Nestled high above the crowds of the Southbank, sunk into the 1960s brutalist concrete architecture of the Hayward Gallery, lies Concrete – a small but perfectly formed cafe and bar.

The Venue
Although Concrete has a slightly tucked out of the way location, it’s not hard to find. Take any of the stairs from the Southbank up to the little-known concrete walkways above, and follow the signs for the Hayward Gallery. Depending on the time you arrive, you may already hear the music pumping. Failing that, you certainly won’t miss the upturned concrete mixer outlined in neon-pink piping.

Once inside, the industrial style decor is obvious with granite-effect flooring and untreated concrete walls. A small grey tiled bar area is dimly lit by spot and strip lighting hanging from exposed pipework that runs across the ceiling. You’ll find factory chic, minimalist furnishings, low metal chairs and high stools servicing sturdy wooden tables. Occasionally, films are projected onto the walls when they’re not bedecked in contemporary art, showcasing the talents of regularly rotated artists.

Quirky touches such as the mini replica Tonka truck harbouring the day’s selection of fresh fruit on the bar and the arty coat stand give a fun, relaxed feel, whilst a magazine rack brimming with architecture and design tomes belies the cultural location.

The Atmosphere
The clientele varies on the night, but generally you can expect an eclectic mix of arty academics relaxing after a visit to one of the Southbank Centre’s cultural haunts, and media types from the surrounding offices. Seasoned regulars are joined by first-timers, both welcomed in equal measure by the attentive bar staff.

By day, the large windows let in enough light to take the edge off the gritty interior and at night tea lights are dotted about the tables creating a warm ambience, nicely aided by the glowing pink hue seeping in from the fluorescent lighting outside.

The Music
DJs, VJs or bands entertain Thursday to Saturday - expect to hear anything from deep house to 1960s funk, ska, soul and everything in between. When the sun sets, the music builds and there’s plenty of room to spill outside when the dance floor fills.

The Food
Concrete serves up an enticing selection of good quality bites at lunchtime including toasties, salads, and soup whilst in the evening the offering is paired down to four simple small pizzas, great value at £5. Bakery bread, muffins and coffee are available all day and pastries are on offer at breakfast.

Come the evening, you can snack on the likes of wasabi nuts and marinated olives, although don’t be surprised if a member of staff arrives at your table brandishing a bowl of complimentary saffron-infused popcorn - a good indication of the thoughtful, individual touches that the staff seem keen to maintain.

The Drink
Concrete boasts an impressive drink menu for its size, offering up well thought out alternatives to standard spirits and bottles. It’s clear everything that’s made the cut here has been well considered and fought for its right to appear on the list.

Portuguese and Spanish flavours influence the four whites, four reds and one rose available by the glass, carafe and bottle. There’s also a quality Chilean Sibarita Riesling available by the bottle only. Birra Moretti, Guinness and Mr Whitehead cider are also available by the bottle, ranging from £3.40-£3.75.

The expertly crafted cocktail list is exceptional - opt for one of the unusual martinis like punchy Snow Fennel (Snow Leopard vodka, Lillet white, picked fennel) or decadent Chocolate and Ginger (Green Mark vodka, chocolate vanilla syrup and fresh ginger). An Avocado Colada (Doorly’s 5 year old rum, fresh avocado, coconut, milk, pineapple juice) makes an interesting flavour combination and the Sloe Swirl is a delightful mix of Plymouth sloe gin, lychee juice, raspberry, coconut syrup. Cocktails start at £7.50 but are part of a 2-4-1 happy hour deal.

The Last Word
Concrete seems to have a knack of getting everything just right. An in the know spot without the accompanying pretension, it’s worth seeking out.

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