Hidden away in beautiful Britannia Village – just across the water from the Excel centre – So! Bar and Restaurant is like something out of sunny Spain – a gorgeous, simple waterside venue, great come rain or shine.

The Venue
Britannia Village is a bit of an enigma. It’s a modern yet quaint, self-contained area filled with young professionals wanting to be within easy commuting distance of Canary Wharf and the City. So! Bar and Restaurant epitomises this quaint place – it’s a nice, modern bar on the water, but has a distinct village feel due to its clientele of mainly locals or tourists from the neighbouring Excel Centre. The bar isn’t very large, but it’s more than adequate, and when the weather is warm it opens right out to include a number of tables and umbrellas outside. And that’s where this bar and restaurant truly shines. If you want a taste of al fresco dining beach holiday style then this is the way to go. The large dock is beautiful and the area is light and airy and far removed from the roads and hustle and bustle of London. Just a short walk across the footbridge from Excel, it’s definitely worth a visit.

The Atmosphere
So! Bar and Restaurant is an upbeat little place with a relaxed holiday vibe. Locals chill out, knowing their homes are nearby and they don’t have to face the tube to get home. When the weather’s nice, the atmosphere is happy as people sit in the sun and admire the views and breathe in the fresh air. There aren’t a lot of staff at So! but the staff that are there are friendly and willing to help. All in all it’s a nice, friendly place to go for a quiet afternoon drink or relax in the sun away from rowdy types and hectic city life.

The Food
The food is good quality and reasonable. There’s not a great deal to choose from and it’s more a bar that does food than a full-on restaurant. However, what food there is, is better than what you get in most bars. The pizzas are especially nice and it’s well worth having a meal there if you just want a quiet night out without making it too expensive or special.

The Drink
The bar is quite small so there’s not a huge selection to choose from. That said, there are the usual drinks you’d expect from a bar – lagers, wines, spirits and everything in between, just don’t expect anything special. Prices are average – but a lot less than nearby Canary Wharf or Excel Centre.

The Last Word
This is a lovely, modern yet charming bar that’s perfect for the summer. If you’re in the area and aren’t sure where to go, it’s worth the short walk from West Silvertown or Custom House at Excel to sample the So! Bar and Restaurant.

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