Looking to pub crawl from the north bank of the Thames up to Leicester Square or Soho? Motion is a good place to start.

The Venue
Situated directly outside Embankment tube station, the architecture of Motion is actually part of Hungerford Bridge. Inside, bare-bricked walls reveal subterranean construction features of the bridge, including an impressive arch, and the industrial effect is augmented by butcher’s block tables. The views of the Thames from the River Bar upstairs contrasts with the perpetual twilight of the Basement, where it seems to be the early hours of the morning - even in the afternoon. Bookings are taken for guestlist or booth reservation.

The Atmosphere
Motion attracts a lot of large groups out to drink the night away or meet that not-so-special someone, and while this makes for a lively atmosphere during even the early hours of the evening, it also means that if you are looking for a quiet relaxing tipple this is not the place. There are plenty of spots for an impromptu boogie if the mood takes you and its proximity to the cultural hub of the South Bank makes this a ideal stepping stone for anyone in the arts crowd looking to slum it a little before a show or exhibition. Bar staff are attentive and on the ball, which is a good thing as the bar gets busy during after-work hours.

The Food
The menu ranges from snacks, including nachos and dips for £4, to sandwiches for around a fiver and mains including chicken tikka masala or fish and chips for under £8. Three platters are available to share with your friends – Fusion, Rustic and Mediterranean. The Fusion platter is delicious and features chilli drizzled salmon skewers, tempura prawns, marinated chicken tikka skewers, vegetable spring rolls, mini poppadoms and prawn crackers with mango chutney, sweet chilli sauce and sweet and sour sauce for £12.95 - a competitive price for Central London.

The Drink
Jugs of cocktails are available at Motion, including Long Island Iced Tea and Sex on the Beach, are around £15 with some great happy hour deals. Cuban classic the mojito will set you back around £6 and are expertly prepared. Loads of brands of bottled beer are £3.50 a pop with a pint of Staropramen available for a few pence more. The wine list has something for most tastes and budgets, and a range of shots are available for those looking to party on until the bar shuts at 3am.

The Last Word
Motion is in a great location to offer a party vibe with decent booze and food. The typically boozy Central London clientele means that whether you like this bar is essentially down to whether you are one of them yourself.