Food & Drink · Elysium Restaurant Guide
Limin for one last summer. Book before it’s too late.
By Paloma Lacy · · 3 min read
Come closer and I’ll let you into a little secret. You can feel the sand between your toes right here in the Capital. There’s no need to risk heat stroke, sat on a motorway for hours, or spend forever looking for somewhere to park.
It’s time you ignored all promises of fantastic nearby seaside options flooding social media feeds. If you live in London, the nearest beach is at least 40 miles away. Brighton is 50 miles from London, and last time I looked, it had pebbles. There was not a grain of sand in sight.
LIMIN SOUTHBANK: London’s only beachside bar and restaurant
London’s only beachside bar and restaurant – LIMIN SOUTHBANK – is where it is at this summer. Just a few minutes’ walk from London Blackfriars is a charming enclave, Gabriel’s Wharf, with one-off boutiques, quite unlike anywhere else in Central London.
LIMIN SOUTHBANK has brought the island vibes of Trinidad to the banks of the River Thames for nearly a decade. However, you’d better be quick as Gabriel’s Wharf is undergoing re-development at the end of September 2026, and LIMIN SOUTHBANK is closing its doors.
For one last summer, experience true Caribbean hospitality. Open daily from noon until late – whether it’s lunch with friends, a dinner date or sundowners, these guys have you covered.
I particularly enjoyed the suntrap that is the LIMIN SOUTHBANK beach – rum punch in hand, as the sun went down. The cocktails are good, perhaps too good but hey, that’s a nice problem to have. The only way to ensure I wasn’t overly refreshed was to dive into the menu.
The food is Caribbean – many of the dishes hail from chef-patron Sham Mahabir’s Trinidad birth place – but delivered with a beautifully modern twist. Trinidad’s national dish – doubles – takes centre stage. The ultimate street food consists of two thin, hand-stretched flatbreads, lightly fried, topped with chickpeas, and served with a tangy tamarind and fiery lime pepper sauces, cooling cucumber, apple pickle, minty green chutney and sweet Scotch Bonnet jam. The dish is protein packed and vegan friendly.
Every Saturday, it’s Rum & Rhythm. What’s it all about? Caribbean vibes, music and dancing from 12 noon opening until late.
Who should visit LIMIN SOUTHBANK?
Everyone. It’s perfect for a family lunch, mate dates and date dates. Walk-ins are welcome but booking is advised, particularly if you’re hoping to be seated on the beach.
For the uninitiated, limin is a Caribbean colloquialism, meaning hanging out, relaxing, or enjoying casual time with friends and family.
It typically involves good company, food, and drinks in a laid-back setting like a beach, or bar. LIMIN SOUTHBANK is the embodiment of this.
56 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PP.
Find out more: www.limin.co.uk
