Talk of the town : Winter Market at the London Southbank

Eat, drink and be merry beside the River Thames at the Southbank Centre’s Winter Market. Expect seasonal goodies, sparkling lights, mulled wine and that festive feeling.

Over six weeks, the Southbank Centre has two new food and drink pop-ups.

Bar Under the Bridge is a warm hideaway serving cheese-themed food – charcuterie and cheese boards, croque monsieur and baked Camembert.

It’s all served up with cocktails such as Blood Orange Paloma, Red Snapper and Prosecco Fred.

The Circus Bar is pitching up in front of the Royal Festival Hall. Warm up with friends and family in this cosy space with sizzling fire-pits.

They’re serving snacks, baguettes filled with hot-smoked salmon and juicy steak, washed down with spicy mulled cider and wine.

Alongside the pop-ups, traders from around the world bring to the riverside an array of handmade festive goodies and delicious street food.

Each trader brings their spin to the feast, with stalls offering Asian, Indian and Greek cuisines, traditional winter favourites like raclette and bratwurst, and sweet treats including waffles and pancakes.

The Southbank Centre is also welcoming back alpine festive haven Jimmy’s Lodge next to Waterloo Bridge. Go down and string out an evening over fondue while gazing out over sparkling lights.

You can also host your Christmas party at one of the private igloos overlooking the River Thames.

The regular food market is open Friday-Sunday in Southbank Centre Square, Belvedere Road.

The market opens on Friday, November 9 from 11am and is free.