Started in 1979 by Liz Philip (a former librarian) and her husband Anthony, both South Bank regulars who spotted a large gap in the market, the Archduke has been a popular watering hole for over 28 years.

One of London's very first wine bars, our arrival in the then gastronomic wasteland by the Royal Festival Hall was greeted with instant delight by culture lovers and local office workers alike.

The original design under railway arches, which won a Civic Trust architectural award, has since been expanded without losing its light filled ambience. To this day we continue to be written up in journals and visited by students of architecture.

While many chains and groups have followed the Archduke to the South Bank, we remain a proudly independent business, now run by Anthony Philip and Frances Johnston who previously managed another of the partnership's outlets and took over when Liz died in 1999. A personal friend, Sandra Grant, is the 3rd partner but is not involved in the day to day running of the business.

Today, The Archduke trades as an LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) and continues the tradition of good food, sensibly priced, served by friendly staff in unusual surroundings.