The Best Southwark Bars for Business Drinks
Tasked with the responsibility of finding a suitable Southwark spot for post-meeting client drinks, an after-work tipple with colleagues or a Friday lunch?
Although it’s true that the sheer variety of drinking spots in this popular London borough can be tricky to navigate, Southwark bars are some of the best in the city, with a number of reliable standouts that deliver every time.
With an accessible location and excellent transport links to the rest of the city and beyond, Southwark has become a central hub for SMEs looking to put down roots and grow, as well as larger, more established businesses looking for a new home. In light of this, at Halkin we’ve developed a portfolio of premium coworking spaces, meeting rooms and serviced and managed offices which truly reflect the best of Southwark’s contemporary style and vibrant personality.
With flexible leases and fully-equipped office spaces available from the word go, we’re able to partner with businesses of all sizes to help them find their next London-based workspace. Before you enquire with our team, read on to discover the Southwark bars which could become your local when you work with Halkin.
Southwark’s Best Wine Bars
BOB’s Lobster Wine Bar & Kitchen
SE1 3QX
From humble beginnings serving up street food from a repurposed 1957 VW camper van, BOB’s Lobster Wine Bar & Kitchen has since found a permanent home on St. Thomas Street under the arches of London Bridge. It’s transformed into one of Southwark’s liveliest and most popular wine bars, and with a tempting food menu to accompany the establishment’s drinks list, it’s a fantastic option for a flexible client lunch or post-work drink which merges into dinner.
This informal setting offers a wine menu populated with carefully-selected reds, whites and rosés served by the glass or bottle, as well as choices for sparkling wine should the occasion demand it. Alongside the frequently rotating wine list, further drinks options include ports, sherries and a selection of classic cocktails to see you and your company through the post-work period.
The Boot and Flogger
SE1 1TA
Located just a short walk from London Bridge station in a secluded side street close to Borough Market, The Boot and Flogger is a premium wine bar which delivers an extensive wine list from across the globe, including vegan and organic options to suit all tastes. The interior is classically styled with dark wooden tables but the atmosphere is that of a lively pub, making it an ideal option for an informal drink with clients or business partners. Private dining rooms are also available for more discreet or formal business occasions.
Southwark’s Best Street Bars
The Telephone Exchange
SE1 9SG
Sitting in the imposing shadow of The Shard, The Telephone Exchange is a characterful London pub which offers a crowd-pleasing menu of beers, wines and cocktails as well as non-alcoholic options. Its personality and informal atmosphere have led it to become a local favourite for post-work social drinks with colleagues, and an excellent spot to unwind after a long day.
With additional outdoor seating on the bustling Southwark streets for when the weather improves, The Telephone Exchange can be enjoyed day and night, summer and winter.
Cubana
SE1 7AB
In the style of an authentic Cuban bar, Cubana seats most of its patrons outside, which is especially enjoyable when there’s brighter weather to complement the outdoor seating. Nevertheless, the destination is popular year-round with Southwark’s local professional crowd, and is known for its fresh and flavourful cocktails as well as its traditional Cuban menu, with a signature dish of Pollo Criollo and tasty tapas to fuel post-work beverages.
Southwark’s Best Cocktail Bars
Nine Lives
SE1 2EL
Of all the numerous cocktail bars in Southwark, Nine Lives offers a down-to-earth atmosphere which reflects its home address most closely. This subterranean bar is dimly-lit with lush walls canopied with green foliage, and stays true to its sustainable ethos in everything it does from its cocktail recipes to the herbs grown in the back garden.
The atmosphere here is perfect for drinks with colleagues or clients, and the exciting cocktail menu and accompanying food will give you and your guests a reason to linger and de-stress.
GŎNG Bar at The Shard
SE1 9QU
For true elegance and some of the best views around to impress visiting clients, GŎNG Bar is sure to deliver.
Located on the 52nd floor of The Shard and boasting the impressive accolade of being the highest hotel bar in Europe, GŎNG Bar boasts both a cocktail and champagne bar, making it the perfect location for celebratory drinks after a successful meeting in the office. A luxury atmosphere pervades the entire venue, from the elaborate cocktails on offer to the plush, decadent furnishings and décor.
SAMA Bankside
SE1 8BU
SAMA is a late-night bar with an urban feel achieved through exposed brickwork, industrial-style furnishings and its cellar-like setting under the arches of London’s railway. A roomy venue with booking availability from 4 to 350 guests, SAMA is ideal for any work occasion be it a small after-work gathering or a large-scale networking event.
The cocktail menu is generous and comprehensive, with in-house speciality cocktails available as well as the option to request classic cocktails. Food is limited to bar snacks and stone-baked pizzas, but with such a central location on the junction of Southwark Street and Blackfriars Bridge Road, there are plenty of nearby eateries should colleagues or clients wish to prolong the evening with some dinner.
Southwark’s Best Rooftop Bars
12th Knot
SE1 9PD
With such an abundance of exceptional rooftop bars in Southwark, you won’t be short of impressive vistas of London’s skyline when on the lookout for a client or colleague drinking destination. A particularly special spot is 12th Knot which is located on the 12th floor of Sea Containers restaurant, with entrancing views of the River Thames and the sprawling city of London as far as the eye can see.
The drinks menu at 12th Knot is carefully curated to celebrate fresh and seasonal ingredients, and includes house-speciality cocktails as well as classic cocktails available on request. Sparkling wines and champagnes are also available by the glass or bottle for celebratory occasions. Although the bar focuses mainly on its drinks menu, tempting bar snacks are also available to tide you and your guests over until your next meal.
Seabird
SE1 8NY
Another one to really impress clients or celebrate a high-flying employee, Seabird boasts some of the best rooftop views in London as well as delivering exquisite cocktails and heavenly seafood to complete the experience. A late-night bar and restaurant situated on the 14th floor of The Hoxton in Southwark, this nautical-themed venue lays claim to London’s longest oyster list should you and your guests feel peckish, and impressive views are on offer from wherever you choose to sit.
The drinks menu is similarly comprehensive and ranges from house-speciality cocktails, spirits and craft beers, as well as an array of wines served by the glass, magnum or bottle depending on how long you’re planning to be out of office for.
Experience the Best Southwark Bars Right on Your Office Doorstep
It’s no wonder that Southwark’s vibrant bars and restaurants compel local business professionals to strengthen relationships by socialising outside of the office. Whether it’s a celebratory drink after a successful client meeting or a birthday lunchtime drink with colleagues, traditional pubs, rooftop terraces and late-night bars are abundant in Southwark.
The fantastic cultural scene surrounding Halkin’s office buildings is reflected in the sleek, modern interior you’ll find when you step inside 1-2 Paris Gardens. We’ve sought to create flexible and fully-equipped workspaces which are perfect for young start-ups and established enterprises alike, to put you at the centre of the action in the bustling capital city.
To find out more about our design-led, community-driven workspaces available on both short and long-term leases, contact our London-based office experts today.