Nestled within vibrant Gabriels Wharf is this appealing bar and restaurant. A stone’s throw from the London Television Centre, Studio 6 caters for not only TV types but also South Bank shoppers attracted to its abundance of outdoor seating.

The Venue
Studio 6 is essentially a small two-roomed shack that has an almost seaside feel to it. This is, in part, due to it being located so close to the Thames - during the day, the shriek of seagulls is ever present. The alfresco seating area with big wooden picnic tables adds to this feeling and during the summer this space really comes into its own. Furthermore, this space is protected from the weather by large canopies, so you can sit outside come rain or shine.

Inside, one half of Studio 6 is a restaurant, the other a bar. Because the focal point is the outdoor seating area, the decor within is far from inspiring. Bright lights, dark brown floors, light brown tables and creamy lilac paint leave a lot to be desired. Look carefully enough and you’ll even spot the world’s smallest, not to mention most pointless, disco ball tucked between two roof beams in the ceiling. The bar itself is quite small and is regularly filled with stacked pint glasses and plastic cups. Chalkboards listing the selection of drinks adorn the wall above the bar. The restaurant area is more pleasant - paintings on the walls give it a much nicer ambience.

The Atmosphere
Upon entry, you’re greeted by the delicious aromas of fish being served up in the restaurant area, which compounds the fact that you’re by the river. If you can cope with the quaffing and scoffing of TV types, then you should have no problems at Studio 6. Being so close to the Television Centre, you can expect a lot of that. Also, don’t be surprised to see an extremely mixed crowd here. Families, businessmen and women, couples and large groups of friends mix seamlessly together.

Inside the bar during the evening, music is played at a low level and, quite frankly, it would be better to have nothing playing. Unless, of course, you enjoy listening to REM’s Automatic For The People in its entirety. Hardly suitable music for a bar on a Friday night, the musical selection can clash with the otherwise lively atmosphere.

The Food
The restaurant caters for most tastes. You can order food such as handmade spinach and ricotta ravioli with a tomato chilli and basil sauce, rocket and parmesan, homemade salmon fishcakes with mixed leaves and pickled beetroot, lamb leg steak or hamburger and chips, all priced well under £10. A small selection of desserts ranging from crumbles, cheesecakes and tiramisu are modestly priced at £3.50.

The Drink
The selection of drinks is good and not overpriced. There is a huge choice of draught beers including Fruli, Amstel, Guinness, Boddingtons, Staropramen and Grolsch (all £3.50), Hoegaarden (£4.30) and a handful of bottled beers such as Leffe Blonde, Staropramen, Holsten and Corona (£3.20–£3.60). They also serve Quilmes (£3.60) a lovely Argentinean bottled beer.

There is a good selection of red and white wines, which are all modestly priced (£12-£20) and are mainly old world. Highly recommended is the fruity yet soft Sauvignon Blanc (£14.25).

The Last Word
If you fancy an alfresco tipple or just want to put your feet up after a day strolling along the South Bank, this is the place to do it.

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