London’s South Bank is welcoming back one of its most anticipated seasonal attractions as the KERB National Theatre riverside market officially returns for the 2026 summer season. Opening on Thursday, April 16, the open-air market brings a curated selection of independent food and drink vendors to the riverside, creating a vibrant culinary hub right outside one of the city’s most iconic cultural institutions.
The market is a strategic collaboration between National Theatre Food and Drink and KERB, a street food pioneer that has been operating in London since 2012. By combining the National Theatre’s prime riverside location with KERB’s expertise in sourcing independent traders, the partnership aims to provide visitors with a diverse range of “independent food, drinks and vibes” throughout the alfresco season .
For 2026, the experience has been expanded to accommodate more visitors and a wider variety of tastes. Key additions include a new riverside beer garden, providing increased seating by the Thames, and an upgraded outdoor terrace at The Understudy. These enhancements ensure that the market can serve as both a quick lunch spot for theatre-goers and a destination for those seeking a leisurely afternoon by the water.
A Diverse Lineup of Independent Traders
The 2026 iteration of the market emphasizes variety, offering everything from authentic international fusion to plant-based desserts. The food lineup is designed to solve the common dilemma of group dining by providing options that cater to various dietary preferences and cravings.
Among the featured food vendors are Moody’s Dip Sandwiches, described as the UK’s only authentic dip sandwich slinger, and The Duck Shed, specializing in slow-roasted duck. For those seeking Caribbean flavors, BARBS brings the tastes of Barbados directly to the South Bank .
The market also places a strong emphasis on inclusive and plant-based options. Feed the Village offers vibrant plant-based street food, while Happy Pot provides a unique Malaysian-Nigerian fusion. To conclude the meal, Chill Gelato is stationed at the market, providing dairy-free, artisan plant-based scoops throughout the summer .
Expanded Drink Offerings and Riverside Lounges
Beverage options have been scaled up for 2026, with several high-profile partners managing the bars and beverage stations. Signature Brew, one of London’s largest independent breweries, has taken over a 20-foot container bar. Their offerings include fresh pints, wine, spritzes on tap, and frozen cocktails .
Complementing the brewery’s selection, GRIND, the London-born coffee specialists, provide chilled options suited for the sun, including flavoured matcha, frappes, and cold cocktails. Meanwhile, the Black Lines Bar returns to the upgraded outdoor terrace at The Understudy, where guests can order refreshing Hugo Spritzes .
Further enhancing the atmosphere is Forza Taps, which returns for its third year. This operation spills onto the lower terrace below Forza Wine, offering a selection of beer, wine, cocktails, and slushies on tap, all while providing views of the Thames sunsets .
Quick Reference: KERB National Theatre 2026 Highlights
| Category | Featured Vendors/Locations | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Main Food | Moody’s, The Duck Shed, BARBS | Dip sandwiches, slow-roasted duck, Barbadian flavors |
| Plant-Based/Fusion | Feed the Village, Happy Pot, Chill Gelato | Plant-based street food, Malaysian-Nigerian fusion, dairy-free gelato |
| Beverages | Signature Brew, GRIND, Black Lines Bar | Pints, frozen cocktails, matcha, Hugo Spritzes |
| Terraces | Forza Taps, The Understudy Terrace | Sunset views, slushies, and riverside seating |
The return of the KERB National Theatre riverside market marks a significant moment for the South Bank’s seasonal economy, blending cultural tourism with the city’s thriving independent street food scene. By expanding the seating and the trader lineup, the National Theatre and KERB have created a space that encourages visitors to linger and experience the riverside environment.
The market remains open throughout the summer season, providing a rotating and expanded selection of food and drink to both locals and international tourists visiting the South Bank.
For the latest updates on trader rotations and seasonal timings, visitors are encouraged to check the official KERB and National Theatre communications. We welcome your thoughts and experiences with London’s street food scene in the comments below.