Beyond Waterloo Area Guide
July 2, 2025
Looking to go Beyond the generic visitor sites in Waterloo? Read on, we're going deep... but the London Eye still makes the cut!
ARCHBISHOP'S PARK - for a hit of Vitamin Nature
Just far enough off the beaten path and more mostly frequented by locals, Archbishop's Park is a generously sized green space just a few minutes walk from our building. Head here for tennis courts, a children’s playground and an outdoor calisthenics gym.
BALANCE - healthy food on the go
If you need a fast, healthy lunch option in the area, Balance is our regular go-to. Yes, there are plenty of cheap and cheerful food trucks along Lower Marsh but the salad bar in Balance is a superior option. Coffee by the B Corp certified Climpson & Sons.
@balancekitchenuk
BREWDOG WATERLOO - much more than a brewery
Given the location a mere stone’s throw from the Beyond building, this is a remarkable find, not least due to the sheer scale of it! Head here for the on-site micro-brewery; coworking space; Grind coffee & cocktails; podcast recording studio; restaurant and kids bowling.
@brewdogwaterloo
FREYR CROSSFIT - fierce, fun and friendly
Freyr Crossfit is an LGBTQ-friendly gym with a minimalist black and white aesthetic. Drop-in visitors are welcome, simply pre-book via their website for a full-body workout combining mobility, cardio and strength. The atmosphere is friendly but expect to train hard!
@freyrcrossfit
GARDEN MUSEUM & CAFE - biophilia in a box
The Garden Museum & Cafe is an ode to British gardens and gardening culture. While the museum itself is dedicated to all things botanical, you can also visit the plant-filled cafe for seasonal lunches, tea and cake from 10am - 4pm every day.
@gardenmuseum
GREENSMITHS DELI & GROCERY - kitchen treats
Greensmiths is a perfect example of all that is great about modern British food culture. Bringing together a plethora of premium brands, this is the place for organic fruit and vegetables, artisan bread, cheese, meat, fish and coffee beans. The calm, light-filled and laptop-friendly seating area in the back is also ideal for a quiet laptop session.
@greensmithsfood
JUBILEE GARDENS - riverside views
Sitting directly below the London Eye, Jubilee Gardens on the South Bank are visited by more than 5.5 million people each year, so unless you are an early riser, this is probably not the place for outdoor exercise but the impressive kids adventure playground is entirely made of timber and there space to relax on grass nearby too.
LEAKE STREET ARCHES - street art takes centre stage
Quite when the Leake Street Arches connecting Lower Marsh with our very own Beyond Waterloo apartment building became an established tourist destination remains a mystery but it’s now a certified hotspot for all manner of street art and graffiti. Walls are in constant evolution and there’s a tangible energy to the place throughout the day.
@LeakeStreetArches
LITTLE BREAD PEDLAR - traditional sourdough
Little Bread Pedlar has a humble, semi-rustic vibe on Lower Marsh that reflects their traditional, deliberately slow approach to baking. Head here for the finest organic sourdough, artisanal pastries, honeys and preserves. It may be a tiny space but this one punches well above its weight in sheer quality.
@lbpedlar
Beyond Waterloo Area Guide Part 2
LONDON EYE - right outside your window
Londoners are well-accustomed to the site of the London Eye punctuating the skyline of the Southbank cultural district. For visitors, and those looking for a fresh perspective on the capital, this 32-pod wheel still has the capacity to delight from 135m above ground. Plan for a reassuringly slow, 30-minute ride and be sure to book in advance.
@londoneye
REBALANCE CLINIC - movement based rehabilitation
Looking for a yoga class, pilates or osteopathy while staying in Waterloo? Rebalance is your answer, and they also have laser therapy for any injuries that happen to flare up while on the road. Legendary local dance company Rambert is located in the same building too, so staff here are especially well-versed in movement-related practices.
SHAWS FLORIST - a flower stall with history
Head to Shaw’s flowers for a vibrant bouquet or seasonal flower selection, they’ve been trading since 1946 and show no signs of stopping yet. Just a short walk over the bridge from Beyond Waterloo, on Embankment Place, they can also deliver locally if needed.
@shawsofcoventgarden
SISTA BARISTA - power to the people, on caffeine
This family-owned cafe in Waterloo has a range of bagels, wraps and salads to satisfy your daytime cravings but it's the @nudeespresso coffee on offer and upbeat vibes that keeps the locals coming back for more. Most importantly, this is an ethical business on a mission to promote female- and black-owned businesses in the area. We're big fans; so go grab a cup.
@sistabaristacafe
SOUTHBANK CENTRE - your evening culture trip
Nowhere serves as a better introduction to London’s cultural might than the Southbank Centre in Waterloo, home to the Royal Festival Hall, the Hayward Gallery, Purcell Room and a myriad of dining options, public artworks and pop-up events. Book in for a performance or simply wander through to see what all the fuss is about.
@southbankcentre
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