Eat & explore

The Hayward Gallery Cafe

If you’re looking to refuel while visiting one of our exhibitions, take a moment at the Hayward Gallery Cafe, a light-filled tranquil space above the foyer of the gallery itself. On the walls of the cafe, there’s an injection of vibrancy from Michael Lin’s specially commissioned plum blossom wallpaper, a reference to traditional Taiwanese, Chinese and Japanese textile designs, layered in hues of pink, red and yellow. But the gorgeous wallpaper isn’t the only view worth admiring. Facing out to Waterloo Bridge and the river is the glass-fronted Waterloo Sunset Pavilion, created by Dan Graham and Haworth Tompkins in 2003 to open up the brutalist space.

South Bank Book Market

You find some brilliant things when you stroll along the Thames – the Southbank Centre, for one. But there’s also the chance to find your next read.

The South Bank Book Market is the largest openair second-hand book outlet in the country, with booksellers offering well-known gems and vintage rarities across a range of styles and specialities.

Started in 1983 as the brainchild of former British Film Institute controller Leslie Hardcastle, the market became affiliated with the Southbank Centre in 2001. This year is its 40th anniversary, and it’s still an integral part of the area’s bustling atmosphere – one we hope will last long into the future.

Relax on the outdoor terrace with a wine, beer or one of the signature cocktails for as long as you can, or choose from coffee, sandwiches, salads and an array of homemade cakes. The menu is now 100% vegan and vegetarian, and the cafe has a renewed focus on locally and ethically sourced products. And remember, you don’t need to see an exhibition to be up here – but we recommend you grab the opportunity.

Open Wednesday – Friday, 10am – 6pm; Saturday, 10am – 8pm; Sunday, 10am – 6pm. The cafe stops serving 30 mins before closing.

So the next time you’re on the hunt for a book or two, head down to the river, dip under Waterloo Bridge, scour the long tables, and help support this quirky fixture of our riverside home.

Open Monday – Saturday, 10am – 7pm & Sunday, 11am – 7pm