London Bridge’s Hidden Treasures | Things to Do

March 21, 2019 in london, things to do

I truly love London; it’s the city I was born and raised in, the city I returned to after university, and the city I am working my butt off to be able to own a home in, one day…but I definitely do take it for granted, sometimes. So, this year is the year I’m dedicating to falling back in love with my home, exploring my own doorstep a little more, and rediscovering the areas I’ve neglected.

Southwark Cathedral in Things to Do in London Bridge on francescasophia.co.uk

First up? Things to do in London Bridge. It’s only a ten minute train ride away, and is home to food, drink, galleries, hotels, historic sites and some of the best views of the city. What’s not to love?

So, if you’re anything like me, and are wanting to explore one of London’s more underrated areas, I’ve whipped up the five spots you should check out.

Outdoor seating area with orange and yellow chairs and hanging lights in Things to Do in London Bridge on francescasophia.co.uk

1. BERMONDSEY STREET

Bermondsey Street is lovely, easy to get to, and very underrated.
Sitting just behind London Bridge itself, Bermondsey Street is pretty versatile, and is only 2 minutes’ walk from the station.
It’s home to various bars, galleries – including the incredible White Cube Bermondsey, which is currently hosting Tracy Emin’s ‘A Fortnight of Tears’ – and beautiful restaurants, like Bermondsey Street Bar & Kitchen (pictured above).

Glass sets by Elliot Walker at London Glassblowing in Things to Do in London Bridge on francescasophia.co.uk

2. LONDON GLASSBLOWING

Oh, you’ve taken my advice and headed down Bermondsey Street? Lucky, because my next recommendation is at number 62-66 on that very road.
Peter Layton’s glassblowing studio is considered one of the best in Europe, and the gallery space is constantly filled with gorgeous pieces like the work by Elliot Walker, above.
What’s most incredible about a trip to London Glassblowing, though, is that you can actually sit and watch the artists creating their work. It’s fascinating to see, and is a really unique way to spend a couple of hours.

Neon Sign 'When a Man is Tired of London he is Tired of Life' in London Grind in Things to Do in London Bridge on francescasophia.co.uk

3. LONDON GRIND

Yep, you’ve probably heard of Grind. And you’ve more than likely been there…but for good reason, and that’s exactly why it’s earned a spot on the list.
Unlike the well-known Shoreditch branch, London Bridge’s Grind has more of a sit-in restaurant vibe; with the mix of Grind’s usual business meetings and laptop crowd as well as drop-ins just there for a snack or an early cocktail, it’s a very different vibe.
Plus, the food is really good, and the decor is, as always, on point.

flowers at Borough Market in Things to Do in London Bridge on francescasophia.co.uk

4. BOROUGH MARKET

You’ve almost definitely heard of this one, too.
Borough Market is the ultimate foodie haven, but there’s so much more than that, too. There are bakers, cheese and wine stalls, and fishmongers, sure; but there are florists, spice stalls, and coffee roasters, too.
Go and take a peek, between Wednesday to Saturday, for the full selection of traders (Mondays and Tuesdays have a limited number of stalls out).

The Telephone Exchange London Bridge Pub in Things to Do in London Bridge on francescasophia.co.uk

5. THE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE

I think we all know I appreciate a good glass of wine, but ‘The Telephone Exchange’ offers so much more than just a good house white (although it is very good).
With gorgeous decor (if you’re in it for the ‘gram), lovely staff, and a pretty impressive menu, ‘The Telephone Exchange’ is one of my favourite London pubs. It’s less than a minute away from London Bridge’s main concourse, is affordable, and somehow remains blissfully quiet during the daytime, too.