The Secret Drawing Room at Benugo @ The BFI Southbank

  47 reviews  – 
BFI Southbank, Waterloo, London, SE1 8XT
Waterloo Station (400 yd)

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.


Event offers and packages

Christmas Party Offers

Join us this holiday season for a magical Christmas feast at The Refinery Bankside!!!
Christmas Canapes (Minimum 50 Guests)
£19 per person
COLD
1. Smoked duck, lemon thyme shortbread blackberry gel, thyme
2. Kiln smoked trout, lemon mascarpone, vol au vent, keta caviar
3. Sesame seared tuna, avocado lime purée, coriander+
4. White crab, avocado, smoked chilli, lemon, baby cucumber
5. Smoked mackerel pate, spelt blini, bronze fennel
6. Whipped goat's cheese, crushed broad beans, charcoal cup, basil (v)
7. Asparagus custard, asparagus tip, shaved radish, croûte (vg)

WARM
1. Grilled sirloin skewer, bearnaise, chervil oil
2. Teriyaki chicken skewer, black sesame seeds, coriander cress
3. Pulled pork croquettes, barbeque sauce, parsley
4. Garlic & herb chicken Bon - Bon, bang bang chilli dip, spring onion curls
5. Crispy prawn, mango & chilli gel, coriander cress
6. Wild mushroom & truffle arancini,
7. Parmesan cream, cress (v)
8. Mixed pepper tartlet, herb mascarpone, chilli jam, thyme (vg)
9. Cherry tomato Tatin, black olive tapenade, basil (vg)
10. Beetroot & kale falafel, whipped tahini, black sesame (vg)

DESSERT
1. Dark chocolate cup, lemon posset, lemon balm (v)
2. Banoffee pie, vanilla mascarpone, mint cress (v)
3. Macarons, flavoured crème pat (v)
4. Pineapple tart tatin, coconut yoghurt, basil (vg)
5. Blueberry lemon tart, vanilla yoghurt, lemon balm (vg)

Prices

Monday
9:00 – 23:00
from £450 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
9:00 – 16:00
from £450 + £650 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
16:00 – 23:00
from £650 + £1000 hire fee + min. spend
Note: Alcohol licence until 23:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Tuesday
9:00 – 23:00
from £450 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
9:00 – 16:00
from £450 + £650 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
16:00 – 23:00
from £650 + £1000 hire fee + min. spend
Note: Alcohol licence until 23:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Wednesday
9:00 – 23:00
from £450 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
9:00 – 16:00
from £450 + £650 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
16:00 – 23:00
from £650 + £1000 hire fee + min. spend
Note: Alcohol licence until 23:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Thursday
9:00 – 23:00
from £450 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
9:00 – 16:00
from £450 + £780 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
16:00 – 23:00
from £650 + £1300 hire fee + min. spend
Note: Alcohol licence until 23:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Friday
9:00 – 23:00
from £450 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
9:00 – 16:00
from £450 + £780 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
16:00 – 23:00
from £650 + £1300 hire fee + min. spend
Note: Alcohol licence until 23:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Saturday
9:00 – 23:00
from £450 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
9:00 – 16:00
from £450 + £780 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
16:00 – 23:00
from £650 + £1300 hire fee + min. spend
Note: Alcohol licence until 23:00. Extension available. All prices include VAT.
Sunday
9:00 – 23:00
from £450 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
9:00 – 16:00
from £450 + £650 hire fee + min. spend
Per session
16:00 – 23:00
from £650 + £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 16
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
PA system / speakers
Private Bar
Secret Entrance
Flatscreen TV
Conference call facilities
Air conditioning
Natural light
Storage space
Quiet space
Accommodation available
Parking available

Music & sound equipment

Own music allowed
Noise restrictions 21:00
Bring your own DJ

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible
Disabled access toilets
Lift to all floors

Rules of the space

Allowed events

Promoted and 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

(47 reviews and ratings - )

S
Shaun H.
November 2023

Great venue with excllent catering.

Nothing setup when we arrived, although staff were very helpful. Cold throughout the day. Continual banging noise throughout the day.

B
Barbara H.
October 2023

Excellent throughout - Dani was great and super responsive organising all details ahead of time and the team on the night with Marty, Miguel and Tony were just lovely and making everyone welcome. The food was delicious and much commented on by the guests. We all just had a wonderful time and the night couldn't have gone better! Thank you again everyone on the team for this memorable night!

Nothing - it was a blast!

B
Bethan J.
October 2023

Great service in a fantastic location. Really helpful staff and good sound system.

A
Adriana C.
September 2023

Such a great venue, lots of atmosphere and we were very well looked after,.


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: 100%

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 £2100
minimum spend / per session

Location