WHAT’S HAPPENING ON THE SOUTH BANK THIS SUMMER?

Hot town, summer in the city! If you’re spending the summer months in London then there’s no better place to while away the hours than the sunny South Bank! 

OK, we’re not exactly impartial, but come on, festivals by the river, foodie pop ups, the world’s biggest Brewdog and sun trap terraces on every corner, what more could you ask for? 

Time for dancing at the River Stage Festival.

For the first time since 2019 the River Stage Festival is back on the South Bank! Get ready for a whole host of talented acts from music and dance, family workshops, club nights and so much more. Stretching over five weekends until the 14th August, it’s a great way to kick off your summer. 

Enjoy a gin at Citadelle Summer Terrace.

London’s South Bank meets the sophisticated and chic vibes of the south of France. This summer OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie is transforming into a tranquil seaside escape in collaboration with Citadelle gin. Surrounded by citrus trees and the sound of waves breaking on the shore of the Thames beach, enjoy a fresh 19 botanical gin and tonic or one of their signature gin cocktails. The terrace will run throughout summer until 5th September. 

Cool down at Jappe Hein’s Appearing Rooms.

A chance to cool down in the scorching summer sun, this is a summer favourite amongst the Londonders since 2007 and it’s FREE. This interactive sculpture is the brainchild of Danish artist Jeppe Hein, whose combination of architecture and technology produces sculptures which are joyful, engaging and playful. Shooting jets of water fly into the air, and the fountain creates rooms that disappear as quickly as they emerge. It’s a great one for keeping the kids cool and entertained – but you might want to bring a change of clothes if you plan on going anywhere after!

Have a cold one at Between Bridges.

Sun in the UK and we know what that means for most Brits, straight to the beer garden. Who doesn’t love London’s biggest beer garden? The magical pop up Between Bridges, can be found in the area between Hungerford and Westminster Bridges, located next to the London Eye. Open all summer long with FREE entry, it hosts sensational street food, mini golf, themed markets, drag brunches along with live music events and legendary DJs. 

Escape to the Southbank Centre’s Rooftop Garden.

The ultimate summer hideaway in London’s very own secret garden. Made in partnership with the Eden project, the tranquil roof haven is home to over 200 wild native plants, a luscious lawn and a cafe and bar to enjoy a drink whilst soaking up the stunning views across London. It makes for a great place to get lost in a book or to swing by after work to make the most of the longer evenings. Make sure to check when you plan on heading up, as the garden is open Thursday to Sunday.

Fire up your summer at Jimmy’s BBQ Club.

The legendary and interactive communal BBQ Club pop up is back for the 11th year to fire up your summer. The ultimate 6-course BBQ menu is bigger and better than before! A riverside retreat stretches down the riverfront with new drink pairings, guest chef takeovers, slow roast Sunday sessions and even more experimental BBQ techniques. Jimmy’s will be open Wednesday to Friday alongside their usual Cabana street food offering. 

Take a picnic to the Hayward gallery outdoor installation

Get ready for an immersive outdoor experience this summer at the Hayward Gallery terrace. The luminous pavilion hop is inspired by a piece of overlooked history; where up to the 1960s every year thousands of working class families from Lambeth travelled away from the pollution of London for a working ‘holiday’ in the Kentish hop fields. Jyll Bradley has used her signature material of colour plexiglas to create an urban field structure for people to enjoy the colourful reflections in the summer sun.

Eat your way through summer at KERB.

London’s finest street food is coming to the iconic National Theatre for a second summer in a row. The pop up market will feature some of the finest KERB traders, serving up culinary delights and firing up the grills for a hot foodie filled summer on the river.

Visit the world’s biggest Brewdog!

If you’re a real ale geek or just love cool new venues then the new flagship Brewdog at The Sidings is a must visit this summer!

Put the 18th of August in your diary and be one of the first to experience this impressive new venue on the South Bank. You’ll find two floors of amazing craft beer, spirits, food entertainment, but that’s not all!  Grind Coffee has its own cafe inside, plus there’s duckpin bowling, a podcast studio and a slide – now there’s a great Instagram photo opportuntiny for you!

Follow us on social media to discover the latest news about Waterloo’s new social side.