Why stop here for a tinny?

The view of the river, north bank and The City is miraculous and you feel as though you have a silent spot in an area that’s unbelievably well heeled. The boats roll by and the river tides. You can also think on the architectural oddness that struck the north of the river at some point in the 70s or 80s.

It’s so central that this spot is likely to fit with any central London plans you have. I sometimes stop here in the morning (for coffee).

For additional adventure at low tide, have your tinny on the beach.

Where?

The steps which are just through the gate on the Thames to the west of Millennium Bridge, on the south bank of the river. You can see the steps in the (somewhat grey) photo. On approach, it looks a little like the gate is going to be locked, or as though you shouldn’t be allowed down the steps. But you are free to enter.

If these steps are busy with art students or other drinkers, head west. There’s another spot about 25 meters on.

Proximity to shops: 3/5

There’s a Cooperative somewhere behind the Tate Modern, and a Sainsbury’s in Paternoster Square on the North side of the bridge.

There aren’t Turkish shops with £1.30 Tyskie anywhere in the local environs. But wherever you make your purchase, you’ll be making a considerable saving when compared to the £5.20 pints on sale at the nearby Founders Arms (the very worst of Young’s establishments).

Transport links: 5/5

Blackfriars, Cannon Street, St Paul’s and London Bridge are all a stone’s throw away.

Capacity for wandering onward: 5/5

In a word, brilliant. You’re in the heart of this fine city.

You could:

Walk across the bridge, through the cathedral gardens, pop to Sainsbury’s in Paternoster Square and have a sit on the steps of St Pauls

Time your visit well, and go into the cathedral itself at 5pm for the free choral evensong (Monday – Saturday)

Be an absolutely baller and have your second on a boat from Bankside Pier

Thank you to Lucy for showing me this spot on a heat-wave evening in July.