Archive film, originally published on 3 June 2017. The places, traders and visitor information describe that visit.
This South Bank London walk begins in Parliament Square and follows the Thames to Gabriel’s Wharf and the OXO building. Along the way, I cross the river for a better view of the London Eye, stop for coffee, watch the skaters and browse the book market. Lunch takes me back to the Southbank Centre Food Market for poutine, a shrimp burger and Portuguese custard tarts.
From Westminster Bridge to County Hall
There are crowds and wedding photographs on Westminster Bridge as I make my way to the south side. Beneath the bridge, the tunnel frames a view of the Palace of Westminster. It offers a different angle from the busy pavement above.
The path emerges beside County Hall. I pass the aquarium and London Dungeon entrances before reaching the London Eye. This is a walk past the attractions, with the riverside itself providing the views and activity.
A wider view of the London Eye
Standing directly below the wheel gives a sense of its size, but I prefer to photograph it from across the Thames. I return to the north bank, where there is room in the frame for the whole structure, County Hall and passing boats.
The film includes a sped-up view of the wheel turning. Then I continue towards Embankment and the Golden Jubilee footbridges, the crossing I normally use to reach this part of the South Bank.
The footbridges provide views in both directions along the river. Later, I return on the opposite side of the railway bridge to see a different stretch of the skyline. That small change of route becomes part of the day’s walk.
Coffee and the Southbank Centre
Back beside the London Eye, I pause for street music before heading towards the Southbank Centre. Charlotte Campbell is singing by the river, and the Underbelly festival is also part of the scene during this visit.
A black Americano from Beany Green provides the first refreshment stop. I drink it overlooking the river before looking around the Southbank Centre and talking about its concrete architecture. The buildings prompt a personal discussion of their appearance and the cultural life inside.
The undercroft and book market
The next stop is the skate space beneath the Southbank Centre. Boards move through the undercroft, surrounded by colourful graffiti, while spectators watch from the railings. In the film, I talk about the connection between skating, photography, street art and the wider arts centre.
Further along, the book market sits beneath Waterloo Bridge. Tables of books create a reason to slow down and browse, away from the larger attractions at the beginning of the route.
I continue past the National Theatre, keeping close to the river. The walk moves between open views of the Thames and smaller places tucked beside the promenade.
Gabriel’s Wharf and the OXO building
Gabriel’s Wharf is one of those detours. Its entrance is easy to pass while following the waterfront, but inside are shops, places to eat and a more enclosed space to explore.
I look around before continuing to the OXO building. From the riverfront here, the view opens towards St Paul’s and the City. The film pauses for the skyline and a discussion of the building, then turns back towards the Southbank Centre for lunch.
Lunch at Southbank Centre Food Market
The market behind the Royal Festival Hall is a familiar stop for me. I like to make a circuit before choosing anything, looking both at the stalls and at what other people are eating. On this visit, the selection ranges from comfort food to seafood dishes and sweet treats.
The first choice is Spit & Roast’s version of poutine. Chips, cheese and chicken gravy make a substantial start. I take the tray to a seat overlooking the market and taste it there.
The chicken gravy is the feature I particularly enjoy. Afterwards, I admit that there are more visually elaborate dishes around the market, but the appeal of cheesy chips has won this first round.
The Shrimpster burger and custard tarts
For the second dish, I choose something I have seen other visitors carrying on previous trips: the Shrimpster burger from Shrimpy. I add bacon and avocado to the shrimp, salad and other fillings in the sesame bun.
It is awkward to eat with one hand while filming, but the combination works. My reaction is that it tastes fresh and surprisingly light for a burger, with the shrimp, avocado, bacon and chutney bringing different flavours together.
A final browse leads to Portuguese custard tarts. They provide the sweet finish before I leave the market, now thoroughly full.
Back across the Thames to Gordon’s
The sun is out for the return over the Golden Jubilee footbridges. After a farewell at the Southbank Centre, I add one more stop on the north side of the river: Gordon’s Wine Bar near Embankment.
It is a brief ending to this film, with the wine bar left as a subject for another day. Together, the walk and food stops record a full visit to the South Bank as I experienced it in 2017.
