Hi all,
I'm taking my good lady up to London this weekend and have most things planned/sorted, but would like to find a nice bar, pref with decent views of the Thames, we'll be around Southbank/Waterloo for most of the day, and just north of the river to eat.
Any suggestions would be most welcome!
Neither of us are into super-trendy places.
huge huge huge thanks in advance,
Jonathan
Hmm, imo there aren't enough places that are right on the River, but there are a few.
http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/pubsandbars/bars-with-a-view-recommended-London-132.html
Not all of those are riverside.
What might be a nice alternative, might be Vertigo 42 listed there. The old NatWest Tower, proper tall so offers stunning views across London. to me that would trump any one place by the river.I might have to check it out meself one of these days. Don't lke the 'smart casual' dress code idea though. 
Nice bottle of bubbly, some nibbles and could be a right nice evening. You won't get better views of London, that's for sure.
Go to Skylon, the bar at the Royal Festival Hall. It's on the South Bank, amazing views and great cocktails.
Personally, one of my favourite views of London is from the Angel pub in Bermondsey, speshly at sunset.
http://www.pubs.com/main_site/pub_details.php?pub_id=23
They do food I think I have no idea what it's like, as Sam Smiths pubs can be pretty hit and miss when it comes to food. Captain Kidd opposite in Wapping used to have an excellent restaurant, but it's gone well downhill in that regard last couple of years.
You can get a nice beer and chill out watching the sun go down over London though. That's nice.
I would second Skylon even if it's just for 1 or 2 drinks.
Can't remember the name of it but bits next to the globe theatre (by the oxo building)
Quite a nice chilled out place.
That'll be the Anchor, Bankside, 1111.
http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/16/1638/Anchor/Southwark
Yeah that's quite a nice place actually, good view of St Pauls. Very touristy though, although actually it's a really nice pub to go to in January, when it's a lot quieter. In summer it can be far too packed.
There's another place just up towards London Bridge from there, The Old Thameside Inn by the replica of the Golden Hinde.
http://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/theoldthamesideinnlondonbridge/
It's not the best place mind, the Anchor is nicer. S'ok for a quick pint or two mind.
The Dogget's Coat and Badge is another nearby with good river views, but again, it's a so-so pub. Lots of suits in of a weekday evening, as are most places in the City tbh.
Personally, I'm happier venturing inland, where you'll find better pubs. Riverside is nice to sit outside in summer, but a bit chilly this time of year.
Greenwich has a couple of nice places, Trafalgar Inn, Cutty Sark being two of them. Greenwich has nice places to eat, and nice places to drink. Sometimes at the same time!
I was going to say what 1111 said, was there last week, nice atmos in the evening tbh.
Glad Elfin knew the name, I'd forgotten! Wouldn't have guessed that other drinkers were tourists and not locals, just seemed like a nice quiet spot for a beer and a catch up with mates. Get a seat by the window, enjoy!
Greenwich +1 also.
(It is a shame that there aren't more places by the river innit).
Cheers elfin!
I'm surprised that Elfin hasn't recommended the architectural splendour that is the Founders Arms. At least if your sitting inside or out the back looking across the river, you don't have to look at it. Beers are alright though.
This place is about a 10 min walk from Waterloo, good beer
http://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/thehornimanathayslondonbridge/
or you could have some serious mohitos at
http://www.cubana.co.uk/about/waterloo.phtml
no views though.
Or you could just head over to the Southbank and take a stroll as there are any number of places http://southbanklondon.com/attraction/gabrielswharf/
Take her up the OXO tower.
Ah, yes, the Founders Arms...
Look, beautiful! 
There's a reason I haddunt mentioned that. The OP asked for something nice, you see.
S'ok for a sit outside quick pint in summer if you're out for a pootle, part from that I woon't bother.
This place is about a 10 min walk from Waterloo
Bit more than that! More like 20-25. Or, a 5 min Tube journey to London Brij.
Another vote for Skylon. Feels a bit more laid back to the oxo tower to me. Vertigo 42 is awesome - been a few times, and always dressed decidedly on the 'homeless wino' side of casual, never had a problem. Well worth the extortonate prices. Also, the tate modern members' bar is great for the view, but you'd have to wrestle up a membership card...
The tate gallery is OK in the day, then of course you should take her up the OXO tower
oxo towers good at sunset
Thanks for the suggestions folks, it went something like; Arrive at Waterloo, visit the Tate (who knew I was a Rothko fan?) steady walk over to Vanilla Black for some truly amazing veggie food, then over to Skylon for a few cocktails and then home on the train. Skylon was worth it really, quite impressive and great drinks (if fairly pricey, but seemed about right all things considered) ...(soon to be) Mrs JT had a great time too!
you should take her up the OXO tower
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