Oxo Tower Wharf London
Iconic London landmark offering stunning panoramic views of the city skyline from its Brasserie and Restaurant.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the garden terrace
Oxo Tower Wharf London
Best Time
Enjoy the garden terrace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic London landmark offering stunning panoramic views of the city skyline from its Brasserie and Restaurant.
"The best seat in the house for Thameside views and St Paul's Cathedral."
Brasserie vs. Restaurant
Brasserie is more affordable & informal; Restaurant is upscale with attentive service for special occasions.
Book for the View
Reserve a table in advance to guarantee a spot with panoramic London skyline views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Thameside Views
Terrace and dining areas
Soak in breathtaking skyline views of London, including Tower Bridge and St. Paul's Cathedral.
Garden Terrace Dining
Brasserie
Enjoy globally influenced brasserie fare al fresco on the charming garden terrace.
Iconic Tower Bridge Photo Spot
Nearby vantage points
Capture stunning photos of Tower Bridge with fewer crowds for a unique perspective.
Planning Your Visit
Choose Your OXO Experience
Book Ahead for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Brasserie vs. Restaurant
Brasserie is more affordable & informal; Restaurant is upscale with attentive service for special occasions.
Book for the View
Reserve a table in advance to guarantee a spot with panoramic London skyline views.
Photo Opportunities
Capture epic shots of Tower Bridge from nearby spots with fewer tourists.
Budget-Friendly Options
Consider the Brasserie for a more affordable experience than the fancy restaurant.
Has anyone been to the OXO tower?
Tips
from all over the internet
Brasserie vs. Restaurant
Brasserie is more affordable & informal; Restaurant is upscale with attentive service for special occasions.
Book for the View
Reserve a table in advance to guarantee a spot with panoramic London skyline views.
Photo Opportunities
Capture epic shots of Tower Bridge from nearby spots with fewer tourists.
Budget-Friendly Options
Consider the Brasserie for a more affordable experience than the fancy restaurant.
Summer Terrace Delight
The garden terrace is a highlight in summer, perfect for drinks and dining.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
OXO Tower Wharf is celebrated for its spectacular panoramic views of London, particularly from its Brasserie and Restaurant. While the views are consistently praised, opinions on the food and service can be mixed, with some finding it exceptional and others deeming it overpriced for the quality. The Brasserie is often favored for its more relaxed atmosphere and garden terrace.
"Food and views from terrace excellent portion sizes are good and a variety of choices to suit all tastes. Service a little hit and miss our mains arrived before our starter plates had been removed. We were asked if we would like sauce for our fries??? We said tomato 🍅 but it never arrived. The birthday cake was exceptional and overall we had a wonderful time."
William Kay
"Had a great time with the summer set menu. The full course from appetizers to dessert was enjoyable and reasonably priced. We ordered the monkfish and Yorkshire chicken for our mains. The monkfish was delicious but the chicken was just average.
The view was absolutely beautiful but the sun was quite strong and we had to sit under direct sunlight for a while, which made the experience a bit less comfortable.
Service was okay- the food came out promptly but there wasn’t much interaction with the staff."
Lena Kim
"We came for the afternoon tea but that needed to be booked 48h in forehand. Could be info about that online.
But we had an amazing gourmet lunch instead. Absolutely top class dishes. Both vegetarian meals and meat.
Lovely view over The Thames with St Pauls cathedral on the other side."
Daniel Erkstam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oxo Tower Wharf is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest Tube stations are Tower Hill (Circle and District lines) and London Bridge (Jubilee and Northern lines). Several bus routes also stop nearby. Walking along the South Bank from London Bridge or Tower Bridge offers scenic routes.
On-site parking is limited. It's generally recommended to use public transport or a taxi. If driving, look for nearby car parks, but be aware of London's congestion charges and parking costs.
Yes, Oxo Tower Wharf is part of the vibrant South Bank. You can enjoy a pleasant walk from attractions like Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, or Borough Market, taking in riverside views along the way.
Arriving about an hour before sunset allows you to enjoy the daylight views, witness the transition to twilight, and see the city lights twinkle on. Consider booking a table for this magical time.
The South Bank is generally pedestrian-friendly. Oxo Tower Wharf itself is accessible, but check specific venue details for any internal lift or ramp requirements if you have mobility concerns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Oxo Tower Wharf itself is a public area and does not require an entrance ticket. However, to dine at the OXO Tower Brasserie or Restaurant, reservations are essential, especially for tables with views.
The Wharf area is generally accessible during daylight hours. The Brasserie and Restaurant have specific opening times, typically serving lunch and dinner. It's best to check their official website for the most current hours.
Prices vary significantly between the Brasserie and the Restaurant. Starters in the restaurant can range from £12-£15, with mains around £20-£30. The Brasserie is more affordable.
Yes, you can visit the OXO Tower Bar for drinks without a full meal reservation, though booking is still advised to secure a spot, especially for prime viewing locations.
The Restaurant has a more formal dress code, leaning towards smart casual. The Brasserie is more relaxed. It's always a good idea to check their website or call ahead if you're unsure.
📸 📸 Photography
The terrace offers fantastic panoramic views of the London skyline, including Tower Bridge and St. Paul's Cathedral. Nearby, there are also excellent vantage points for capturing Tower Bridge itself with fewer crowds. +1
Generally, personal photography for memories is allowed. However, professional photography or extensive filming may require prior permission. Be mindful of other diners.
Golden hour, around sunset, provides beautiful lighting for cityscapes. Daytime offers clear views, while twilight allows you to capture the city lights coming on.
Yes, drone usage is heavily restricted in central London, especially near landmarks and residential areas. It's best to avoid flying drones here to comply with regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive skyline. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details like Tower Bridge. A tripod can help with low-light shots during sunset or evening.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The OXO Tower offers globally influenced brasserie fare at the Brasserie and more refined, fine-dining dishes at the Restaurant. Expect modern European cuisine with seasonal ingredients.
It depends on your preference. The Brasserie is more informal and affordable with a garden terrace. The Restaurant is more formal, offers slightly better service, and is ideal for special occasions.
Starters in the restaurant are typically £12-£15, with mains around £20-£30. The Brasserie offers more moderate pricing.
Most upscale London restaurants, including OXO Tower, offer vegetarian options. Vegan options are usually available upon request, so it's best to inform your server or book in advance.
The atmosphere is sophisticated and chic, especially in the Restaurant. The Brasserie is more relaxed, particularly when enjoying the garden terrace. Both offer stunning views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Pack some small distractions or games for the table, as dining can sometimes take longer. The walk along the South Bank to reach Oxo Tower Wharf can also be an adventure in itself, with street performers and other sights to keep little ones entertained.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during weekday afternoons when crowds are lower and you might have a better chance of securing a table with a view without a long wait. Alternatively, enjoy the public areas of the wharf and the surrounding South Bank for free, taking in the sights and sounds of London without spending a penny.
🥂 Couples & Special Occasions
For a slightly more relaxed yet still impressive option, the Brasserie with its garden terrace can also be a lovely choice for couples, especially during warmer months. Enjoying cocktails on the terrace as the city lights up is a perfect way to start or end a special evening.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the OXO Tower Dining Experience
Conversely, the Restaurant is positioned as a more upscale, fine-dining establishment. It's recommended for those seeking a more formal experience, perhaps for a special occasion, anniversary, or a significant celebration. Reviewers often note that the service in the Restaurant is slightly more attentive, and the ambiance is more refined. While both offer spectacular views, the choice hinges on the desired level of formality and budget.
Tip: Regardless of your choice, booking well in advance is crucial, especially if you desire a table with a prime view of the Thames and the city skyline. This ensures you don't miss out on the signature experience OXO Tower is known for.
Capturing London's Iconic Views
For the best photographic results, consider visiting during the golden hour – the period shortly before sunset. The warm, soft light bathes the city in a beautiful glow, and as dusk settles, you can capture the magical transition as London's lights begin to twinkle. Daytime visits offer clarity for architectural details, while twilight provides a dramatic contrast between the fading sky and the illuminated cityscape.
Photography Tips: Bring a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the skyline and a telephoto lens to zoom in on specific landmarks. A tripod can be invaluable for low-light conditions to ensure sharp images. Remember to be considerate of other visitors and staff when taking photos.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit