Discover London’s new neighbourhood, Bankside

There's so much more to London’s geography than its 32 boroughs and the winding channel of the River Thames. On closer look you’ll find a collection of neighbourhoods and villages, each with its own distinct identity. Some of London’s best-known neighbourhoods are established on the tourist trail, while others are constantly evolving, taking turns to emerge as a cool new hotspot.

Back in the 1970s, after being long overshadowed by the commercial north bank of the City, the Southbank emerged as a neighbourhood to watch, rich in culture, art and distinctive architecture as a result of residential regeneration. The turn of the millennium shifted focus onto neighbouring Bankside with the creation of the Millennium Bridge, at last connecting this creative and cultural neighbourhood with the rest of London.

Here we shine a light on Bankside, one of the oldest areas of London, but a new neighbourhood when it comes to where to live, work and play.

Location location location

Nestled along the bank of the River Thames, overlooking the skyscrapers of the City of London and tucked between London Bridge and the Southbank, Bankside’s fantastic connections and vibrant cultural and culinary scene are set around open riverside views.

The biggest appeal of Bankside is its central location and the active lifestyle. Its intrigue extends beyond the riverside, with a rich heritage and diverse network of theatres, galleries, restaurants, cafes, pubs and green spaces hidden in the side streets.

While the conveniences of Bankside continue to attract both office and residential occupiers alike, is easy to see why people are flocking to the area for work, architecture, culture and gastronomy.

With the pandemic highlighting the desire of many to live in amenity rich locations where you can walk to the shops, be part of a community, and within easy reach of friends and family…. It’s no surprise this area is one to watch.

Rich in culture

Bankside is a cultural hub, a place where people have come to experience the arts for over 1000 years and today home to some of London’s most visited and renowned cultural institutions: Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market and Southwark Cathedral. This stretch of the river includes some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and artistic institutions — the so-called ‘string of cultural pearls’ and having these on your doorstep is a game changer.

Gastronomy

Venture out, and you will find Bankside is a gastronomic district in its own right, host to a mix of food and drink experiences only a stone’s throw away handpicked for their individuality and originality. Bankside sits at the heart of a borough famed for its food and drink. Borough Market is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London, here they don’t just sell food and drink- they celebrate it. From restaurants to artisan food stalls, this historic site is filled with delights to pique anyone’s taste buds.

Riverside views

London is famous for its green space and the high volume of parks and gardens, however, often overlooked is the amount of ‘blue space’ within the City. The River Thames is the main waterway, feeding the smaller canals and docklands. This quintessential body of water is intertwined with London’s history and continues to inspire artists, musicians and writers. Bankside is bordered by just under a mile of waterfrontage to the Thames, attracting both residents and visitors to enjoy the open space with the captivating and iconic backdrop of the City of London skyline, creating the backbone to this unique community with London.

What’s new?

There is a significant amount of residential led development in the pipeline. The latest is Tripytch, a mixed-use development designed by renowned London architects Squire & Partners comprising two residential towers, a low-rise office building, retail and cultural facilities. It offers stunning views and plenty of private amenities as well as world-renowned landmarks and attractions a stone’s throw away.

Discover more in the guide to Bankside.