Camden Lock

Now normality is returning to the Thames after the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, we take a look at London's best riverside spots - tranquil and picturesque places to while away some time when the weather is good.

The Banker pub on the north bank of the Thames. Picture by N-I-C-O via Flickr

This selection has been put together by the London Living blog.

1. An obvious choice some may argue, but the Lockside Lounge in Camden Lock has to appear somewhere in a definitive list of London's best waterside watering holes. Perhaps geographical positioning wins over appearance here; sitting proudly on the edge of the canal, the Lounge is modestly decorated, with a simple, retro interior and a large floor space with a long bar.

It's reminiscent of a spacious cricket pavilion and the perfect place to sip on an evening pint with some chums.

2. It wouldn't be fair to leave out one for the city dwellers among us (and a Fuller's pub should, we think, be an integral part of any London leisure time list, shouldn't it?), so that's why The Banker in Cousin Lane, on the north bank of the Thames, gets our nod of approval.

The Queen's House in Greenwich Park. Photo by tderego via Flickr

For a hearty pint, right in the heart of the city, this place is bustling with suited and booted Londoners quenching their thirst come 5pm. A relatively new pub, this place will lull you into a medieval nostalgia with its nonetheless historical appearance.

3. Our third choice takes us to Wapping, to the Grade II-listed Town of Ramsgate. With a fetching exterior and an even better setting, this lovely little pub serves great food, and a substantial selection of tasty beverages.

It's your classic London pub. And of course, you've also got some stunning views across the Thames from the fairylit garden to keep you satisfied.

4. Our fourth choice moves away from the beer garden. Nonetheless, The Queen's House in Greenwich cruises into our Top 5 with ease. Built between 1616 and 1619 for Anne of Denmark, it is a Grade I-listed building that sits proudly on the Thames.

Now part of the National Maritime Museum after several restorations, head here for a cultural fix, splendid views of our capital and a wander through Greenwich Park close by.

5. It's only right that we finish with one of our favourite east London hangouts, Stour Space. Nestled among the maze-like myriad of red brick warehouses and quirky studios that make up the area of Hackney Wick, Stour Space is one fine gallery venue, right on the canal.

Not far from another of our preferred locations, Forman's Smokehouse Gallery, Stour Space's impressive Counter Cafe, is probably the only place you can get stuck into some of the finest Eggs Benedict you'll ever taste, while gawking over a paramount view of the Olympic Stadium, so close you feel like you could prod it with your fork.

As well as the cosy interior of the restaurant and the mouth-watering food, the adjoining gallery space, always bursting with cutting-edge works from local artists, provides plenty to feast your eyes on too.

What are your favourite riverside spots in London? Share your recommendations in the comments box below.

This article was courtesy of London Living, the blog for East Village - a brand new neighbourhood in Stratford.

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