Southbank Centre Food Markets
Southbank Centre Food Markets
4.5
12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
About
In the mood for an authentic taste of Ethiopia, Thailand, Venezuela or beyond? Craving a burger; looking for an indulgent sweet treat? We've got you covered. We're open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays from lunch onwards. Find us on Southbank Centre Square (located on the Waterloo Station side of the Royal Festival Hall).
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Southbank
Big time attractions such as the London Eye and a thriving theatre scene (compliments of the National Theatre and the Young Vic) are but a few of the reasons that Southbank is such a collectively cherished part of town. With plenty of family friendly activities and venues lined up along a pedestrianized river bank between Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Bridge, visitors can always expect a casual and festive atmosphere. On top of all the fun stuff to do at Southbank is the opportunity to simply sit back and admire photo-op views of iconic landmarks like Parliament and St Paul's Cathedral, just on across the Thames.
How to get there
- Waterloo • 4 min walk
- Embankment • 6 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- Julie H3 contributionsGreat fun and foodLots of fun and excitement The weather was nice which really helped but the stall holders were helpful and the food variety was great. The kids enjoyed tasting some new things Would definitely come back Just along from here is a great park for the kids to play on and is alongside the Thames River. We were advised to go on a boat ride which we did.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten October 6, 2023
- brmusicmanChicago, Illinois3,109 contributionsGreat lunch choice south of the ThamesOutstanding option for lunch if you're south of the Thames. Located between Southbank Centre and Waterloo Station, this outdoor food market had tons of options, ranging from burgers to Middle Eastern to Asian, plus beer/wine/cider and desserts. And yet, not so many vendors as to be overwhelming. Good amount of seating at communal picnic tables. I visited on a Friday around noon, in winter; I was comfortable sitting outside in a coat and the crowds were festive but not too much. Each stall had a short wait and things were well-organized. Great choice for lunch, especially if traveling solo.Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten December 17, 2023
- acs1984Cockermouth, United Kingdom1,612 contributionsLooked greatWe were looking for something for lunch whilst in the area so decided to look around here. There was loads of variation and everything looked so fresh and tempting. Unfortunately there wasn't really anything suitable for young children so we decided to try elsewhere but had there just been the two of us we definitely would have got something here.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten February 21, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
136 reviews
Excellent
85
Very good
36
Average
8
Poor
3
Terrible
4
M_InTheCity
London, UK39 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Most stalls were over priced, the stall staff all seemed a bit fed up, the area was generally quite dirty and littered, not really anywhere to sit once you get your food, and the area just generally felt soulless. I’m guessing they expect people to be too drunk to notice all these things. Or maybe too high like the teenagers sat round the corner smoking weed near the beers stall.
Only giving it 3 stars as we bought food from Pabellon (Venezuelan food) and it was delicious although hugely overpriced (£10 for a small meal in a bun is a lot!). However the sweet potatoe fries and garlic sauce were 10/10.
Do avoid the Indian snack stall, they were just plain rude and their food looked of poor quality anyway (nothing artisan or special, you could get it in Asda).
We came with our kids and there really wasn’t much for them here. Though the giant silver teapot installation was fun for them to look at.
Really guys I wouldn’t recommend this market, there’s much better food markets across London worth a visit, and this just doesn’t cut the mustard. South bank need to improve this tired, dreary food market, which felt like it had reputation that didn’t match reality.
Only giving it 3 stars as we bought food from Pabellon (Venezuelan food) and it was delicious although hugely overpriced (£10 for a small meal in a bun is a lot!). However the sweet potatoe fries and garlic sauce were 10/10.
Do avoid the Indian snack stall, they were just plain rude and their food looked of poor quality anyway (nothing artisan or special, you could get it in Asda).
We came with our kids and there really wasn’t much for them here. Though the giant silver teapot installation was fun for them to look at.
Really guys I wouldn’t recommend this market, there’s much better food markets across London worth a visit, and this just doesn’t cut the mustard. South bank need to improve this tired, dreary food market, which felt like it had reputation that didn’t match reality.
Written August 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cyberwho
310 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
My wife and I enjoyed lunch here whilst in London celebrating our wedding anniversary.
There is a great selection of food styles, with choices to suit a wide range of people.
The food we had was good quality and very tasty. We both tried the Chicken Katsu Curry, the portion was generous and we felt good value for money.
Afterwards it was pasteis de nata and cronuts, which were also very tasty.
We would happily try the food market again, there were so many other things we liked the look of.
There is a great selection of food styles, with choices to suit a wide range of people.
The food we had was good quality and very tasty. We both tried the Chicken Katsu Curry, the portion was generous and we felt good value for money.
Afterwards it was pasteis de nata and cronuts, which were also very tasty.
We would happily try the food market again, there were so many other things we liked the look of.
Written March 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brmusicman
Chicago, IL3,109 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
Outstanding option for lunch if you're south of the Thames.
Located between Southbank Centre and Waterloo Station, this outdoor food market had tons of options, ranging from burgers to Middle Eastern to Asian, plus beer/wine/cider and desserts. And yet, not so many vendors as to be overwhelming.
Good amount of seating at communal picnic tables.
I visited on a Friday around noon, in winter; I was comfortable sitting outside in a coat and the crowds were festive but not too much. Each stall had a short wait and things were well-organized.
Great choice for lunch, especially if traveling solo.
Located between Southbank Centre and Waterloo Station, this outdoor food market had tons of options, ranging from burgers to Middle Eastern to Asian, plus beer/wine/cider and desserts. And yet, not so many vendors as to be overwhelming.
Good amount of seating at communal picnic tables.
I visited on a Friday around noon, in winter; I was comfortable sitting outside in a coat and the crowds were festive but not too much. Each stall had a short wait and things were well-organized.
Great choice for lunch, especially if traveling solo.
Written December 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pennandemm
London, UK21 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
Grays and Feather Wine Bar - Bubbles, Pimms & Aperol caught our attention as we scanned the stalls for our alcohol fix, ahead of seeing Chaka Khan live on stage. I eagerly awaited my Pimms, but was horrified to note that the vendor thought it fit to pick up the fruit and various garnishes with her unclean hands. After I tactfully claimed that I had just completed a food hygiene course (an untruth), she rolled her eyes and decided to make use of a pair of the mountain of disposable gloves that were available to her. I suggest that this company enrol all their vendors on a food hygiene course ASAP in the interests of customer health and well-being. The Pimms was delicious and refreshing, by the way...
Written June 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris2006
London278 contributions
Oct 2021
Revolting hygiene - or complete lack of. No hand washing facilities for the vendors. Most food uncovered from coughs and sneezes of vendors &/or punters, also rain drops and good old London plane tree dust. No formal Hygiene Stars on any of the stalls. Food open to the birds that fly through the site. No displays of ingredients for those with allergies.
Written October 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes P
Singapore, Singapore639 contributions
Mar 2022 • Solo
Chanced upon this street food market whilst walking along a bridge (Waterloo?), down the stairs and it is within a corner. Near to the London Eye too.
There were lots of stall, with burgers, waffles, steak, Japanese n Indian foods, etc Had the kebab and fruit skewer with chocolate ice cream...Nice to fill up my stomach, the ice cream freezed up faster due to weather ??? 😆
There were lots of stall, with burgers, waffles, steak, Japanese n Indian foods, etc Had the kebab and fruit skewer with chocolate ice cream...Nice to fill up my stomach, the ice cream freezed up faster due to weather ??? 😆
Written March 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ancilperrine
Walton-on-Thames2 contributions
Jun 2022
Just had lasagna from Francesca's. They make it the way lasagna was meant to be made. And very reasonable prices. This stall has now become my favourite of the stalls. I'm going to want to try all of their dishes. Highly recommend!
Written June 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie H
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Lots of fun and excitement
The weather was nice which really helped but the stall holders were helpful and the food variety was great. The kids enjoyed tasting some new things
Would definitely come back
Just along from here is a great park for the kids to play on and is alongside the Thames River. We were advised to go on a boat ride which we did.
The weather was nice which really helped but the stall holders were helpful and the food variety was great. The kids enjoyed tasting some new things
Would definitely come back
Just along from here is a great park for the kids to play on and is alongside the Thames River. We were advised to go on a boat ride which we did.
Written October 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
acs1984
Cockermouth, UK1,612 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
We were looking for something for lunch whilst in the area so decided to look around here. There was loads of variation and everything looked so fresh and tempting. Unfortunately there wasn't really anything suitable for young children so we decided to try elsewhere but had there just been the two of us we definitely would have got something here.
Written February 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chillcherry
Staffordshire190 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Not what it used to be.
Expensive fast food, grubby benches to sit at.
A little more attention needed, rubbish cleared, new seating.
Everything seemed to be £10….. I get that it is central London but rather sit in. Was looking forward to trying several cuisines……. But not at that price!
Expensive fast food, grubby benches to sit at.
A little more attention needed, rubbish cleared, new seating.
Everything seemed to be £10….. I get that it is central London but rather sit in. Was looking forward to trying several cuisines……. But not at that price!
Written June 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you take your dog with you around the street food market?
Written June 22, 2018
Can you take your dog with you around the street food market?
Written June 22, 2018
Yes I believe s as it’s outside
Written June 23, 2018
What time does the Southbank food market open and close
Written January 12, 2018
Opening times
Friday, 12 noon – 8pm
Saturday, 11am – 8pmÂ
Sunday, 12 noon – 6pmÂ
Monday (bank holidays only), 12 noon – 6pm
Written January 14, 2018
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