BFI Southbank Reviews

The British Film Institute shows wude ranging retrospectives, national and international, as well as new releases at several different screens within the building next to the National Theatre.

Excellent spot for a riverside beer on London's energetic South Bank.

The excellent restaurant !! Delicious food, variety, good atmosphere, good service ... the culture of cinema surrounds you !!!

do you think you can put op out a un subscribed link in you constant emails you send me.

most companies do this now by law.

rather trying to make me log on to your website which i no longer know any details

its simply just click the link and its done.

The National Film Theatre, as I continue to call it, is a great place to hang out in on the river with a great range of films and good restaurants/ bars.

Always good nice people and there's something to do no matter what time of year it is

A movie buffs heaven
A great facility for a great city

OK bar, quiet but good for the meeting I was there to have. Only ordered 4 drinks and managed to get 3 of them wrong, so needs some work

It provides a great place where one can collect, share or sit quietly with ones thoughts. Whilst at the same time be entertain or be entertained by the many cultured films which can not be easily found in our mainstream media.

Really comfortable cinema (especially NFT1) and a good programme of films.

The most immersive cinema experiences I've had. The seats are INCREDIBLY comfortable. In light of the pandemic they are extremely safe, very few seats available with more than adequate spacing between audience members. The ethos of the building is heartwarming too, love seeing remasters of classic films.

But screen was great, great lighting in the foyers too

A great venue for film especially as the BFI have such an incredible archive of film shown as well as new films, live talks and other events. It has a lovely bar, I can't comment on the restaurant but when I've been or passed by it never looks empty especially in the evening which is a good sign (I'll update if I do ever eat here). Staff are really helpful and it's easy to get to along the South Bank, it sits directly under the south end of Waterloo bridge. I'd give a five star it wasn't for the fact I do get quite lost inside, it's a bit of a maze but staff are really helpful and plentiful. Added bonus seats in the screens are really comfortable.

Friendly staff, well-executed events venue and a terrific film calendar.

The bars are nice, and the films are good, but the seating in the screens really uncomfortable

Great event space. Lots of interesting people. Art hub. Will definitely go back. We went to see a movie in the studio it s a tiny cinema but very good equipped technically

Amazing venue showing many interesting films!
Definitely a go to place when in London

The British Film Institute is exactly that! An Institution showcasing the very best of British Cinema throughout the ages. Host of multiple events and festivals including LFF (London Film Fest. and LGBTQIA+ Flare. Great atmosphere, old More

Brilliant cinema. Comfortable seats and a great vibe.

I was at BFI on Wednesday afternoon (13th Feb) to see a film in the studio.I tucked my bag and a carrier bag out of the way underneath my seat.It wasn't until the next day that I realised a small bag with dried fruit had fallen out of the carrier when I picked it up to leave.I called on Thursday to see if anyone had found it and handed it in.The best of all the options offered was I thought the office.I was connected to a man with the most appalling telephone manners.I explained my dilemma and he abruptly said 'I don't know what you're talking about!' I speak perfect English by the way.I carefully repeated the situation and he replied 'Who do you think you're talking to?' I told him he was very rude and terminated the call.I called back and this time spoke to a very helpful,courteous person at the box office.I was told security would know about anything left behind or handed in and I was given the number.The person who took my call in the office is badly in need of training and people skills......extremely rude!!

The food won't kill you but this is definitely a cinema not a restaurant. Their second attempt at a cheeae burger without a bun. First attempt, no cheese (no ketchup or mayo either and I didn't ask for them) And contrary to the menu, no grilled red onions, no beef tomato, no spicy pomodoro either.

Movies! Movie! Movies! They have so many movies here! So if you like those I would go for that. Also they have a fun shop and a nice bar and restaurant. I snuck in Red Vines once and they never found out ( I also bought some popcorn and some drinks too so I'm not a complete monster. I just like to eat Red Vines while i watch a movie. They are my favourite candy.And i would have bought them at the theatre but you can't buy them in this country very easily. Mine are usually imported. It is just a simple pleasure that I enjoy and I think we can all relate to that.)

I hope Victoria Crabbe is well

I know Jonny

Just had another meal before the film. The staff in the restaurant are so polite and give brilliant service. The food is also so fresh... Thank you BFI.

Good mix of classic and art house films in four excellent screens. Attached bar and restaurant has less to recommend it beyond a quick drink or two.

Film projection in NFT 3 well below par, with intrusive house/safety lighting

The Dark Crystal Age of Resistance Exhibition was the 2nd exhibit that I've been to. Exceptional experience.

Great venue, friendly staff and fantastic events all year round.

Saw a film at the festival. Comfortable, clean, enjoyable film.

Went to the Spanish Film Festival 2020. Great fun, watched a Spanish movie and used the language and learnt it from a Spanish speaking lady.

Staff need training! They forcibly removed a woman with Asperger's syndrome for laughing at her favourite film and on her birthday. SHAME ON YOU!

I love the BFI southbank.
But, in the relaxing lounge where one can meet people and chat, that is made more difficult by the management's dogged insistence to play piped music, and keep it loud. When asking a waiter if he would turn it down he looked incredulous and said it was boring if he could hear people talking. Great customer service indeed!!!

Lovely cinema, great location. Very comfy seats with plenty of room.

Excellent selection of films. Slightly institutional decor is starting to age a bit, but the cinema is second to none for adventurous cinephiles.

The worst visitor experience of any cinema in London. Agressive & rude staff, terrible customer support. Avoid for your own sanity

The place to go if you want to see old movies or be part of an avant premiere. Was lucky to be there for Man in an orange shirt. Vanessa Redgrave and other members of the cast were there. Great TV series. Great actors.
Also the right place if you want a drink. Nice staff and decent food.

One of the best places to visit in London. Have a wine in the inner bar and lovely food at riverfront restaurant.

BFI is a wonderful space for many reasons. Open for you to chill, catch a drink and relax. Also is accessible to all as far as I am aware.

Used to be pretentious now its more scruffy than anything. Okay for a drink, but nothing special.

Very good place for moviegoers, especially during the London Film Festival!

It is currently being redeveloped so it can get a bit tricky finding the entrance but still a great place. Loads of events and interesting stuff going on. Every cinema lover should visit

Cute, rooftop bar overlooking the Thames. Nice little spot to have some food/drinks on a nice day.

I watched Lawrence of Arabia (4 hours long movie). If you are a cinema lover you should pay a visit. You'll like it.

Read the story on Ms Parker and think this place treats people disgustingly

Great spot for hanging out with a laptop and catching a film or two or meeting friends for food and drink

I had a great time @BFI. Definitely at the top of my list of great entertainment spot

Showing a great selection of films, classic, foreign, arthouse and live q&A's with actors and directors.

BFI is a beautiful and interesting place with lots to do if you love the cinema. They have great brunch on the weekend as well.

huge cinema, really nice movie selection and sometimes special movie events. shop for movie lovers with books, posters, dvds etc.

A lot of good independent and historical cinema. Comfy seats.

Wish I could spend more time here.Drinks are expensive though

it s a museum, (many) cinemas, archive, place of research and funding - basically a cinematic heaven

Overall good experience. Old movies to watch with your friends or suggest your parents to watch an old classic for an affordable price. Also they got unique drinks menu.

Love the vibes, films, comfort/restaurants/get together/ views