What do you think of when you hear the word Waterloo? Running frantically for a train? The smell of Burger King? Dodging low-flying pigeons and tourists on the streets? Don't be fooled, there's a lot more to this London hub than first meets the eye. Hosting some of the city's biggest immersive events and home to a handful of vibrant restaurants and stunning cocktail bars, it constantly has its finger on the pulse and never fails to please. Here are 4 places and events that perfectly embody Waterloo's alter ego.
The Scooter Caffé
Staying true to Waterloo's carefree nature, The Scooter Caffé is a former garage that's been converted into a bustling city cafe. Filled with the smell of ground coffee, freshly-baked cakes and with a slight hint of petrol, the cafe hasn't forgotten its past and is decorated with a handful of Vespa scooters and kerosene lanterns. Most impressive of all, the venue moulds itself to fit whatever mood you might find yourself in. Fancy a quiet spot to work? No problem. Looking for a cheeky drink? Head to their bar. Feeling a bit hungry? Enjoy a freshly-rolled pizza. Very few things faze the team at the Scooter Caffé.
Staying true to its nature, the Scooter Caffé has its fair share of alternators and scrap engines scattered throughout.
Topolski Gallery & Bar
Nestled in the skeleton of a former art gallery, the Topolski Bar is based in one of Waterloo's most historic building. The venue was originally a studio for the world famous artist Feliks Topolski, and features a selection of pieces painted by the war artist during his most successful years. The venue is now used for a completely different purpose. A jack-of-all-trades, Topolski serves delicious Eastern European food during the day, before turning into a vibrant bar after sunset and inviting London's young musical talents to perform on its stage. With its roots firmly planted in the community's history, it's unquestionably a stalwart of Waterloo's late night scene.
The venue hasn't forgotten its history and is covered in some of Feliks Topolski's most famous paintings.
Dandelyan
Nestled in the swanky Mondrian Hotel, Dandelyan is the latest addition to Ryan Chetiyawardana cocktail empire. Known for serving seasonal cocktails that have been made using homemade spirits and liqueurs created in his own kitchen, the inventive mixologist has instead split the menu into 'hunter', 'gatherer', 'shaman' and 'explorer' sub-sections, with each holding a line-up of fresh fruit and spice-infused concoctions. To stress just how 'industry' this place really is, every drink on the menu comes with a brief description, retelling the story behind each recipe's history and listing the random, yet brilliant, selection of ingredients present in each sip. Expect to be blown away (get it?).
Regardless of what you like drinking, it's the delicate, complexity of each drink that really makes you look twice.
Jack's Bar
Fresh-faced and with a 'new kid on the block' sign on its back, Jack's Bar seems to have comfortably settled into its Waterloo digs. The venue has tried to enshrine itself in the area, sitting under a railway archway and maintaining a rustic feel thanks to its exposed brick interiors and unfinished surfaces. Like every great Central London venue, it offers a break from the bustling city outside and wins its patrons over with a menu composed of fresh cocktails and classic comfort food treats. Better still, Jack's Bar comes to life during the summer, when it's idyllic garden and canopy of trees offers shelter from the exhausting heat.
Grab a cocktail and escape the clatter of London in this charming spot in Waterloo.
