As I have said many times in the past, London is one of my favourite cities in the world. I am of the opinion that travelling to the real deal better satisfies not just appetite and thirst, but also the mind and soul. Far be it from me to go on about galleries, museums, stunning architecture and local history. That’s not for everyone. Some may prefer to visit old London bridge in a place called Lake Havasu City. Depending on who you ask, places like this apparently stand as “accurate reflections” of the actual location’s they represent.

Moving on, it must be beer o’clock somewhere? If like us, you are looking to experience the best of London's watering holes while also getting in a few thousand steps? Well, its go time my thirsty friends, because a pub crawl (not literally) along the South bank of the Thames might just be the perfect way to satisfy both of those desires. Not only will you be able to sample some of the city's finest ales, but you'll also get to take in some stunning views of the of the skyline along the way.

Because we normally stay in the square mile or the east end, I have set a course that starts closer to Westminster and ends nearer to our bohemian neighborhood. If you prefer to stay closer to Mayfair or the alike, try this route in reverse.

Here are 10 pubs along the South Bank of the Thames that will put you in the right mood, in order from west to east:

The Tattershall Castle: (actually this pub is now moored on the North bank adjacent to New Scotland Yard). This unique pub is located on a boat, moored on the riverbank. The Tattershall Castle offers stunning views of the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament, and has a large outdoor seating area perfect for a sunny day.
The White Hart: This charming pub is located in the heart of the historic neighborhood of Southwark. It has a cozy interior with exposed brick walls, and serves up a great selection of real ales.
The Anchor Bankside: This iconic pub has been a fixture on the South Bank for over 800 years. It's said that William Shakespeare used to drink here, and the pub's outdoor seating area is a great spot to take in views of the Globe Theatre and the river.
The Doggett's Coat and Badge: Located next to Blackfriars Bridge, this traditional pub is named after the oldest rowing race in the world. The cozy interior is decorated with rowing memorabilia, and the pub serves up a great selection of beer and pub grub.
The Blackfriars: This historic pub is housed in a beautiful Art Nouveau building, and has a large outdoor terrace overlooking the river. The pub serves up a great selection of craft beers and cocktails.
The Founders Arms: This popular pub has a large outdoor seating area with stunning views of St. Paul's Cathedral. It's a great spot to grab a pint after a walk across the Millennium Bridge.
The Old Thameside Inn: Located just a stone's throw from the iconic Shard building, this traditional pub has a large outdoor seating area on the riverbank. The pub serves up a great selection of real ales and pub classics.
The Horniman at Hays: This historic pub is housed in a former tea warehouse, and has a large outdoor terrace with views of Tower Bridge. The pub serves up a great selection of craft beers and artisanal pizzas.
The Captain Kidd: This nautically-themed pub is named after the infamous pirate who was hanged at Execution Dock, just a short walk away. The pub has a large outdoor seating area and serves up a great selection of seafood.
The Prospect of Whitby: This historic pub dates back to the 16th century, and has a large outdoor seating area with views of the river and Canary Wharf. The pub is said to have been a favorite haunt of Charles Dickens, and serves up a great selection of real ales and pub class.

Its important to keep in mind that the following list is not exhaustive and the taste and flavor profiles can vary depending on the batch and brewer. When you stop to rest your weary feet at these public houses, I suggest you try some of both the following mainstream beers as well as some of the most sought after micro brews:

Fuller's London Pride
Kernel Brewery London Sour
Sambrook's Brewery Wandle
Meantime Brewing Co.
Camden Town Brewery Hells Lager
Fourpure Brewing Co. - Pils Lager
The Kernel Brewery - London Sour
Camden Town Brewery - Hells Lager
Siren Craft Brew - Soundwave IPA
Brixton Brewery - Electric IPA
Partizan Brewing - Saison Lemongrass
Redemption Brewing Co. - Big Chief IPA
Pressure Drop Brewing - Pale Fire Pale Ale
Gipsy Hill Brewing Company - Hepcat Session IPA

As you walk along the South Bank from west to east, you'll see some of London's most iconic and historic landmarks on both sides of the river. Here are a few standouts and a few interesting facts about each:
The Palace of Westminster: Located directly across the river from the Tattershall Castle, the Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in London. It has been the home of British politics since the 11th century, and the current neo-gothic building was constructed in the 19th century after a fire destroyed the previous building.
The London Eye: Standing at 135 meters tall, the London Eye is a cantilevered observation wheel that offers stunning views of the city. It was originally built as a temporary structure to celebrate the Millennium in 2000, but it proved so popular that it became a permanent fixture on the London skyline.
The Tate Modern: Housed in a former power station, the Tate Modern is one of the world's most famous contemporary art galleries. It's known for its striking architecture, which combines the industrial feel of the power station with sleek, modern design.
The Globe Theatre: Located next to the Anchor Bankside pub, the Globe Theatre is a faithful reconstruction of the original Elizabethan theatre that was home to many of Shakespeare's plays. The theatre hosts regular performances of Shakespeare's plays, and offers tours and exhibitions about the history of the theatre.
Tower Bridge: Just a short walk from the Horniman at Hays pub, Tower Bridge is one of London's most iconic landmarks. Built in the late 19th century, it's a suspension bridge that spans the River Thames, and is famous for its twin towers and ornate Victorian design.
The Tower of London: Located just next to Tower Bridge, the Tower of London is a historic castle that has served as a royal palace, a prison, and a treasury over the centuries. It's famous for its iconic White Tower, and for housing the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.

To sum up, if you're a beer lover and find yourself in London, you're in for a treat! With a wide variety of local microbreweries and delicious flagship beers, you're sure to find something to suit your taste.

So, whether you're a seasoned beer drinker or just curious to try something new, London's local breweries are not to be missed. Cheers to your next adventure along the banks of the Thames!

Before I leave you, I just remembered to check my iPhone activity app. To my surprise it seems this route took 17970 steps to complete. Give this trek a try one day. It’s not just good for quenching a thirst, it’s good for the soul as well!

All photos taken with the Leica Q2 Ghost.

Please leave a comment if you have a moment. I really enjoy hearing from you!

Live Well!

Mark