Cannes? Saint-Tropez? Nice? Nah. Forget it. This summer, the South Bank of the Thames is the place to be, as it transforms into a heavenly taste of the French Riviera with Le Pont de la Tour’s seasonal pop-up: the Riviera Beach Club Pont Plage. La Pont de la Tour is a London legend and is one of the very best locations in all of London. Pont Plage invites us to step into an alfresco paradise. With the Tower Bridge as a backdrop, sand beneath your feet, a drink in hand, and a French flair that will take your breath away, Pont Plage is the ultimate summer destination – all without the suitcase.
A Riviera-Inspired Ambience
Designed to reflect the glamour of Côte d’Azur beach clubs, Pont Plage provides more than just scenic views. Hosting up to 100 guests at the beach and internal bar, visitors can immerse themselves in a Mediterranean escape right within the British capital. Featuring a curated summer playlist and a DJ that is sure to wrap you in joy, Pont Plage is the perfect place to dance the day away, drink a chilled Mirabeau rosé, and play volleyball with a cocktail in hand.
Whether you’re lounging in the sun or sipping cocktails, the ambience embodies the effortless chic of Nice, Marseille, and St Tropez. Think French cinema screenings, coastal breezes, and beach bites and sweet treats.
Pink Hour: Rosé-Fuelled Toast to Summer
Happy hour, but make it pink and beachy. Pont Plage offers a daily ritual of complimentary Mirabeau Spritz to add an extra touch of delightful enjoyment to your day. Trays will circulate the venue between 5pm–6pm on weekdays and 12pm–1pm on weekends serving the refreshing beverage right into your hands. With DJ sets reminiscent of Café Del Mar and Hôtel Costes, it is the perfect place for a sunset toast or midday getaway. Whether you’re winding down after work or starting your afternoon with a sun-kissed glow, Pink Hour is your golden hour.
Beach Bites with French Flair
The Pont Plage bar menu showcases the finest Provençal snacks on London’s waterfront. Each dish delivers a relaxed yet flavourful and elegant expression of French coastal cuisine; perfect for enjoying by the beach with a spritz in hand.
Lobster Roll – tender lobster meat layered with shaved fennel and lobster hollandaise resulting in an explosion of flavours.
French Riviera Hot Dog – a twist on a beach-day classic, this hot dog is topped with French mustard and caramelised onions, delivering a rich, tangy, and sweet taste that is sure to leave you craving more.
Pan Bagnat Niçoise – a traditional dish from Nice, this sandwich is packed with Provençal vegetables, tuna, and olives. Marinated and pressed into a crusty roll, delivering a rustic and refreshing taste.
Octopus Skewers – charred and tender octopus, paired with romesco sauce and citrus gremolata, offering a bright and smoky Mediterranean bite.
Olives Vertes Farcies à la Fourme d’Ambert – green olives stuffed with creamy Fourme d’Ambert cheese, dressed in olive oil and rosemary; a salty, savoury, and sophisticated plate.
Coffee Diplomat Crème Profiteroles – filled with coffee diplomat crème, these airy profiteroles result in a refined and subtly sweet finish.
Sweet Treats on the Move
No beach day is complete without a sweet frozen treat, and at Pont Plage, you can cool off with an ice cream scoop from the roaming ice cream bike. With a menu that updates weekly, Pont Plage serves a variety of ice cream flavours and handcrafted French popsicles from Emki Pop. All-natural treats that bring a taste of Marseille to the Thames in a cooling and vibrant indulgence.
The Bar at Pont Plage: Chic Sips, Summer Spirits, and Alfresco Indulgence
At Pont Plage, the bar is much more than a place to grab a drink; it is the social heart of London’s most stylish summer pop-up. Overlooking the Thames and surrounded by colourful beach umbrellas and striped deck chairs, the bar menu captures the playful, sophisticated essence of Côte d’Azur lifestyle with a wide array of cocktails, tonics, non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, and cigars.
Pont Plage’s signature cocktails bring together premium spirits and bold, summer flavours. Our top picks:
Oh Mon Dieu! – a blend of Brugal 1888, Havana 7YO, Courvoisier VSOP, Koko Kanu, orange juice, pineapple juice that results in a fruity, citrusy drink, perfect for a sunny beach day.
Highland Rebel – combines Dalmore 12YO, Fever Tree Ginger Beer, and pandan leaf syrup to create a smoky, spicy cocktail with a fragrant warmth and a hint of sweetness.
Parisian Cosmo – Ciroc vodka and Cointreau with cranberry juice that results in a crisp, elegant twist on the cosmopolitan. The ideal drink for those looking for a fresh and sharp option.
Lemon Whisker – Woodford Reserve, Adriatico Amaretto, egg white, and lemon juice come together to create a smooth, creamy sour with almond notes and bright citrus aftertaste.
Cygnet 22 – a vibrant Welsh gin paired with juniper and spice with soft vanilla, bee pollen, resulting in a crisp and citrusy finish.
To complement the drinks, Pont Plage’s bar menu offers gourmet snacks, perfect for sunny London days of subtle elegance. You can also enjoy a luxury smoke from a curated cigar selection, the perfect indulgence for a warm beach day.
Cohiba Robustos – bold and smooth, it offers a 45-minute smoke time of robust and full-flavoured cigar.
Romeo Y Julieta No.2 – this Petit Corona is a timeless classic with a shorter burn time.
Games & Good Times
At Pont Plage, lounging is only half the fun. Guests can engage in beach volleyball, pétanque, and bat-and-ball tournaments that come with a playful twist – the games are best enjoyed with cocktails in hand. This twist on classic sports games results in a fun and easy-going experience: the kind of spirited boldness you would expect from a Riviera hidden gem.
Whether you are casually spectating or competitively playing, there’s no shortage of alfresco entertainment. As each tournament comes with Pont Plage’s unique spin, guests are challenged to balance their drinks as they attempt to hit the approaching ball – or keep a straight face as they see their friends struggle not to drop the ball while sipping their delicious cocktail.
Pont Plage: The London Paradise
Pont Plage is an authentic summer escape at the heart of London. Located at the iconic Le Pont de la Tour, this hidden retreat blends Parisian elegance with Mediterranean charm, making it a go-to destination for beach lovers to enjoy a vibrant playlist, spritz-fuelled afternoon, and a fun twist on traditional games.
This summer, ditch the departure lounge and packed suitcases and enjoy the sun at Pont Plage – the beach club that brings the French Riviera to you.
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All Imagery Courtesy of Le Pont de la Tour.