The Secret Drawing Room at Benugo @ The BFI Southbank

  28 reviews  – 
BFI Southbank, Waterloo, London, SE1 8XT
Waterloo Station (400 yd)
Sam P.

Sam P.

About this space

The BFI is a bit of a maze, with things to discover on all floors – cinemas, exhibitions, but bars too. Entering from the riverside, you’ll have to adventure yourself deep inside the building to find yourself in The Drawing room, a small and cosy cocktail bar attached to Benugo, where the library décor sees conversation and drinks flowing.

It’s got a bit of that classic London vibe to it, so the menu’s got a welcome focus on bubbles and Martinis, with well-executed drinks with just a touch of inventiveness to surprise Southbank tourists and entice boozers.

It’s really the atmosphere that makes this worth the visit though. Set a bit away from the BFI, it’s calmer and quieter, and the ceiling-high bookshelves filled with quirky old books and old-school posters on the walls make this perfect for Private events.

From a sit-down dinner for up to 20 people to a drinks and canapes reception for up to 40 people, we got it all cover. Our fantastic chef's produce seasonal menus and source fresh ingredients from great producers.

We look forward to hearing from you, our friendly events team are available to answer any questions you may have relating to your enquiry and can offer you our packages and add-ons if applicable.


Prices

Monday
9:00 – 23:00
from £330 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
9:00 – 16:00
from £330 + £650 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
16:00 – 23:00
from £330 + £1000 hire fee + min. spend
Note: Alcohol licence until 23:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Tuesday
9:00 – 23:00
from £330 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
9:00 – 16:00
from £330 + £650 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
16:00 – 23:00
from £330 + £1000 hire fee + min. spend
Note: Alcohol licence until 23:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Wednesday
9:00 – 23:00
from £330 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
9:00 – 16:00
from £330 + £650 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
16:00 – 23:00
from £330 + £1000 hire fee + min. spend
Note: Alcohol licence until 23:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Thursday
9:00 – 23:00
from £330 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
9:00 – 16:00
from £330 + £780 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
16:00 – 23:00
from £330 + £1300 hire fee + min. spend
Note: Alcohol licence until 23:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Friday
9:00 – 23:00
from £330 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
9:00 – 16:00
from £330 + £780 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
16:00 – 23:00
from £330 + £1300 hire fee + min. spend
Note: Alcohol licence until 23:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Saturday
9:00 – 23:00
from £330 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
9:00 – 16:00
from £330 + £780 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
16:00 – 23:00
from £330 + £1300 hire fee + min. spend
Note: Alcohol licence until 23:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Sunday
9:00 – 23:00
from £330 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
9:00 – 16:00
from £330 + £650 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
16:00 – 23:00
from £330 + £1000 hire fee + min. spend
Note: Alcohol licence until 23:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.

Capacity

Standing
up to 40
Dining
up to 20
Boardroom
up to 16

Catering and drinks

In-house catering
External catering not allowed
Venue provides alcohol
BYO alcohol not allowed

Facilities

Wi-Fi
Projector
Whiteboard
Flipchart
Private Bar
Secret Entrance
Flatscreen TV
Conference call facilities
Air conditioning
Natural light
Storage space
Accommodation available
Parking available

Music & sound equipment

Own music allowed
PA system / music speakers available
Bring your own DJ

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible
Disabled access toilets
Lift to all floors

Rules of the space

Allowed events

Loud music / events
Promoted / ticketed events
Temporary event notices (TENs) available
Wedding licence

Host rules

- No smoking in the building or on the Balcony Bar
- With the exception of birthday cakes, outside catering is not allowed
- No under 18's past 8pm

Cancellation policy: Custom

Show cancellation details

Reviews and ratings

(28 reviews and ratings - )

R
Robin
February 2023

Sam was brilliant and the drawing room is such a quirky and interesting venue that everyone who came complimented us on finding it. We will certainly be enquiring about its availability if the need to organise future events in this area of London arises!

The level of lighting was quite low, it would have been nice to have the option to have more light - without spoiling the ambience of the room. Perhaps a couple of freestanding up-lighters in a couple of corners with dimmer switches? The chairs were basic and I feel the room deserved some nicer chairs :-) Please note, neither of these two points detracted from the event and its success, I just think this would just help elevate the venue to an even higher level.

t
tom scrimgour
June 2023

very good

J
John Horsman
May 2023

Prompt responses and always polite.

D
Diane Johnson
April 2023

Excellent


Benugo @ The BFI Southbank is a #Supervenue

#Supervenue program is based on our customers' feedback and highlights venues that are most dedicated to providing outstanding hospitality, customer service and event experience. Read more
Customers rated communication with this venue and their event experience as Superb
Response time: within couple of hours
Response rate: 98%

About Benugo @ The BFI Southbank

BFI Bar is on the South Bank, the cultural hub of riverside London, looking out over the Thames and some of the most iconic sights of this great city.

There’s always something going on at the BFI. Whether you want a quick recharge between events with a relaxed drink you’ll find what you are looking for in this bright, flexible space.

Group bookings from 8 to 60 people seated and 12 to 300 for drinks area, we got it all covered!

Elegant lounge, quirky hidden private room, what's not to like! We are very proud of our cocktail menu at the Bar (try one and tell us if you’ve tasted better) and we also stock an eclectic mix of craft beers alongside an adventurous wine list.

Relax with your drink in the lounge, or take it with you into the Riverfront restaurant to enjoy while you check out the menu.


Other spaces and event packages at this venue

from £5800
minimum spend / per session
from £1630
minimum spend / per session

Location