Place for a couple of drinks tonight

[snowman]

Later tonight I am meeting a friend I have not seen for a long time as she lives abroad. Any recommendation for a nice bar around the South Bank / Waterloo / London Bridge where we can sit for a few hours chatting away with a nice glass of wine? Doesn't have to be too fancy or anything like that. Just looking for a nice friendly atmosphere, not too noisy and maybe something a bit special about it (eg views over London...I suppose the shard is the only option for that??).

Thanks in advance for any recommendation!

[ruffers]

Skylon at the Royal Festival Hall.

[Mal Smith]

I always meet a similar friend at a bar under the Southwark Bridge. Called the Mug House. I think its a Davies Wine Bar. Nothing special but it is normally half empty, they do 'bar food' and its quiet so catching up doesn't mean shouting. Its also easy to get to and home being at London Bridge.

M

[Nigello]

Why not give Scooter Bar/Caffe a go. It's on Lower Marsh, at the Westminster Bridge end. It can get busy but it's very eclectic and fun, with soft drinks, tea, alcohol etc. You can also take your own food in if you want. There's a small patch of outside space at the back, looking out onto the railway bridges and back alleys of SE1.

[sedm]

Depending on what you're after... would recommend the below

Skylon - posh, relatively pricey but delicious cocktails and amazing views over the river

Las Iguanas - fun, Mexican themed (slightly tacky in a good way) cocktails behind Waterloo station

Gordon's Wine Bar - Embankment, just over Waterloo Bridge - atmospheric wine bar in cellar, good selection of wine (and cheese) without outside tables (can get busy)