Flat Iron Square is one of the coolest places in London – with open-air bars, delicious street food, and a cool music venue. Here you’ll get a first impression and things you need to know before you go.
Where is Flat Iron Square? It’s just a stone’s throw from London Bridge. Since 2016, it’s hard to imagine social life without Flat Iron Square.
Bars, restaurants, a music venue, street food stalls, and outdoor seating; tucked away in a series of previously disused railroad arches and a listed building!
A true winning combination.
And how it won. Music venue Omeara hosts some of the best concerts and club nights in town. The food stands are packed night after night. The tables inside and outside are filled with food, drink, and celebration – there’s even a festive Christmas market at the right time of year.
As a result, a few places like Flat Iron Square have since sprung up in the capital – although I have to say the original is still the best.
In short, it’s been a resounding success. What can I say? The premise of great food and brilliant drinks is just too good to turn down.
So if you haven’t been there yet, you should definitely plan on it on your next visit. See for yourself what awaits you there …
Bars at Flat Iron Square
Tap & Bottle
If you like wine, Tap & Bottle will soon become one of your new favorite bars in the London Bridge area.
The Georgian building backdrop and decidedly no-frills decor set the scene of a drinking den of yesteryear, but this wine bar is firmly in the modern era. There is, of course, the wine – served from the barrel – it is more efficient, has less waste, and is more environmentally friendly.
The Chalet
Tucked away in the garden is the Wooden Chalet, an apres-ski-style lodge that is open year-round, but is especially magical during the winter months (when it transforms into the Cîroc Chalet).
The cozy lodge features warm garland lighting and sofas you’ll want to sink into. And that’s before you’ve even glanced at the impressive cocktail menu.
Arch 33 Bar
It doesn’t get any cooler than Arch 33 Bar. In fact, it might be one of my favorite spots in Flat Iron Square.
A Victorian railroad arch has been completely transformed into a swanky speakeasy – with plenty of wine, beer, and cocktails.
Food at Flat Iron Square
Mother Clucker
Gourmet fried chicken really just needed to pick up the slogan “KFC can’t hold a candle to me” and the story would be done. Crispy breaded chicken comes with an array of deliciously inventive sides – it’s fried chicken, but not as you’ve known it before.
Bar Duoro
Bar Douro has made a name for itself with its small plate dishes from the Douro Valley. Indulge in the crisp dishes bursting with flavor and wash them down with some excellent Portuguese wine.
Baz & Fred
No self-respecting street food market could show its face without an experienced pizza crew serving up red-hot stone-oven pizza. Flat Iron Square has it in the form of Baz & Fred, whose pizzas are some of the best in town.
EDū
EDū may be all about Spanish cooking techniques, but the menu on offer has a distinctly international flavor. Take their absolutely terrific burgers as an example – masterfully made, they put many of the city’s burger joints to shame.
Breddos
Breddos’ Mexican offerings are so good, that you won’t believe this stall first existed in a makeshift food truck in a Hackney parking lot.
The food is influenced by owners Nud and Chris’ travels through Mexico and the Americas. So expect fusion flavors with locally sourced ingredients.
Katsutopia
Katsutopia makes Japanese food a breeze. Tender meat is coated in deliciously crispy panko and drowned in the ultimate curry sauce.
If you’re feeling particularly naughty, opt for the karaage (which is basically the fried chicken of your dreams) and drizzle it with katsu sauce. Thank me later.
Rainbo
With a heavy focus on gyoza, Rainbo is another Japanese stall in Flat Iron Square serving up some of the best cuisine around.
Mouth-melting pork belly, katsu to rival katsutopia (but we’d still opt for the latter), pillowy bao buns and plenty of noodles are on the menu.
Smoke & Bones
Meat is the order of the day at this smokehouse, of course. Smoke & Bones’ 100% halal menu spans the globe, with steak fries and the popular Korean short rib offerings.
Ekachai
Pan-Southeast Asian street food is prepared right at this cool stall. Expect spicy dishes straight from the hot wok and you won’t be disappointed.
I especially love the pad thai. But I wouldn’t say no to nasi goreng either.
Where The Pancakes Are
Our continental neighbors realized many centuries ago that pancakes (pancakes) aren’t just for Pancake Day, but the British took a little longer to realize this.
Founder of Where the Pancakes Are, Patricia Trijbits, is bringing the revolution to London with her stacks of steaming and delicious sweet and savory pancakes.
And what could go better with pancakes than prosecco? That’s right, nothing.
Lupin’s
Contemporary British cuisine with seasonal ingredients in a range of inventive dishes. Lupins’ ever-changing menu combines fresh and bold flavors with a sense of adventure.
Lupins is also responsible for the wonderful dine-in menu at Tap & Bottle – with little gems like Cornish oysters and Welsh lamb on the curated (and ever-changing) menu.
My tip? Save room for dessert. Especially the Szechuan pepper pudding tart. Yummy.
Omeara
Mumford & Sons’ Ben Lovett is at the helm of this brilliant music venue in Flat Iron Square, hosting many of the city’s best gigs and club nights.
Check out the listings – Omeara’s lineups for the coming nights are eclectic, but all work well at the rather cozy Paris Music Hall venue.
Pssst, if you’re even remotely interested in old-school R&B, Trevor Nelson’s Omeara residency is a must-see.
Things to know
Flat Iron Square can be found here: 64 Southwark St, London SE1 1RU
The Square is well connected, just a stone’s throw from many transport links – the nearest tube stations are London Bridge and Borough. London Bridge is also well-served by trains and buses.
If you have trouble finding a seat downstairs, Tap & Bottle’s small upstairs terrace is usually quieter and a bit more relaxed. There is also much more indoor seating on this level.
Also check out sister club Vinegar Yard, located directly across from London Bridge Station (Shard exit side).
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