Gabriel's Wharf

The Basics

Several cycling tours depart from the area, making it a prime spot for a presightseeing coffee or a postsightseeing pint. The independent stores offer a great alternative to the retail giants that dominate the city center. Take advantage of the close proximity to attractions such as the Southbank Centre, Shakespeare’s Globe, and London Eye to begin or end your London experience with a meal in one of the riverside restaurants.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Gabriel’s Wharf is ideal for anyone wanting to experience London like a local.

• South Bank is one of the city’s most wheelchair-friendly areas; most of the area’s bars and restaurants are fully accessible.

• Remember your umbrella and waterproof shoes, as South Bank’s riverside walkways can be windy and wet during winter.

How to Get There

Gabriel’s Wharf joins South Bank’s Riverside Walkway with Upper Ground street. Waterloo and Blackfriars mainline stations are both within a 10-minute walk, as are Embankment, Temple, Southwark, and Waterloo. The nearby Festival Pier is served regularly by the Thames river bus.

When to Get There

Visit Gabriel’s Wharf around lunchtime or after work to mingle with a local crowd, or arrive in the morning or midafternoon to avoid the rush. The area’s outdoor terraces are ideal for a relaxed summer afternoon beside the river, while the pubs and restaurants provide a cozy escape from the winter cold. Shops are closed on Mondays.

Oxo Tower

Just east of Gabriel’s Wharf, the Oxo Tower is a landmark of the London landscape. Initially built as a power station, the building was bought by the Liebig Extract of Meat Company, maker of the Oxo stock cube, in the 1920s. The architect, Albert Moore, overcame London’s ban on skyline advertising by incorporating the name of the company’s flagship product into the design of the building’s windows. Today, the tower’s restaurants, retailers, and exhibition spaces are open to the public.

Ways to explore

You could easily spend a day at Gabriel’s Wharf shopping at quirky designer boutiques and vintage stores before grabbing a quick bite or lingering over a meal on a terrace overlooking the River Thames. A wide array of dining options are on offer, from food stalls serving up Mexican and Caribbean fare to casual restaurants known for their wood-fired pizzas and burgers. Self-guided audio tours often lead travelers to Gabriel’s Wharf, making it a great place to take a break from sightseeing around London.

Accessibility

Gabriel’s Wharf is largely wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Credit card, sunscreen, raincoat/umbrella

What to wear

Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for a stroll along the riverbank.

Not allowed

While there are no restrictions for Gabriel’s Wharf itself, individual businesses may have their own regulations.

Amenities

Stores, restaurants, food vendors, restrooms

Address

Gabriel’s Wharf is located in the South Bank area, on the banks of the River Thames.

Driving

While you could drive to Gabriel’s Wharf, navigating London traffic and finding parking can be stressful. Hail a cab or book a rideshare instead.

Public transportation

The closest London Underground stations are Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo and City lines) and Southwark (Jubilee line); both are within a 10-minute walk. You can also take a Thames Clippers river boat to Festival Pier, less than a 10-minute walk away.

Best times to visit

Gabriel’s Wharf is always open, but each business keeps its own hours. The South Bank is a good spot for watching the sunset.

Best days to visit

The atmosphere is at its most buzzing on the weekends.

Best months to visit

The summer months are ideal for outdoor dining.

Special events

The South Bank hosts a number of festivals and special events throughout the year, including the Meltdown music festival in summer and the Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival.