BFI Southbank

What is it?

Formerly the National Film Theatre, this much-loved four-screen venue on the South Bank in Waterloo became the BFI Southbank in 2007. For film lovers who know their Kubrick from their Kurosawa, this is London's best cinema. Certainly, it's the city’s foremost cinema for director retrospectives and seasons programmed to showcase international work or films of specific genres or themes. It’s the flagship venue of the British Film Institute and plays home each year to the BFI’s London Film Festival and to the BFI’s seasons. BFI Southbank also regularly hosts Q&As with some of the world’s leading filmmakers. The venue itself is a hot spot, with two bar-restaurants (one overlooking the river, nestled under Waterloo Bridge), a cafe, a bookshop (good for DVDs too) and a library.

Why go?

To see films you won’t find in your local chain cinema. 

Don’t miss:

The BFI’s curated seasons really are the business if you love film. They encompass a whole range of subjects from month-long programmes celebrating ‘the uncanny’ to director and genre specials. They even get top-notch directors like Martin Scorsese to hand-pick their favourite flicks. 

When to visit:

Sun-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11.30pm, programming times vary 

Ticketing info:

£8-£13.50, under 16s £3

Time Out tip:

I was given a BFI Southbank membership as a gift and it’s categorically one of the best presents I’ve ever received. Membership entitles you to £2 off of up to four tickets, priority booking and access to exclusive events. 

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