'''Southwark''' is an historic part of central London, located immediately opposite the City of London on the River Thames. Southwark is traditionally referred to as '''"the Borough"''' in order to distinguish it from the "Square Mile" of the City.

The eastern part of the district, downstream of London Bridge, is generally referred to (and marketed heavily) as "the Pool of London", referring to the old docks and wharves of the area that have been reconverted into housing and retail areas.

In its western portions, traditionally known as "Bankside", Southwark overlaps significantly with the South Bank district that continues westward along the river - a number of attractions could be viewed as belonging to both districts equally.

Understand

History

One of the earliest extensions of settlement in London beyond the walls of the Square Mile and across the river, beginning back in the Roman period.

Get in

By Tube

  • '''Southwark'''
  • '''London Bridge'''
  • '''Borough'''
  • By train

  • '''London Bridge'''
  • See

    Landmarks

  • '''Southwark Cathedral''' [http://www.southwark.anglican.org/cathedral/] - The small churchyard on the south side of the Cathedral is a small oasis of peace and is a favourite lunch-time resting place for local office workers and visitors.
  • '''HMS Belfast''' [http://hmsbelfast.iwm.org.uk/]—Visit HMS Belfast for a look at a World War 2 warship.
  • '''London City Hall''' (the new GLA Building) [http://www.london.gov.uk/gla/city_hall/], ''near Tower Bridge, open Mo-Fr 8am-8pm'' - the brand new headquarters for London's Mayor and Assembly, a radically-designed glass fronted and rounded building
  • Riverside developments of Shad Thames, City Hall and Tower Bridge. downstream is Surrey Quays which contains numerous London Dock artifacts. Bermondsey Street has undergone extensive redevelopment in the last 7 years and it has been transformed into a highly desirable place to live and work.
  • Museums and Galleries

  • the '''Fashion and Textile Museum''' [http://www.ftmlondon.org/], ''83 Bermondsey Street'' - founded by veteran designer Zandra Rhodes
  • the '''Design Museum''' [http://www.designmuseum.org/], ''Shad Thames'' - in a stunning riverside location on the Bermondsey side of the Borough
  • Other destinations

  • the '''London Dungeon''' [http://www.london-dungeon.com/], ''Tooley Street''
  • the '''Britain at War Experience''' [http://www.britainatwar.co.uk/], ''64-66 Tooley Street, tel 020 7403 3171, open daily except 24-26 December, October-March 10am-5pm, April-September 10am-6pm, admission adults __8.50, child 5-15 __4.50, family (2a + 2c) __20, student with ID and seniors __5.50, under 5s free'' - attempts to recreate the experience of the Blitz for visitors
  • Do

    Buy

  • '''Borough Market''' [http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/], ''off Borough High Street, market open Fr 12noon-6pm, Sa 9am-4pm'' - one of London_fs favourite wholesale working food markets, on Fridays and Saturdays Borough Market offers a general retail market with specialties sold directly from the producers, organic products, delicatessen, cheese, wines, fish and imported continental fare. Around the market are other excellent food shops, for a total food experience!
  • '''Hay's Galleria''' [http://www.haysgalleria.co.uk/]
  • Eat

    There are numerous quality restaurants in the Shad Thames area, which is on the river Thames next to Tower Bridge. A few places are listed, as being worth a visit. The area is dominated by Conran restaurants which are normally good quality but some people might feel they are overpriced.
  • American: Brown's Restaurant
  • British: Blue Print, Chop House
  • French: La Pont de la Tour
  • Indian: Bengal Clipper, Hara
  • Italian: La Cantina, Pizza Express, ASK pizza
  • Bermondsey Street

  • British: Bermonsey Kitchen
  • French: The Garison
  • Italian: Delfina
  • Other areas:

    Vietnamese: "Cafe East" on Evelyn Street, SE8, best Vietnamese food in London. On the Bermondsey/Deptford border. If you like spicy authentic oriental food, this place is amazing value - just don't be put off by the outside appearance or location of this place - the food cannot be praised enough.

    Drink

  • the '''Ministry of Sound''' [http://www.ministryofsound.co.uk/home/], ''Gaunt Street'' - A consistently good nightclub with a reputation for strong DJ's and breaking through music
  • Many Bars and pubs in this district. Bermondsey has two areas which are worth visiting; Bermondsey Street and Shad Thames/Tower Bridge.

    Shad Thames has numerous pubs and bars which are all of a reasonable standard, including a All Bar One, Browns Restaurant, La Pont de la Tour, Chop House, Dean Swift, The Anchor Tap, Bridge House and the River Bar. "Bermondsey Street" has a few interesting bars including the Garrison, The Woolsack and Bermondsey Kitchen - as well as a Thai Pub on Crucifix Lane.

    Sleep

  • '''London Bridge Hotel''' 8-18 London Bridge Street SE1 9SG UK, [http://www.londonbridgehotel.com/]. Located in the Borough of Southwark opposite London Bridge and the River Thames close to museums and art galleries, restaurants, and theatre.
  • '''The Southwark Rose Hotel''' 47 Southwark Bridge Road, SE1 9HH,[http://www.southwarkrosehotel.co.uk/]Situated in the centre of London, with a wealth of attractions nearby, The Southwark Rose Hotel offers a welcoming atmosphere within a few minutes' walk of the trendy South bank.
  • '''Travel Inn Express''', Tower Bridge Road.
  • Get out

    Southwark makes a good starting point for explorations further along the river Thames, whether upstream or downstream. Upstream (to the west) leads to the vibrant and artsy South Bank district.