, locally brewed beers and has gained a reputation as a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts.
The Beer Mile runs along a railway arches of London Bridge, with most of the breweries and establishments situated underneath the elevated tracks. The industrial charm of the arches adds a unique atmosphere to the beer-drinking experience, with visitors strolling from one brewery to another in a lively and bustling environment.
Some of the breweries and shops you might encounter include The Kernel Brewery, which is often regarded as the pioneer of the area, Partizan Brewing, Brew by Numbers, Anspach & Hobday, and Fourpure Brewing Co. Many of the breweries have taprooms where you can sample their wide range of beers fresh from the source, often with the opportunity to chat with the brewers and learn about their craft.
The area tends to be busiest on weekends, particularly on Saturdays when most of the breweries are open to the public. Whether you are a seasoned beer enthusiast or just curious about the craft beer scene, exploring the Bermondsey Beer Mile is a great day out!
London Bridge Pub and Food Tours
What Lush Life loves London Bridge
There are so many places to go for a fabulous drinking experiences in London Bridge. Not only can you find incredible cocktails, but great service and great food at all of these venues.