The best bars in Waterloo for serious drinking

Most people embrace the mantra ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ Not Mr Lyan. London’s leading mixologist has built up bars only to tear them down – take Lyaness, which replaces the world-renowned Dandelyan. The powder-blue makeover adds freshness, but the real overhaul is saved for the menu: the latest menu is all about unusual ingredients. With a Tattie Gold cocktail incorportaing confit potatoes in saffron butter, the Szechuan Sauce with apricot and a sweet and sour sauce tang, and the Rice-Cream, made with creamy sushi rice.

Scootercaffè brews its coffees in a strikingly retro 1957 Faema espresso machine and it's vibe is old-school Italian, open late and serving beer, wine and spirits to a crowd who love its cult status, regular jazz nights and settling in for an evening on mismatched vintage furniture. A proper institution and we love it. 

Part pub, part theatrical production, this boozer is owned by the brains behind The Vaults (the arts company in the tunnels under Waterloo station) – and you can tell. The place is littered with humungous props that whisper of onstage antics and there's a pub quiz every Monday. Sup on Negronis and boozy lychee slushies. Fun with a capital F.

The back of this storied cinema is always busy with a mix of cinephiles and other revellers who’ve realised that the British Film Institute is the best place to drink on the South Bank. In a roomy space decked out in kitchen-sink fashion with an artful jumble of furnishings, the efficient staff serve beers and decent wines at slightly above-average prices, plus food from a decent list of snacks and pizzas.

This rooftop allotment/woodland/wildflower meadow (tended to by volunteers but originally a partnership with Cornwall's Eden Project) is packed for sunny lunchtimes, but choose it for a tipple, too. Food and drink come from a smart wooden bar area. Things stay civilised, with a slightly otherworldly vibe. Perfect for a sundowner as the world passes by down below.

Sister pub to the Euston Tap, this craft beer haven is also very close to a station. But this outpost is housed in a hip railway arch. The beer selection is British-focused, with the North especially well represented. The 19-strong keg selection (plus six on cask) is presented on big TV screens either side of the bar – compelling viewing indeed.

This chic rooftop bar has one of the best views in town, with a terrace overlooking St Paul’s and DJs to lure sophisticated after-workers and Friday night socialites. Inside is just as blingy, and the drinks are skillfully mixed. Grab a champagne cocktail at sunset to feel like you’re living your best life.

Pass through the Royal Festival Hall foyer and head on up. Skylon is a blend of contemporary style and retro chic, and it makes terrific use of its cathedral ceilings and vast windows, which afford views of river, skyline and people on the move. In the middle of the room, surrounded by restaurant tables, is a cocktail oasis serving both classics and signature drinks.

Tonight Josephine, a tiny basement bar in Waterloo proper, wants your night out to become a photo shoot. Bask in its Insta-ready glow and catch the vibes from motivational messages on the walls, like: ‘Why the fuck can’t I have fun all the time?’. Cocktails are equally brash and sugary sweet. Bring a gaggle and get down to ‘90s pop.