The lounge at benugo bar & kitchen When I am in the South Bank area and I need a safe, comfy space for the afternoon, I make my way to the lounge at benugo. It's usually peaceful during the week days and I love sitting with a coffee or a glass of wine and indulging in a book, sinking deeper by the moment into a couch. The walls are clad in trendy patterned wallpaper, decor is contemporary -patterns and stripes against brooding woods. Prices at the bar are slightly above average, with a full cocktail menu. Weekends are busier and couches become much coveted possessions. I haven't eaten at Benugo so I can't review the food. Maybe one day I'll make it off the couch onto a table. T here's free Wifi as well as feeling like you are a part of the BFI's filmic elite. read more

Benugo @ BFI - Bars Near Me - London, XGL

I would have never thought to go here for drinks after work but my friend spotted it in timeout so we decided to come after work for a drink on a Friday. You would have to know about as it is at the back of benugos but very cute as the entrance is a bookcase and then the decor inside is like an old library. It was empty when we arrived so we got our pick of seats - nice comfy sofas. There is a small bar with one waiter and an extensive cocktail list. I'd recommend the elderflower and champagne cocktail. It remained fairly quiet most of the early evening but nice vibe with good music. Will definitely be back although cocktails aren't cheap! Bar menu also looked tasty! read more

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Another favourite place of mine to drop in for some coca cola or a tasty organic cider. The perfect place to sit and watch the world go by.... read more

Benugo @ BFI - Bars Near Me - London, XGL

I am a sucker for a bit of mismatched furniture. Gimme a pink sofa next to a blue one with a couple of green cushions and hear me moan 'oh it's just so ecclectic'. Even in a place like the BFI, where the style has clearly been choreographed down to the coasters, I'll still fall head over heels for a chaise long with a bolster cushion on it. And so if honest, the BFI had me in the palm of its hand as soon as I walked in. Now I was won over by the decor I was desperate to pose with a cocktail or two to maximise my stylish persona but also a little worried that the drinks might let the place down. Happily I can report this was not the case. A kumquat/strawberry/mint/champagne concoction was one of the best cocktails I've EVER had. That's high praise indeed coming from the girl who blood is probably more gin than oxygen. My boyfriends beer (lame choice I know) was some imported fancy thing so he was pretty chuffed too. Sipping back these drinks whilst sprawling out across a few sofa's reading the weekend papers must be one of the nicest ways to spend a Saturday afternoon. Sadly receiving the bill was not .A star off for OTT prices but it has to be said, one drink at Benugo had me anticipating a whole Summer season of cocktails ahead. read more

Oooohhhh! Something shiny! And funky light fixtures! My what whacktastic mismatched furniture you have! The entire design team had clearly seen Alice in Wonderland one too many times, and perhaps drawn other inspiration from Wonderland's less savoury implications, if you're picking up what I'm putting down. But you know what? It works. Glass of wine with the girls? Mid-day work creative session? Blow out party brainstorming? This is definitely your spot. With a hearty selection of tasty treats and an abundant wine list to boot, you can explore the different feel of each nook and cranny while nursing your favourite libations and potent potions. Whether you're just popping in mid-morning or hunkering down for a full on dinner date, you will definitely enjoy your experience at Benugo. Just be warned that if you are holding a meeting at Benugo Bar and taking advantage of their free wifi, you might have a few uncomfortable "ooo, something shiny" moments. Cause I did. read more

Basically, what Linzi said. Alarmingly rude and tardy bar and host staff took the gloss off this place for me. Because it is pretty. It is funky. It does have 18 different types of seat. It seems like it should be fun. Came here post theatre for a few drinks and left after only two - in search of somewhere a little friendlier and relaxed. Oh and somewhere that is open past 11pm. read more

I give out very few 5 stars...but I love this place so much that it deserves it. Benugo gets a special place in my heart as one of the places I went on a fabulous first date and ever since then, I believe it's given me good mojo. The wine is averaged priced for being on the Thames...cheapest bottle going for about £16 and up. I know, I know, it's not exactly cheap... but you're sitting ON the Thames, what else do you expect? The place is filled with adorable mismatched furniture that is colour coordinated to be very shabby chic. The other patrons range from the afterwork to the clean cut artists and everywhere in between. I've had several friendly conversations with strangers (it's an American thing methinks...we just like to talk). It's such a relaxing place, the only problem is battling for a place on the Pink ottoman when the only one left is the blue. Totally worth a stop-by! read more

Loved it! Will definitely go back at some point! The location is awesome, especially fun place to take people who are in town to see the sights as its right on the Thames. It was incredibly busy when we were there, but after fighting through the crowds, my friend and I were seated in the restaurant quickly and served right away. Her rabbit was a bit meager, though she did say it was tasty. But my flank steak was...o, wow. Droolworthy. I'm not joking, it's the type of meat you dream about. (And you can take that however you like, little campers!) I couldn't finish the huge plate of food (and believe me I tried) so my friend ate the rest of my steak and was nearly beside herself at the flavor and completely jealous she hadn't ordered it first. The venue is interesting to look at, with an interesting mixture of beautiful diverse people. Worth dealing with a crowd! Mmmmmeeeeeat. read more

You can keep your flocked wallpaper and ridiculously attractive bartenders and just serve me a drink and stay open past 11pm. Benugo Bar & Kitchen is a place to be seen, it's flash and trendy, somewhere for the beautiful people to feel more beautiful... and then go home early. Because late nights RUIN the complexion, don't you know? Both times I have been here it has been buzzing and lively, the perfect place for post theatre drinks, right? Wrong. Barely one drink in and they are switching on the lights and going table to table telling people it's closing. When you've waited 20 minutes to get a drink from the attractive, but glacial paced moving, bartenders, this is not okay. read more

The temple of all things celluloid, the BFI is probably the coolest venue (after the Tate of course) on the South Bank. It hosts a really cosy, chic restaurant and café equipped with Wi-Fi. It also boasts a full bar so you get all sorts of creative types working and having a very decent cup of coffee or boozing the afternoon away. The ambiance is really inspiring, highly stylized with velvet devore wallpaper, bright coloured fabrics on the furniture that contrast beautifully with the dark chocolate colour of the tables. Also they have a restaurant with the coolest chairs in the world, set by a large window the dinning room gives the space a flood of natural light that would make Fellini cry. read more

Benugo @ BFI - Bars Near Me - London, XGL

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Nice drinks, open late ('til 12, I beleive), decent cocktails, decent prices, veeeerrrrrrry patient staff. I'm not *suggesting* that you bring your very drunken friends here after you've been kicked off the roof our out of an area pub or anything. But if you do, and you're not out of order (but perhaps not exactly in working order) the staff will do you right. Also: decent wine and beer and whatnot. read more

Great little bar tucked away off the main drag. Frequented by in the know locals rather than tourists. Comfy seats, attentive staff. Free wifi. Menu looks good but we didn't eat. Will definitely come back again. read more

The most bourgeois place in London? Possibly, and I just love it. The beautiful, successful-seeming, clientele perfectly match the shabby-chic decor and fine wines. The bar is sophisticated and unpretentious - I've always found the staff to be very friendly and helpful. The perfect date spot with it's low-lighting all day and comfy-seating. However, I wouldn't recommend it for large groups unless you book a space, because it gets quite busy. read more

Great bar for relaxing and meeting friends before a film, or just hanging out on the southbank! Great massive sofas with multi coloured patterns which swallow you whole, so good job waiters come round to offer you more drinks because once your in, your there for life! Bar service is OK and they have a good selection of beers, drinks and wines. A little on the expensive side but fine for a night out. read more

Had drinks after a movie, but was asked to leave b/c they were closing. Nice atmosphere. They have shelves filled with books and magazines in which patrons can browse. read more

Benugo @ BFI - Bars Near Me - London, XGL

Summary: + Funky looking café/ bar with great sofas + Hidden inside BFI so not many people know (now you do) Overall: They have great selection of comfy sofas to sit on. You can rotate and sit on different sofas every 10 minutes if you'd like. (Provided no one's already sitting there, of course.) The slightly dimmed lighting produces this feel of secret café. Indeed, since it's hidden inside BFI, unless you are a frequent goer to the cinema, not many people know this place. I've only been here for teas and drinks but they also have dining area where they serve some proper. Tea selection is nothing special. I don't know about coffees as I don't drink. But that's OK. I come here for the comfy sofa. I think someone else mentioned but I wouldn't recommend coming here with a big group. (say, over 6 people) It's hard to find a spot. read more

This bar compliments the visitors of the BFI perfectly. As soon as you step foot inside you'll see an eclectic mix of students on their laptops, media types and trendy retired souls. Come on a Friday after 5pm and there is no way you will be sitting down at any point in the night. This is the sort of place that is very successful and busy. It seems too quirky to be smack bang on the Southbank, but because of the prime location it will always just be busy. A few friends and I managed to bagsie a sofa, which you sink right into. Perfect for a comfortable slouch and read, but not for socialising, especially when a few of you didn't get a seat. Everything's very low down. We ordered some food, overpriced nibbles. A bit of hummus and sweet potato fries. Really nothing to right home about and not really for sharing. There's a decent range at the bar, but obviously has a bit of a premium attached. The restaurant surrounding the bar looked lovely, but not much of an area for a quiet meal, next to the hustle and bustle of the bar. I mite try this place again in the day time, but I doubt I'd make it a go to place. Nice enough though. read more

For some reason that I can't quite put my finger on, I really like this place. I think it's partly the delightfully well executed small plates that are perfect for sharing and mean you can have half a dozen mouthfuls of random things you fancy. I like the convenience from Waterloo, the hustle and bustle of the BFI and the comings and goings as people stop off and move on. I like the colours and lighting and tassels of the bar area, and the feeling it creates of a welcoming cocoon. And I like the moreish fig old fashioned they make, which could have a little something to do with it... Whatever it is, when I'm wondering where I want to go, it's my go to place. read more

A lovely little place to do some work surrounded by film peeps. Today I sat with a coffee & soda water (coz I couldnt decide whether I was hot or cold) and did some work while I waited for a friend. We had planned to head downstairs to riverside for lunch but it was closed for an event, so we stuck it out at Benugo and weren't disappointed. We both ordered the lunch special where you get a main meal & a cheeky wine for £15 which is pretty good value for a nice meal and mood lighting. We both ordered the burger which was OK... pretty large serving with chips, although I will say that the burger itself was nothing too special. You really do go to this place for the chance to mingle with the film industry elite, rather than for worldclass food. I wouldn't recommend making the trek there for the coffee (my antipodean taste buds are always a little offended by their brew) or the food, but for the atmosphere and experience it is definitely worth it! read more

This place was nice enough, smart, light and in a convenient location if a little hidden away. The staff were very polite and friendly and everything came very quickly. There was a good choice of wines and food and it was all done to a good standard. Despite all this the place just didn't wow me. Everything was a little overpriced and to be honest a bit nondescript.I wouldn't say no to going again but I would go out of my way to go either. All in all it was only ok. read more

Benugo @ BFI - Bars Near Me - London, XGL

Been to this place and simply loved it, it has very large and comfortable booths and tables, the music is great, the environment is amazing, the food is perfect, the service is ok, I just thought they could be a little more attentional with us. Overall I would say it was a great experience and definitely deserves one more go. read more

Came here for a pre-concert meal and really liked it. Busy but not overcrowded and service was good. Got tempted by the spectacular cocktails! Can recommend. read more

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Would not recommend, lack of good cocktails, pasta with prawns over sauced and below average.

I adore Benugo's ambiance. They have exceptionally good wine and, when they have it, their butternut squash soup is pretty much the best thing you'll ever taste. No matter what you have to order their handcut chips (the best in all of London). For dinner, I recommend either the sausages and mash or the porkchop w/ apples. Better yet, Benugo is next to the National :) read more

Usually not a fan of chains, but this place didn't feel like a chain. Love the venue in the BFI, although it was a bit crowded (went on a Friday eve after work). We were able to grab a couple of seats and I was pleased. We had good wine and then sausage rolls and a cheese plate. Definitely a good date place..... read more

The Benugo bar at the BFI is part of the growing London based Benugo chain, which also has locations at St Pancras and the Natural History Museum. Don't be confused by the psuedo-Japanese name ( instead an amalgam of the two founders names: Ben and Hugo) it is a fairly traditional lounge bar with a restaurant that serves well-done staples. There is a pleasant ambience, the service is good and the bar is well-stocked (the gin is Hendricks, the rum Havana Club etc.). Benugo is divided into two sections: a restaurant that runs alongside a floor to ceiling glass window, and a larger section of low-slung sofas and arm chairs for those drinking and having snacks. Whilst it is perhaps not exciting enough to actively seek out, it is an comfortable, relaxed place to while away the hours alone with a book/script or with friends. Also, if you're in the cinema on a date it is a good place to grab pre or post the film. read more

This mismatched bar situated within the BFI is not what you would expect to find in the Southbank Centre. But it is this unique character that gives it charm and that draws me back again and again. The huge leather sofas are perfect for falling into for the night with either one companion or a large group of friends. Informally relaxed, yet the bar is in keeping with the professional, well organised style you will find throughout the Southbank. Prices are high end without being outrageous and you can get substantial bar snacks brought to your table. For rather a hidden bar it does get surprisingly busy but is relaxed enough for you to forget about everyone else there. One tip ... when you spot an available seat, pounce on it, they are in high demand. read more

This is a convenient place to eat a quick meal if you're attending a film at BFI Southbank or a performance at the nearby National Theatre. Both the turkey, bacon, Gruyere cheese, tomato, and lettuce on rye and the beef and ale pie are highly recommended. read more

Highly average food, very overpriced. Staff are rude and more interested in catching up with each other's gossip than serving customers. It is a nicely designed restaurant but uncomfortable seats outside and most of the heaters don't work. read more

Excellent place to escape what has become the crowded hell of Southbank's main drag. Excellent booze choices and v good cocktail prices, a Hendricks and tonic will drag only £6.50 out of you. Pretty good for central London. However the service can be a bit hit and miss, barmen not good generally at seeing who was first (a bit sad if there were only 3 people waiting)...recommend you grab a table and obtain service there. read more

We came here after being told the wait for Wahaca would be over an hour. Having my pumped myself up for Mexican I came to Beungo not expecting to be wowed. I was very pleasantly surprised though! The restaurant itself is a bit weird as it's essentially in the entrance to the BFI so there is lots of people coming and going. The furniture is all mis-matched which gives a nice informal atmosphere which is needed when the menu from first read comes off a bit OTT. You can either have one large dish or a selection of the smaller dishes. We went for the smaller dishes because I'm indecisive and want to try everything! Highlights was the salt and pepper squid (I could've eaten about 5 of these) and the beetroot, grapefruit and goats cheese salad. The staff were very friendly but our particular wasn't that helpful. We asked how many dishes he would recommend we ordered and he looked at us if we were crazy. Pleasantly surprised with this place though! read more

I got the rib steak eye. Quite expensive and too much fat.

An adequate place to eat given the pricey/touristy location corresponding derth of good options nearby. I ordered the seafood linguine. When it usually comes to my plate, I'll beam with a big smile as I set my eyes on a diversity of seafood. Not so with what I was served here - pasta with prawns, topped off with finely sliced cheddar. The flavours are simple so it certainly didn't taste bad but it was unnecessarily boring. Some mussels and squid would've been enough to make me happy. The service was efficient, friendly although somewhat anonymous. Can't blame them for the latter, we eating at peak times and they must've been rushed off their feet. Overall, I'd recommend this place simply because it has a great ambience and beats its competitors in a largely overpriced neighbourhood. read more

yes I am still a fan and I am hoping next time I will be there things will be improving !! for a weird reason on friday night, the place was kinda empty- thought it is a good sign and that I am lucky to find a place to sit- but the sticky floors and carpets, filthy tables and used glasses that are scattered all over the place with no one picking them up was a sign of bad choice - this place was supposed to be populated by cool gals not smelly customers. the bar tender wasn't helping at all- all menus were hidden some where away from customers and we had to request the menu twice in order to look at what they are offering !! after that we had to pray for someone to come towards us at the bar to pick up the order!! and when the this European guy finally replied to our gestures he didn't seem to understand anything of what were are saying (it is very limited drinks menu by the way) finally we got the cocktails we ordered- not so good mix at all- I abandoned my drink after second sip and my friends did kinda similar actions the real put off was the very dirty surrounding ant Benugo BFI- I felt guilty cause I suggested this place to friends :( which turned out to be.... really deteriorated it is a shame read more

Terrible. Food took 45 minutes and wasn't cooked. Understaffed and massively overpriced. One of the worst meals I've ever had.

Scruffy furniture by wifi alcove - looks like the chairs were new 50 years ago. One castor off one chair. Threadbare coverings. 'Coffee table' with splinters due to piece braking off. Concerns ignored - "no money." Bar staff do NOT serve in order. When busy expect to wait for hours before being served. BTW Wifi is provided by BFI not Benuga. Stroppy staff and management - only interested in trying to sell grossly over-priced and substandard food.. read more

Ok, but barmaid seemed to be completely disinterested in the customer. Service really let the place down.

"Canteen ambiance, canteen food, hotel prices" It has been said that the Benugo at the BFI on the South Bank is a 'little known secret.' Long may it be so. Currently it is largely closed for renovations; but the part that is open now looks like a factory canteen complete with little tables and plastic chairs; and it is not now welcoming to casual visitors. Many tourists and locals used to drop into the BFI for the ultra-fast wifi and for the charging facilities. Now Benuga has removed the alcove area where wifi could be used in peace and quiet. In fact Benuga has removed ALL comfortable seating - sofas, arm chairs, coffee tables, etc. And now you are not even allowed to stand near the shelves where there are charging points for laptops or mobile phones. Effectively Benuga's renovations have turned a reasonably friendly but scruffy facility into a no-go area for anyone. By the removal of the comfortable seating, and the wifi area(s) BFI's reputation has suffered already. No longer is it a place to drop in perhaps to see a film, and then sit with friends at the bar. There is no where to sit any more!! And the wifi / charging area is off limits to all. read more