Turn right out of Southwark tube station and after a few minutes saunter down Blackfriars Road, you can't fail to see the brightly painted exterior of Imbibe.
Latic scholars will know that the name Imbibe comes from the Latin imbibere (to drink in) - in the sense of consuming drink, absorbing liquids, especially alcoholic beverages and appropriating ideas - what a fantastic name for a drinking establishment.
The bar itself is sparsely furnished - comfy sofas along the large window at the front, a few bar stools and smaller leather chairs, plus wooden chairs and tables scattered to the rear of the bar.
What really stands Imbibe out from the majority of bars in this part of London is the Pimms garden at the back - and we're not talking a couple of chairs on a slab of paving, no no no, Imbibe's impressive garden is two tiered with a barbecue area tucked against the main building, beautiful flowers and wooden furniture creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that can easily entertain a group of 150.
Imbibe is great for a good night out, and even better for recovering from your hangover the next day. By day Imbibe is a fine restaurant with a classy mediterranean menu, by night, a bustling bar with a brand new cocktail list that will challenge your taste. Resident DJ will shake the best that is on you every Friday night. The fire place is a real touch for winter warmers.
Definitely a bar to check out if you work in this area of London and if you're after a venue to hold a private party look no further.
Paul
Description:
Two minutes from Southwark tube station, Imbibe has an eclectic offering. Whether it is a business lunch or a relaxed dinner with a friend, the modern European menu has a diverse mix of dishes to cater for everyone. Dishes start from £4.95.
In the summer why not enjoy lunch in the sunshine, or book a private BBQ in the evening with their outdoor seating capacity of 85, and BBQ facilities for up to 150. The close proximity to Smithfield provides Imbibe with some of the best BBQ ingredients.
Imbibe has a monthly quiz night.
(Updated 22/01/2009)
Customer Reviews for Imbibe
“We held a joint 30th birthday here and it was brilliant. We were giddy with excitement & alcohol and loved Imbibe so perhaps a more reliable unbiased version of events can be found in the quotes from our guests.... “mate, the BBQ was amazing, I ate way too much”... “where did you find this place? It’s so cool”...”the garden was wicked” … “the barman was fit”… “I did enjoy the Pimms” ... “That bar was frickin awesome” ...”
Rating: 
— Kate, London
(16 Jul 2010)
“We had our Britain's Next Top Model wrap party at Imbibe this year. It's our 15th party there and wouldn't consider anywhere else!! It's a perfect party and events venue. The indoor space and garden are ideal to spread out and have different areas for everyone to eat, talk and dance! The staff - headed up by owner/manager Sam - are great, v. friendly and informal but work really hard to ensure everyone has the best time possible. They have looked after our VIP and celeb guests - as well as the rest of us - impeccably over the years! We have never had a bad party or time at Imbibe and we couldn't recommend it enough. You wont be disappointed if you book there!!”
Rating:
— Thumbs Up Productions, London
(29 Jun 2010)
“Imbibe Bar is excellent, I have been drinking here for many years. The Staff are all extremley friendly
and look after you really well. I have started holding Events here also, and we have had an excellent time. The Drinks are great, and the food was excellent.
If you are in the Southwark or Waterloo area then I promise you should give Imbibe a go......and if its on a warm summers evening you can chill and drink in their beautiful beer garden, surrounded by comy furniture and a pretty garden!
One of my top bars in London, so I cannot recommend highly enough!! :)”
Rating:
— eleanor, London
(27 May 2010)
“I came here for a private party not knowing what to expect. To say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. This is an exceptional bar indeed.
-Friendly, genuine staff. Helpful, slick, obviously well-trained, yet neither sycophantic or obsequieous.
-Music at a good volume, i.e. you could hear it, and it was obviously there, but it didn't get in the way of chit chat. (V. V. Important)
-Good variety of drinks. being able to buy pints of (quality) lager in somewhere so stylish is definitely A Good Thing.
-Easy to get to; about 50 yards from Southwark Tube.
-No cover charge, nor table booking fee.
-Stylish, yet not offensively pretentious.
The manager of this place is doing a great job. Assuming that this regime can continue unababted, I would DEFINITELY come here again.”
Rating:
— G Weeks, Cambridge
(31 Mar 2009)
“We held our wedding reception here and it was fantastic. We held it there as it was close to the ceremny and seemed pretty good value for money. What we didn't expect was how much effort they put into it for us and how stunning the place looked. The staff were all really friendly and the food was excellent. I highly recommend the place for a private party.”
Rating: 
— [ Unknown ], London
(11 Feb 2009)
View all user reviews (9).