Corona Pop-up Bar on the Southbank

Offering their own interpretation of the pop-up bar, Mexican beer moguls Corona have pitched up on the South Bank for a few pre-Christmas days to entice you (read: tourists) in for a bottle of cool, refreshing Corona. Looking like a giant igloo from the outside, the 50 or so capacity venue is rather different as you venture inside thanks to the palm trees, faux grass flooring and other ‘summer’ touches that are designed – in their own words – to help you escape the bitter cold of the British winter.

In reality, however, the whole thing just doesn’t really work. The interior looks a bit naff, and the only way you feel like you could be in summer is thanks to the heating which appears to be set on full blast, presumably keeping the palm trees from freezing to death, but also making those of you wearing coats, jumpers or even trousers questioning your outfit for the day. That being said, apparently this is their intention, as their Facebook page encourages shorts, flip flops and other associated apparel in order to fully enjoy the experience.

But we all know no one in their right mind would wear flip flops and shorts just to visit a large tent next to the OXO tower, nor would they do it knowing the pop-up’s most embarrassing flaw: it shuts at 9pm. Hence we are apparently expected to rock up in beach wear only to be booted out to other pubs to catch the last few hours of drinking time. I think not. Although at least you would be able to finally go to the toilet, as I saw no sign of any facilities for those downing Corona after Corona.

In terms of attracting would-be drinkers, I doubt anyone planning a night out would forego an actual pub/bar to venture there, and it’s too far from the tourist-heavy bit of the South Bank to really pull in unsuspecting punters. Maybe if the Corona’s were cheap I could give it some praise, but at £3 a bottle it doesn’t really entice you.

If you do want to visit, it will only be open for three days between December 15 and 17, so you’d better hurry. My advice? Don’t bother;  there are plenty of better places to get yourself a few delicious and refreshing Coronas.

Corona Extra Summer
Riverside Walkway (near Gabriel’s Wharf)
Southbank
SE1 9PP