Shape your day in South Bank

There’s a tangible sense of optimism that you’ll feel the minute you cross Waterloo Bridge. This world-famous neighbourhood – which begins by the iconic Tate Modern and stretches proudly south by the Thames to Vauxhall – buzzes with the energy emanating from major arts and entertainment venues, global media agencies, riverside bars, bustling markets and eager tourists.

9am: Where to start

They say life is all about Balance – and that’s what you’ll find at this aptly named café on Lower Marsh by Waterloo station. Once out of the station, it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee or host a breakfast meeting over freshly prepared light brunches. Our tip: pick up one of the house-made cakes to enjoy later. If the weather’s playing ball, then take advantage of your enviable location and pick up a coffee over at Beany Green, a colourful van poised at the start of Golden Jubilee Bridge.

If you choose to work at our Tintagel House workspace, then give yourself that extra energy boost with a gym class before you open your laptop. Or, if you’ve got a little more time, then it’s just a short stroll across the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens to Tea House Theatre, a light-filled café that happens to turn into a theatre by night.

12pm: Out to lunch

After a productive morning at work – perhaps from the communal lounge at the Blue Fin Building – it’s always a good idea to give yourself some time to recharge. Luckily, you’ve got the Tate Modern right on your doorstep; and best of all, the extensive permanent collection is free, so you can drop in for as long or as little as you like. It’s always worth popping into the carefully curated Tate Modern Shop, too, whether you’re choosing a gift or you’re in the mood to see what unusual necklace, T-shirt or print catches your eye.

When it’s time to eat, then you’re well catered for at Lower Marsh Market, where traders sell everything from Korean street food to fresh falafel wraps and steaming plates of Pad Thai. You’re equally looked after over at Market Place in Vauxhall, with a variety of vendors serving up speedy meals in an atmospheric space that used to be a train tunnel.

For those with a sweet tooth – or if you’re inviting some guests to your office at the Blue Fin Building or Scott House later on – then pay a visit to Konditor, the peerless cake bakery. It will only take one bite of its Curly Wurly cake for you to understand why it has such a cult following.

3pm: Afternoon agenda

On the South Bank, The Understudy – located next to the National Theatre – is a perfect choice for a casual drink with clients by the Thames or, on the terrace, Forza Wine is an Italian-inspired wine bar that welcomes groups of up to eight people.

And, if you would like to entertain guests in alfresco surroundings, Tintagel House in Vauxhall offers panoramic riverside views as well as plenty of light-filled spaces that are ideal for meetings and events.

Want to feel like you’re in another world entirely? Take a short walk to Lambeth and the Garden Museum. Once a church it is today a green-fingered sanctuary filled with fascinating exhibitions and a casual but culinary-minded café that’s ideal for client lunches or afternoon tea. Leave time to look at the bookshop, where you’ll find floral-themed gifts.

6pm: End of day

Close your laptop: it’s time to watch South Bank come into its own. World-class productions take to the stage at the Young Vic, the Old Vic and the National Theatre. In addition, the Southbank Centre runs a diverse programme that ranges from jazz concerts to orchestral recitals.

If you’re in the mood for something a little grittier, then you’re in luck: the Leake Street Arches beckon. This urban art oasis underneath Waterloo station is London’s longest legal graffiti wall. It’s an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colour, and is also home to independent food-sellers as well as board game café Draughts. 

As for restaurants, Brunswick House is a hidden gem. Located in a Georgian mansion in the middle of Vauxhall it shares a space with antiques dealer Lassco, which means you can enjoy modern European cooking under sparkling chandeliers while surrounded by oil paintings, gilded mirrors and marble statues. The experience might just entice you to come back and browse the full collection.

Situated in another London landmark – Sea Containers, which was designed to resemble a 1920s transatlantic cruise liner – is award-winning mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana’s cocktail bar Lyaness, where innovative drinks are shaken and stirred at the marble bar of this luxurious lounge.