My Vauxhall area guide is designed to help you rethink this location. Vauxhall sits within the Borough of Lambeth and spans parts of both SW8 and SE11 postcodes. It might not be the most obvious choice for a day out, but this riverside patch of London has plenty going on if you take the time to look. A mix of new residential developments, historic quirks, green spaces and independent food and drink spots make it feel like a real part of the city rather than just a place to pass through. From Newport Street Gallery to Vauxhall City Farm, open green spaces, the Thames path, bars, food halls and restaurants, you can spend a leisurely afternoon exploring this part of London SW8 – SE11.
Best Things To Do In Vauxhall
Art lovers should make time for Newport Street Gallery, which occupies several former industrial buildings and shows contemporary work from Damien Hirst’s collection. The gallery is calm and well-designed, entry is free, and there’s a café on site designed with Hirst’s ‘Pharmacy’ concept. Newport Street, London SE11 6AJ.
For something a little less polished, explore Beaconsfield Gallery just down the road. It focuses on sound, installation and experimental art. You never quite know what you’ll find there, and that’s part of the appeal. It’s a local favourite for those who enjoy the more alternative corners of London’s art scene. 22 Newport Street, London SE11 6AY.
If you have kids or just enjoy a slower pace, you’ll love spending time at Vauxhall City Farm. It’s home to alpacas, rabbits, goats, sheep and chickens, as well as a cosy café and peaceful community garden. There’s no entry fee, and it spills out naturally into the nearby park. 165 Tyers Street, London SW8 1TP.
For green space, head to Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. Once known for wild parties in the eighteenth century, it’s now a relaxed public park with lawns, a basketball court, performance areas and shaded paths. You’ll often see people with coffees from local cafés sitting on benches or walking their dogs in the late afternoon light. Tyers Street, Vauxhall, London SE11 5HL.
A quieter alternative is Old Paradise Gardens, a pocket park tucked away from the traffic. It has an unhurried atmosphere, with allotments, a few benches under trees and winding paths that feel just overgrown enough to be interesting. It’s ideal if you’re looking for somewhere to pause and reset. Old Paradise Street, London SE11 6AX.
To stretch your legs, walk along the Thames Path toward Battersea Power Station. When the tide is low, a strip of pebbly beach appears, and birds pick through the silt. There are some large restaurants and bars with river views. Albert Embankment, London SE1.
Play padel at Game4Padel. If you are new to this game, you can take lessons at this location; they also serve drinks if you want to meet up with a group of friends. Vauxhall Square, London SW8 2LX.
New Covent Garden Market is the UK’s largest wholesale market for flowers, fruit and vegetables, supplying florists, restaurants and traders across London. Located in the heart of Nine Elms, it’s also open to the public, especially the Flower Market, which welcomes early-morning visitors from 4 am to 10 am on weekdays. Entry is free on foot, and while most goods are sold in bulk, you’re welcome to browse or buy in bunches. Arrive early for the best experience, and expect a vibrant, working market atmosphere. If you’re driving, parking is £5 for up to three hours. Nine Elms Lane, London, SW8 5BH.
Best Places To Eat And Drink In Vauxhall
Coffee lovers should stop at Unique Coffee, a small café near Newport Street Gallery serving excellent espresso and pastries. Another good spot is District Coffee, located inside the St George Wharf development and Black Cab Coffee Co. on the waterfront.
One of the most atmospheric places for breakfast in Vauxhall is Tea House Theatre, just opposite the Pleasure Gardens. Inside, it’s all armchairs, theatrical props, shelves of books and the comforting smell of strong loose-leaf tea. During the day, they serve traditional breakfasts, afternoon tea and roasts on Sundays. At night, it becomes a small theatre with cabaret, poetry and plays. 139 Vauxhall Walk, London SE11 5HL.
If you’re in the mood for something special, book a table for lunch or dinner at Brunswick House. This Georgian mansion-turned-restaurant is full of salvaged chandeliers, antique mirrors and oddities, all of which are for sale by Lassco. The menu leans seasonal and elegant, and the whole place feels like a hidden pocket of grandeur surrounded by concrete and traffic. 30 Wandsworth Road, London SW8 2LG.
If you’re visiting with a group, Market Place Vauxhall is an easy win. It’s a food hall under the arches with everything from bao to burgers and communal tables that fill up quickly during lunch hours and early evenings. 7 South Lambeth Place, London SW8 1SP. Nearby, Metropolis is another food hall with a buzzy late-night atmosphere. 72 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP
For a more down-to-earth option, walk up South Lambeth Road where you’ll find a string of Portuguese cafés and restaurants. Casa Madeira is one of the best known, with grilled fish, custard tarts and a bustling, welcoming atmosphere. 46b Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TL
Those looking for a social gathering over drinks should consider Mother Kelly’s for craft beer. The Riverside is a large pub with a panoramic terrace beside the Thames, and The Royal Vauxhall Tavern is a legendary LGBTQ+ venue. For pub grub and drinks, try The Black Dog or the Jolly Gardeners.
Helpful information About Vauxhall
Vauxhall sits within the Borough of Lambeth, with the SW8 postcode covering most of the area, and SE11 extending toward the river and Kennington. Bordered by Nine Elms, Kennington, Battersea and Pimlico, it enjoys a central location that’s surprisingly under the radar. Excellent transport links are via Vauxhall Station’s National Rail, Victoria Line, major bus hub, and the Thames Clippers riverboat, making it one of the best-connected spots in London.
The area has seen significant regeneration in recent years, particularly around the Vauxhall, Nine Elms and Battersea (VNEB) corridor, with new residential towers, cultural venues and green spaces transforming the landscape. It’s a quietly central neighbourhood that rewards curiosity, blending old and new with understated charm.
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Ten Best Things To Do In Vauxhall
Newport Street Gallery Vauxhall
Breakfast At The Tea House Theatre Vauxhall
Set Lunch At Brunswick House Vauxhall
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. To avoid disappointment, please check that the places I referenced in this article are still in business before you visit.