Pit Stops & Pints: Our Top 10 Pubs and Cafés (Westminster, the South Bank and Southwark)

Exploring London with the family is thirsty work! Luckily, Westminster, the South Bank, and Southwark are dotted with fantastic pubs and cafés perfect for a refuel. Finding spots that welcome kids and offer something for everyone can make all the difference. This list includes historic inns, bustling market cafés, and riverside gems where you can relax and recharge. The key is finding places that balance a good atmosphere for adults with a welcoming vibe for the younger members of the crew.  

The Southwark Tavern

A popular pub near Borough Market, The Southwark Tavern offers a wide range of food and drink. The upstairs area is described as bright and airy, while the downstairs bar features exposed brick-walled booths, which can be cosy for families. Their website describes it as “Blending the hip and the wholesome – a vibrant British pub offering the warmest of welcomes” and aims for a “genuine, welcoming atmosphere to suit all occasions”. They serve an evening set menu Monday to Friday from 17:00, with options like Crispy Fried Mozzarella, Sausage & Mash, and Sticky Toffee Pudding. While a specific children’s menu isn’t mentioned in the snippets, classic pub fare often has something to suit younger tastes. Opening hours are generally 11:00 until late, opening until 01:00 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: The Southwark Tavern (Pub)
• Where: 22 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TU. Nearest Tube: London Bridge.  
• Open: Mon 11:00-23:00; Tue & Wed 11:00-00:00; Thu, Fri & Sat 11:00-01:00; Sun 11:00-23:00.  
• Food/Drink: Pub food, set evening menu, wide drinks selection. Child-friendly options likely within standard pub fare.  
• Price Range: Set menu implies mid-range.
• Family Perk: Welcoming atmosphere, booth seating downstairs, near Borough Market.
• More Info: thesouthwarktavern.co.uk  

Our Take: “The Southwark Tavern is a solid choice if you’re exploring Borough Market. It’s got a welcoming feel, and the downstairs booths are quite cosy. The set evening menu looked like good value, and it’s the kind of place where you can get decent pub grub that usually keeps everyone happy.”

The Refectory Café (Southwark Cathedral)

Located within the historic Southwark Cathedral and opening onto a bright courtyard, The Refectory Café is an ideal spot for a relaxed lunch or a delightful afternoon tea with homemade cakes. The cafe is run by Comptoir Gourmand, a small, family-run company that hand-makes all its products daily, ensuring freshness and quality. They offer a range of freshly baked goods and specialty coffee. While the provided menu snippet seems to be for a different “Refectory Cafe” (Durham, Hope Valley, with a different phone number and extensive brunch/dinner menu), the Southwark Cathedral Cafe’s association with Comptoir Gourmand suggests a focus on quality bakes and light meals. It’s a peaceful escape from the bustle of Borough Market. Current opening hours (as of Jan 2025 from the snippet) are Tuesday to Friday 09:00-17:00, Saturday 08:00-17:00, and Sunday 09:30-16:00 (closed Mondays).  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: The Refectory Café
• Where: Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge, London SE1 9DA. Nearest Tube: London Bridge.  
• Open (Jan 2025 hours): Tue-Fri 09:00-17:00; Sat 08:00-17:00; Sun 09:30-16:00. Closed Mon.  
• Food/Drink: Freshly baked goods, specialty coffee, likely light lunches and cakes from Comptoir Gourmand.
• Price Range: Likely mid-range for cafe fare.
• Family Perk: Peaceful courtyard setting, homemade cakes, ideal for a break after visiting the Cathedral or Borough Market.
• More Info: cathedral.southwark.anglican.org/visiting/southwark-cathedral-cafe/  

Our Take: “After exploring the magnificent Southwark Cathedral, The Refectory Café is a lovely, calm spot for a coffee and a cake. The courtyard is a bonus on a sunny day. Knowing it’s run by a family bakery means the treats are usually top-notch!”

Anchor & Hope

This bustling gastropub on The Cut is renowned for serving some of the best “unreformed grub with a trencherman British accent” in the area. The menu, often on a blackboard, changes rapidly and features hearty dishes made with great English ingredients. Examples from reviews include slow-cooked lamb shoulder, pigeon pie, and various skate dishes. While it’s known for its robust, flavourful cooking, the atmosphere is no-frills, and it can get very busy, with a bit of a scrum to get a table as they don’t take weekday reservations (though you can book for their popular Sunday lunch, served at 14:00 sharp). It might be a bit loud and bustling for very young children or those seeking a quiet meal, but for families with adventurous older children or teens who appreciate hearty, well-cooked food, it’s a great experience. The wine list is enticing, with many options under £25, though some note the quirky touch of wine being served in tumblers.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Anchor & Hope (Gastropub)
• Where: 36 The Cut, Waterloo, London SE1 8LP. Nearest Tube: Waterloo or Southwark.  
• Open: Mon & Tue 16:00-22:30; Wed-Sat 11:00-22:30; Sun 12:00-17:00. Kitchen hours vary for lunch and dinner.  
• Food/Drink: Superior English/British gastropub fare, blackboard menu, craft beers, extensive wine list. Child-friendly options would depend on the daily menu’s hearty offerings.
• Price Range: Mid-range to upper mid-range for gastropub.
• Family Perk: Excellent quality food for adventurous eaters. Sunday lunch bookings possible.
• More Info: anchorandhopepub.co.uk  

Our Take: “The Anchor & Hope is legendary for its food – proper, hearty British cooking done incredibly well. It’s always buzzing and you might have to be patient to get a table, but it’s worth it. Probably best for families with older kids who appreciate really good food and don’t mind a lively atmosphere. Their Sunday roast is meant to be epic!”

Monmouth Coffee Company (Borough Market)

For serious coffee lovers, a stop at Monmouth Coffee Company in Borough Market is practically a pilgrimage. They are renowned for serving arguably the best coffee in London, roasting their own beans and offering a wide selection to sample and buy. Alongside their exceptional coffee, this atmospheric café offers delicious pastries and sweet treats from artisan bakers like Little Bread Pedlar and Notting Hill Bakery. The Borough Market location is open Tuesday to Saturday, 07:30 to 18:00 (closed Sundays and Mondays). It’s often busy, reflecting its popularity, but the quality of the coffee and the bustling market atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop. They are also committed to sustainability, no longer using paper cups for takeaway coffee, encouraging customers to bring their own reusable cups or use the shop’s reusable cup scheme.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Monmouth Coffee Company (Café)
• Where: 2 Park Street, The Borough, London SE1 9AB (in Borough Market). Nearest Tube: London Bridge.  
• Open: Tue-Sat 07:30-18:00. Closed Sun & Mon.  
• Food/Drink: Specialty coffee (beans and brewed), pastries, sweet treats.
• Price Range: Premium coffee prices, pastries typical cafe prices.
• Family Perk: Delicious pastries for a treat, lively market atmosphere outside. A good pit-stop for parents needing a quality caffeine fix.
• More Info: monmouthcoffee.co.uk  

Our Take: “If you’re a coffee fan, you HAVE to go to Monmouth in Borough Market. The coffee is incredible, and they have some lovely pastries too. It gets busy, but it’s part of the fun market vibe. A perfect pick-me-up while you’re exploring all the food stalls!”

The Anchor at Bankside

Steeped in history, The Anchor at Bankside is a snug, old English pub with a prime riverside location offering fantastic views. It’s said that Samuel Pepys watched the Great Fire of London from this vicinity, and Dr. Johnson worked on his dictionary nearby. The pub serves classic British fare seven days a week and features a large terrace for outdoor seating in the summer – perfect for watching the world go by on the Thames. The pub is described as family-friendly, serving freshly cooked traditional pub food, including internationally inspired cuisine and traditional English dishes, with vegan, vegetarian, and non-gluten options available. They are also dog-friendly. Opening hours are generally 11:00 to 23:00, with slightly later closing on Thursdays and Fridays, and earlier opening on Saturdays.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: The Anchor at Bankside (Pub)
• Where: 34 Park Street, Southwark, London SE1 9EF. Nearest Tube: London Bridge.  
• Open: Mon-Wed 11:00-23:00; Thu-Fri 11:00-23:30; Sat 10:00-23:30; Sun 11:00-23:00. Food served generally 11:00/10:00-22:00.  
• Food/Drink: Traditional pub food, international dishes, cask ales. Family-friendly and dog-friendly.  
• Price Range: Mid-range pub prices.
• Family Perk: Riverside terrace for summer, family-friendly, dog-friendly, historic location.
• More Info: greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/anchor-bankside  

Our Take: “The Anchor at Bankside is a classic London pub experience right on the river. The history is fascinating, and the views from the terrace in summer are brilliant. They’re family-friendly, and it’s a great spot to grab some traditional pub grub after exploring the South Bank.”

Wheatsheaf (Borough Market)

Located right in the vibrant Borough Market, the Wheatsheaf describes itself as “Borough Market’s coolest pub”. It offers an eclectic selection of British beers and a menu focusing on “banging pizzas and burgers,” including juicy burgers, dirty fries, and cheesy pizzas from its “Eatsheaf” kitchen. They have two main bars, a seasonal pop-up bar, and a choice of 15 different beers on draft and cask. For groups, they have a unique space on their “Double Decker” bus overlooking the market. The pub has an “under-the-bridge beer garden” called “The Yard” which adds to its appeal. While a specific children’s menu isn’t highlighted, pizzas and burgers are generally kid-pleasers. Opening hours are typically from late morning until late evening, with food served for lunch and dinner.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Wheatsheaf (Pub)
• Where: 6 Stoney Street, Borough Market, London SE1 9AA. Nearest Tube: London Bridge.  
• Open: Mon 12:00-23:00; Tue-Fri 11:00-00:00; Sat 10:00-00:00; Sun 11:00-22:00. Food service generally 12:00-22:00 (Sun until 20:00).  
• Food/Drink: Pizzas, burgers, dirty fries, craft beers. Burgers and pizzas are often family favourites.
• Price Range: Mid-range pub prices.
• Family Perk: Located in Borough Market, casual food like pizza and burgers, unique “Double Decker” seating potential.
• More Info: wheatsheafborough.co.uk  

Our Take: “If you’re in Borough Market and fancy a pint and some hearty food, the Wheatsheaf is a lively option. Their pizzas and burgers are a hit, and the atmosphere is buzzing, especially with the market right there. The kids might even get a kick out of the idea of eating on a double-decker bus!”

Scooter Caffè

This atmospheric little café on Lower Marsh is praised for its unique charm, housed in an old scooter workshop and retaining much of its retro character with wood-lined walls, vintage signage, and even a Vespa. It’s known for its cosy, moody ambiance, delicious handmade toasties, good coffee, and the presence of resident cats, which adds to its homely vibe. It transforms from a café by day to a lively but low-key bar by night, serving cocktails and craft beers. There’s ample seating, including outdoor areas at the back and front, and sometimes live jazz on Sundays. Opening hours are generally from 10:00 to 22:00/23:00 daily. The eclectic decor and relaxed atmosphere could make it a fun and quirky stop for families, especially those who appreciate vintage style and feline company.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Scooter Caffè (Café/Bar)
• Where: 132 (or 133A) Lower Marsh, London SE1 7AE. Nearest Tube: Waterloo.  
• Open: Mon-Fri 10:00-22:00; Sat-Sun 10:00-23:00. Confirm locally.  
• Food/Drink: Coffee, toasties, pastries, cocktails, craft beer. Toasties are likely child-friendly.
• Price Range: Typical café/bar prices.
• Family Perk: Quirky vintage atmosphere, resident cats (if your family are cat lovers!), delicious toasties, outdoor seating.
• More Info: scootercaffe.com  

Our Take: “Scooter Caffè is such a cool and quirky spot! It’s like stepping back in time, with all the vintage scooter bits and resident cats lounging about. Their toasties are amazing, and it’s a really relaxed place for a coffee or an early evening drink. The kids will probably love the cats!”

Market Porter

A popular and historic pub overlooking Borough Market, the Market Porter has been serving punters since the late 17th century. It’s known for its traditional pub atmosphere and opens very early on weekday mornings (from 06:00 to 09:00) to cater to the market traders, then reopens from 10:00 until 23:00. The dining room offers views over the bustling market, and the menu features classic British and European pub fare. They serve Sunday roasts, and a “Fish and Chips Monday” special. While the early morning opening is more for the traders, the daytime and evening offer a classic pub experience. The menu features items like Wild Mushroom & Blue Cheese Arancini, Hot Smoked Salmon Scotch Egg, roasts, Duck Confit, Beer Battered Haddock, and a burger, some of which would appeal to children.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Market Porter (Pub)
• Where: 9 Stoney Street, Borough Market, London SE1 9AA. Nearest Tube: London Bridge.  
• Open: Bar: Mon-Fri 06:00-09:00 & 10:00-23:00; Sat 12:00-23:00; Sun 12:00-22:30. Kitchen: Mon-Sat 12:00-21:30; Sun 12:00-17:00.  
• Food/Drink: Traditional British pub food, Sunday roasts, real ales. Options like fish and chips or burgers are generally child-friendly.
• Price Range: £25 and under for a meal.  
• Family Perk: Historic pub, views over Borough Market, classic pub dishes that often suit families.
• More Info: themarketporter.co.uk  

Our Take: “The Market Porter is a proper old London pub right on the edge of Borough Market – it even opens super early for the market traders! It’s got a great traditional feel, and you can get some classic pub grub while watching the market buzz. Their Sunday roasts are meant to be good.”

Rake

Tucked away near Borough Market, Rake is a tiny, specialist beer bar with a massive reputation among beer aficionados. It’s known for its impressively large and ever-changing selection of beers from around the world, with a particular fondness for American craft brews, alongside at least five draught beers and three real ales. The bar itself is very small (“standing room only” inside), so drinkers often spill out onto the outdoor decking area, which has heaters in winter. They serve basic bar snacks like Mrs King’s pork pies. Given its tiny size, focus on specialist beers, and often crowded nature, it’s probably more suited to adults or families with older teens who are serious beer enthusiasts, rather than those with young children looking for a meal or extensive space. The atmosphere is intimate and knowledgeable, with staff who can guide you through the brews. Opening hours for Rake specifically aren’t in the snippets, but it’s part of Borough Market.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Rake (Specialist Beer Bar)
• Where: 14a Winchester Walk, Borough Market, London SE1 9AG. Nearest Tube: London Bridge.  
• Open: Check locally or via Utobeer website, as specific hours for Rake are not in snippets, but it’s tied to Borough Market hours.
• Food/Drink: Extensive selection of global and craft beers, real ales. Basic bar snacks (e.g., pork pies).  
• Price Range: Specialist beer prices can vary.
• Family Perk: Perhaps less of a family spot unless teens are interested in craft beer culture. Outdoor decking offers some space.
• More Info: utobeer.co.uk/the-rake (Utobeer are the owners).  

Our Take: “The Rake is a beer lover’s dream – it’s tiny, but the selection of beers from all over the world is incredible. The staff really know their stuff. It gets very packed, and it’s more of a dedicated beer bar than a family pub, but the outdoor decking is nice in good weather.”

George Inn

A true historical gem, the George Inn in Southwark is London’s only surviving galleried coaching inn, now owned by the National Trust. Dating back in parts to 1676, this atmospheric pub is a maze of plain, wood-panelled rooms and upstairs bars, with a charming courtyard that’s perfect in the summer. It’s easy to imagine Shakespeare or Dickens (who featured it in Little Dorrit) enjoying a pint here. The pub is family-friendly and pet-friendly, serving meals from 10:00 to 22:00 daily. Greene King, who manage the pub, highlight its traditional pub fare, Sunday roasts, and a beer garden. Facilities include high chairs and disabled access. This is a fantastic place to soak up some history while enjoying a meal or a drink with the family.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: George Inn (Historic Pub, National Trust)
• Where: 75 Borough High Street, Southwark, London SE1 1NH. Nearest Tube: London Bridge.  
• Open: Daily 10:00-23:00. Food served Mon-Wed 12:00-21:00, Thu-Sat 12:00-22:00, Sun 12:00-21:00. Confirm locally due to slight variations.  
• Food/Drink: Traditional pub food, Sunday roasts, real ales. Child-friendly options likely within classic pub menu.
• Price Range: Mid-range pub prices.
• Family Perk: Historic galleried inn, courtyard for outdoor seating, family-friendly, dog-friendly, National Trust property.
• More Info: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/the-george-inn-london or greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/george-southwark  

Our Take: “Stepping into the George Inn is like stepping back centuries! It’s London’s last galleried coaching inn, and it’s just oozing with history. The courtyard is lovely on a sunny day, and it’s a great place for some traditional pub food. The kids will love exploring all the old rooms.”