You are on Introduction - Riverfront Bar and Balcony Bar. Skip to the next section.

Introduction - Riverfront Bar and Balcony Bar

• The Riverfront Bar and Balcony Bar are part of the BFI Southbank.
• Both bars can be accessed from the Queens Walk, or via the Lightbox Entrance off Theatre Avenue.

You are on Getting Here. Skip to the next section.

Getting Here

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• By Air View
  • The nearest airports to central London are London City Airport, London Gatwick and London Heathrow.
    London City Airport is connected to the centre by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Bank or Tower Gateway with interchanges to the rail and underground network at Canning Town and Stratford.
    From Gatwick Airport there are fast trains connecting to London Bridge Station.
    Heathrow Airport is connected by fast trains to Paddington Station and is also on the Piccadilly underground line.
  • For more information on travelling to London by air please click here (opens new tab).
• By Road View
  • BFI Southbank is situated in central London in the Congestion Zone.
    It is located underneath Waterloo Bridge (A301) and can be accessed from Upper Ground.
  • Parking is available under the National Theatre which is accessed from Upper Ground.
  • For more information on London traffic please click here (opens new tab).
• By Bus View
  • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the cinema.
  • The nearest step-free bus stop is at Waterloo.
    Additional bus stops are located on Waterloo Bridge but there is stepped access from BFI Southbank.
  • For more information on the nearest step-free bus stop please click here (opens new tab).
• By Train View
  • The nearest Railway Station is Waterloo and Waterloo East.
  • Waterloo and Waterloo East Stations are approximately 600 metres from the BFI Southbank.
    The stations are linked and there is step-free access throughout the stations, although there are steep ramps to access the platforms in Waterloo East.
    Step-free access to both stations is from the service road known as Cab Road or Taxi Road.
  • For more information on Waterloo Station (National Rail) please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on Waterloo Station (AccessAble) please click here (opens new tab).
• By Underground View
  • The nearest underground station is Waterloo.
  • Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo and City Lines) is approximately 650 metres from BFI Southbank.
    Of these lines, only the Jubilee Line has step-free access.
    .
  • For more information on London Underground (Transport for London) please click here (opens new tab).
• By River View
  • Six TFL River Bus routes run from 22 piers between Putney and Woolwich.
    The Queen's Walk is served by the London Eye Millennium Pier, between Westminster Bridge and the Golden Jubilee Bridges and also Bankside Pier, to the east of Blackfriars Bridge.
    There is step-free access onto the river buses, except three piers. Please see the TFL website for details.
  • For more information on London River Bus services please click here (opens new tab).
• Useful Links View
  • Please use the TFL journey planner for details of the most suitable route.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • The TFL website has links to the TFL accessibility guides, including large print maps and audio guides to order or download.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

Getting Help and Assistance

• BFI Website Access Page - please click here (new tab).
• There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
• There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
• Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
• There are mobility aids available.
• The mobility aids available include wheelchairs.
• If you would like to prepare for your visit to BFI Southbank you may find this video produced by Carousel, who support learning disabled artists, helpful to watch. We hope this will help make your visit more enjoyable.
  Please click here to view the video.

You are on South Bank Public Car Parks. Skip to the next section.

South Bank Public Car Parks

• This section provides information about a number of public cars parks around South Bank.
  For more information about access and parking charges please visit the individual car parks.
  South Bank is located in the congestion charging zone.

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• National Theatre Car Park View
  • The National Theatre Car Park Car Park is located off Upper Ground.
  • The car park type is underground.
  • The car park does have Blue Badge parking.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park surface is concrete.
  • When the National Theatre building is closed there is no step-free access from the car park.
    This applies all day on Sundays, and before 09.30 and after 23:00 on most other days.
    Free parking is available in the NT Car Park for Blue Badge holders attending a performance or eating at the National.
    Photographs 1 and 2 show the National Theatre Car Park.
  • To view the National Theatre car park location please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on the National Theatre Car Park please click here (opens new tab).
• Cornwall Road Car Park View
  • The Cornwall Road Car Park Car Park is located off Cornwall Road.
  • The car park type is underground.
  • The car park does have Blue Badge parking.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park surface is concrete.
  • There is step free access from the car park via a lift.
    The car park is used as a car park for South Bank Centre Venues.
    Photographs 3 and 4 Show the Cornwall Road Car Park.
  • To view the Cornwall Road car park location please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on the Cornwall Road Car Park please click here (opens new tab).
• Doon Street Car Park View
  • The Doon Street Car Park Car Park is located off Upper Ground.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does not have Blue Badge parking.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park surface is compacted gravel.
  • Photographs 5 and 6 show the Doon Street Car Park.
  • To view the Doon Street car park location please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on the Doon Street Car Park please click here (opens new tab).
• Waterloo – York Road Car Park View
  • The Waterloo York Road Car Park Car Park is located off York Road.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does not have Blue Badge parking.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Photographs 7 and 8 show the Waterloo York Road Car Park.
  • To view the Waterloo York Road car park location please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on the Waterloo York Road Car Park please click here (opens new tab).
• Waterloo – Upper Marsh Car Park View
  • The Waterloo Upper Marsh Car Park Car Park is located off Upper Marsh.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does have Blue Badge parking.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Photographs 9 and 10 show the Waterloo Upper Marsh Car Park.
  • To view the Waterloo Upper Marsh car park location please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on the Waterloo Upper Marsh Car Park please click here (opens new tab).
• London Waterloo Station Car Park View
  • The London Waterloo Station Car Park Car Park is located on Station Approach.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does have Blue Badge parking.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Photographs 11 and 12 show the London Waterloo Station Car Park.
  • To view the London Waterloo Station car park location please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on the London Waterloo Station Car Park please click here (opens new tab).

You are on Outside Access (The Queen's Walk Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (The Queen's Walk Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located off The Queen's Walk.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 125cm.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 125cm.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Riverfront Bar). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Riverfront Bar)

• The following information is for the bar.
• The bar is located to the left after you enter.
• There is step-free access to the bar.
• Full table service is not available.
• Food and/or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
• Food and/or drinks can be brought to the table.
• The height of the service counter is high (110cm+) .
• There is a lowered section of the counter.
• The height of the lowered section at the counter is 80cm.
• There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
• There is not a hearing assistance system .
• There is step-free access within the bar.
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Background music varies according to the function/event.
• The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
• The nearest table is approximately 1m from the entrance/opening.
• The nearest table is approximately 1m from the till/counter.
• The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 49cm.
• The distance between the floor and the highest table is 110cm.
• The standard height for tables is 73cm.
• Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
• Plastic/takeaway cutlery is available.
• Drinking straws are available.
• Children are welcomed in the bar area.
• There are hand held menus and wall menus available.
• Menus are not available in Braille.
• Menus are not available in large print.
• Picture menus are not available.
• Menus are clearly written.
• Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
• The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
• The lighting levels are good.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Gelato Bar). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Gelato Bar)

• The following information is for the bar.
• The bar is located ahead after you enter.
• There is step-free access to the bar.
• Food and/or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
• Food and/or drinks can be brought to the table.
• The height of the service counter is high (110cm+) .
• There is a lowered section of the counter.
• The height of the lowered section at the counter is 96cm.
• There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
• There is not a hearing assistance system .
• There is step-free access within the bar.
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
• Plastic/takeaway cutlery is available.
• Drinking straws are available.
• There are hand held menus and wall menus available.
• Menus are not available in Braille.
• Menus are not available in large print.
• Picture menus are not available.
• Menus are clearly written.
• Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
• The type of food served here is Gelato.
• The lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Riverfront - Restaurant). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Riverfront - Restaurant)

• The following information is for the restaurant.
• The restaurant is located to the right after you enter.
• There is step-free access to the restaurant.
• Full table service is available.
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Background music varies according to the function/event.
• The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• No chairs have armrests on both sides.
• The nearest table is approximately 1m from the entrance/opening.
• The standard height for tables is 73cm.
• Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
• Plastic/takeaway cutlery is available.
• Drinking straws are available.
• There are hand held menus and wall menus available.
• Menus are not available in Braille.
• Menus are not available in large print.
• Picture menus are not available.
• Menus are clearly written.
• Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
• The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
• The lighting levels are good.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (Screen NFT1). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Screen NFT1)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located in the foyer area next to screen NFT1.
  • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The door opens outwards (automatically).
  • The door is push pad or push button activated.
  • The push pad or push button is 100cm from floor level.
  • The door is locked by a push button or pad.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 80cm.
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 220cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 3in).
  • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 90cm.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are non-infectious waste, general waste (with no lid) and female sanitary disposal units.
  • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
  • There is a mirror.
  • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
  • The toilet has a cistern.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
  • There is a soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 95cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is not a hand dryer.
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Screen NFT1). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Screen NFT1)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
  • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located opposite screen NFT1.
  • There is step-free access into the female and male toilet(s).
  • There is Braille signage on or near the toilet door.
  • There is not a lowered urinal in the male toilet(s).
  • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
  • There is not a lowered wash basin.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Step(s) (Balcony Bar). Skip to the next section.

Step(s) (Balcony Bar)

• There is a/are step(s) located to the right of the Riverfront Bar.
• There is/are 15+ step(s).
• The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
• The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
• The going of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
• The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
• Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
• Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• Handrails are easy to grip.
• Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
• The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.

You are on Lift (Balcony Bar - Standard Lift). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Balcony Bar - Standard Lift)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located at the rear of the Riverfront Bar.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
• There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
• The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is poor.
• The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• There is not a hearing loop system.
• The lift does have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Balcony Bar). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Balcony Bar)

• The following information is for the bar.
• The bar is located to the left after you exit the lift.
• There is step-free access to the bar.
• Full table service is not available.
• Food and/or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
• Food and/or drinks can be brought to the table.
• The height of the service counter is high (110cm+) .
• There is not a lowered section of the counter.
• There is not a hearing assistance system .
• There is step-free access within the bar.
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Background music varies according to the function/event.
• The type of flooring in this area is wood.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• No chairs have armrests on both sides.
• The nearest table is approximately 2m from the entrance/opening.
• The nearest table is approximately 1m from the till/counter.
• The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 49cm.
• The distance between the floor and the highest table is 109cm.
• Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
• Plastic/takeaway cutlery is available.
• Drinking straws are available.
• Children are welcomed in the bar area.
• There are wall menus available.
• Menus are not available in Braille.
• Menus are not available in large print.
• Picture menus are not available.
• Menus are clearly written.
• Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
• The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
• The lighting levels are moderate to good.

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• Comments View
  • There is an external terrace seating area, which is accessed via a single width door, the door opens away from you and the doors are 110cm wide.
  • There is step free access throughout the seating area.
  • The height of the lowest table is 73cm.
  • The height of the highest table is 104cm.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (Balcony Bar). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Balcony Bar)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.

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• Location and Access View
  • The accessible toilet surveyed is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • This accessible toilet is located to the right after you exit the lift.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Balcony Bar Lift.
  • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is light.
  • The door is locked by a lever twist.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 93cm.
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 165cm x 217cm (5ft 5in x 7ft 1in).
  • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 100cm.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are general waste (with no lid) and female sanitary disposal units.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 120cm and 160cm from the floor.
• Position of Fixtures View
  • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
  • There is a mirror.
  • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
  • The toilet has a cistern.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
  • There is a soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 95cm.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are good.
• Baby Changing Facilities View
  • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
  • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
  • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Balcony Bar). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Balcony Bar)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
  • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located to the right after you exit the lift.
  • There is step-free access into the shared toilet(s).
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is available.
  • There are horizontal and vertical grab rails on both sides of the seat.
  • There is not a lowered wash basin.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet(s).
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on BFI South Bank. Skip to the next section.

BFI South Bank

• The Riverfront Bar provides direct access to screen NFT1 and there are steps and lifts to access the main cinema foyer area, other screens and facilities.
• There is a lift access to the main cinema foyer from Belvedere Road.
• To view the web page described above please click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Related London South Bank Venues (The Queen's Walk - between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge). Skip to the next section.

Related London South Bank Venues (The Queen's Walk - between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge)

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• Other Services View
  • The Queen's Walk - between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge - To view the Access Guide please click here (new tab).