The hot weather has been getting to us all so we sent Paloma Lacy along to Limin on the Southbank to see if she could find a cool experience.
When the heatwave hit a few weeks ago, I was desperate to feel a cool breeze. However, with the school term still in full swing, there was little chance of heading to the coast. Night time was the worst of all, with few closer nights in living memory.
In search of respite from the heat, I headed for the River Thames, and down to Limin Southbank – London’s only beachside bar and restaurant. Just a few minutes’ walk from London Blackfriars is the charming enclave, Gabriel’s Wharf, with one-off boutiques, quite unlike anywhere else in Central London.
Limin Southbank has been in charge of island vibes from Trinidad, since its Lockdown opening but not for much longer. However, 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 with sundowners, or party vibes, 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.
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.
There are lots of widely recognised dishes, and then those once discovered, you’ll head back for time and time again. My favourites, Caribbean Chinese Fried Chicken and Goat Samosas.
Open week-long, Saturday is something special at Limin Southbank. Rum & Rhythm takes place weekly, bringing authentic Caribbean vibes, with DJs throughout the day, and dancing from 12 noon opening until late close.
Who should visit Limin Southbank? Everyone. It’s perfect for a family lunch, mate dates, and date dates – this is Southbank after all. Walk-ins are welcome but booking is advised, particularly if you’re hoping to be seated on the beach to beat the heatwave.
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.
You can find Limin Southbank here: 56 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PP.
