The South Bank is a bustling area with plenty of options for coffee lovers. From tourists gathering outside Shakespeare’s Globe to contemporary-art enthusiasts visiting the Tate Modern, the area is filled with quirky and unique spots to grab a good cup of coffee.
In this article, we will highlight the best cafes and coffee shops on the South Bank. Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up or a cozy spot to relax and enjoy your coffee, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and explore the top coffee shops in this vibrant area.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- The South Bank is a great spot for coffee lovers with plenty of quirky and unique cafes to choose from.
- This article will highlight the best cafes and coffee shops on the South Bank.
- Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up or a cozy spot to relax, this article has got you covered.
The Best Cafes and Coffee Shops on the South Bank
Riverside Terrace Café
For those who love stunning views, the Riverside Terrace Café at the South Bank Centre is a must-visit. This coffee shop offers unbeatable views of the River Thames in a relaxed setting, making it the perfect place to enjoy a silky-smooth cappuccino while watching the world go by. During summer evenings, the café is particularly beautiful, as guests can watch the sun go down over the city.
Aside from its breathtaking views, the Riverside Terrace Café also serves indulgent dishes with a healthy twist. From quinoa herb salad to watermelon gazpacho and miso sesame glazed aubergine, this café is a brilliant spot to enjoy a light bite to eat before heading to a show or simply enjoying some people-watching and good food.
Three Wheels Coffee
Located on London Bridge Street, Three Wheels Coffee is an independent coffee shop with a touching backstory. The owner of the café quit his day job six years ago to go traveling around South America, where he fell in love with the sumptuous coffee grown there. He returned to the UK with his new-found wisdom and purchased a tricycle, lugging around the weight of a 70kg coffee machine. Three Wheels Coffee was born and has grown significantly ever since.
Sourcing the finest beans from South America, Three Wheels Coffee serves some of the best coffee on the South Bank. The quality is truly incomparable, and the passion for coffee radiates from the baristas, making this a really magical spot and one of the personal favorites in the area.
Beany Green
Nestled on the vibrant Festival Terrace in the heart of the South Bank, Beany Green is a coffee-lover’s favorite. This 10ft converted shipping container is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to producing exquisite coffee in a fun and quirky setting. Beany Green is part of the Australian-inspired Daisy Green Collection and is renowned for creating brilliant Aussie Coffee. Make sure to try the ‘Beany Blend’ for strong and rich flavors, perhaps even with a slice of the magical homemade banana bread.
As well as serving up delicious coffees throughout the day, Beany Green doubles up as a cocktail bar and offers some innovative and delicious seasonal cocktails, as well as fantastic local craft beers on tap, making it the perfect spot for any time of day.
Black Sheep Coffee
Established in 2013 with the goal of ridding the world of bland and mediocre coffee, Black Sheep Coffee seamlessly combines passion with excellence. The brand is totally independent, despite having numerous and highly successful branches throughout the city and the world.
Black Sheep Coffee uses some of the most delicious beans and blends, with a selection of four different specialty Arabica coffee beans on offer: Love Berries, Blue Volcano, Rebel Decaf, and Seasonal Limited-Editions. This makes it the perfect spot for coffee connoisseurs.
In addition to offering spectacular coffee in a cozy setting, Black Sheep Coffee provides massive amounts of support to the homeless community and is on a mission to rid the world of plastic.
Monmouth Coffee
Having been roasting and retailing coffee since 1978, Monmouth Coffee is in a league of its own when it comes to coffee. Sourcing and roasting coffee from farms, cooperatives, and estates, Monmouth takes the roots of their beans very seriously and works closely with the farmers and members to ensure quality is guaranteed.
There are several branches of Monmouth across London, including Covent Garden, Bermondsey, and The Borough, on London’s South Bank. The branch on the South Bank is the best of the bunch, with a wonderful atmosphere and a welcoming exterior. During summer, the covers are lifted up for a fantastic indoor-outdoor feel.
Terrace Bar at the Tate Modern
The Terrace Bar at the iconic Tate Modern is one of the best places to sip away on a coffee (or something a little stronger) while enjoying magical 360-degree panoramic views across London, including the River Thames, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and even Wembley Stadium and Canary Wharf.
Aside from offering fantastic views, the Terrace Bar also serves up some brilliant coffees, snacks, and alcoholic beverages.
The Gentlemen Baristas
For a quirky, friendly, and totally Instagrammable coffee on London’s South Bank, head to The Gentlemen Baristas. These guys select only the very finest beans and blends and inject love and passion into each and every cup. Their tagline is ‘manners are key,’ and the whole identity of the coffee shop revolves around gentlemanly class, which radiates as soon as you step foot inside.
The branch at London Bridge is the best of the best, with a deep blue exterior and understated yet stand-out presence in such a bustling and competitive area of the city.
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The Wall SE1