bar elba

Waterloo area guide

Discover the best things to do in this lively south London area, plus ace brunch spots, restaurants, bars and pubs.
Advertising

Waterloo isn't just a train station, or a path to the buzzy South Bank. Far livelier than it was a decade ago, this well-connected south London area is home to a couple of world-famous theatres, the BFI IMAX, the London Eye, quality food markets, hip coffee shops, and plenty of great pubs and bars. These days, there's a lot more to Waterloo than might meet the eye. Don't believe us? Take a look below.

RECOMMENDED:London neighbourhood guides

The best bits of Waterloo

Restaurants in Waterloo

Cubana
Restaurants

Cubana

  • price 1 of 4
Cuban food and cocktails in a fun environment.
Union Street Café
Restaurants

Union Street Café

  • 3 out of 5 stars
Mediterranean-inspired fare from Gordon Ramsay.
Baltic
Restaurants

Baltic

  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • price 2 of 4
A modern take on proper Polish food.
Masters Super Fish
Restaurants

Masters Super Fish

  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • price 1 of 4
Fish and chips approved by cabbies.

Things to do in Waterloo

Bars in Waterloo

Tonight Josephine
Bars and pubs

Tonight Josephine

  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • price 2 of 4
Basement bar with real Instagram potential.
Skylon (bar)
Bars and pubs

Skylon (bar)

  • 5 out of 5 stars
Cocktails with a great view of the river. 
Dandelyan
Bars and pubs

Dandelyan

  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • price 2 of 4
Fancy drinks in a super-stylish space.

Hotels in Waterloo

Park Plaza London Waterloo
Hotels

Park Plaza London Waterloo

Offering a restaurant, Park Plaza London Waterloo is located in London, a short walk from Lambeth North underground station and less than a 10-minute walk from...
H10 London Waterloo
Hotels

H10 London Waterloo

In a stylish new building, H10 London Waterloo features an innovative restaurant and luxury bedrooms. Just 15 minutes’ walk from Parliament Square and Big Ben,...

Pubs in Waterloo

Vaulty Towers
Bars and pubs

Vaulty Towers

  • 4 out of 5 stars
Part pub, part theatrical production.
King's Arms
Bars and pubs

King's Arms

  • 3 out of 5 stars
Old-school boozer with bags of character.
White Hart
Bars and pubs

White Hart

A homely place serving loads of real ales.

The perfect weekend in Waterloo