ooooh they won me over on Friday. My last experience of this place was awful loud music that made it impossible to enjoy the inside bar (which by the way I think looks like a hospital cafeteria).

And then we went to see The Wizard of Oz. And it was brilliant. The theatre is huge and the acoustics are brilliant. The chairs are perfectly spaced so you can see everything no matter where you are. the show was fabulous - everything from costumes to lighting and stage was brilliant and a credit to them.

There was cabaret in the bar that evening, but it was warm so we decided to sit outside and drink wine. the friendly barman convinced us that bottles of wine was a better idea… and after chatting lots and buying more than one, i missed my train home as they stay open late.

I don’t think it was his fault that I kipped on my mate’s sofa though… shame I didn’t have my red shoes on. Then I could have just clicked my heels together three times.

the cultural heart of London, offering a great mix of entertainment. really, the above have said it all. however, if you are into art, music and dance it is definitely worth taking out membership to the Southbank. apart from the obvious benefits this grants you access to the top floor bar in the Royal Festival bar with breathtaking views across some of London’s most favourite sites. long gone are the days when this complex was being described as a concrete eyesore …

The Royal Festival Hall is a music venue on the South Bank in London, England that hosts daily classical, jazz, and avant-garde music and dance performances. The performances that are played here are magical and for everyone

This place has a lot to offer. Of course, there’s the usual mixture of entertainment including plays, musical recitals which you pay for but you can also stumble upon freebie entertainment which seems to be going on a lot of the time. The building itself, having been recently refurbished is definately worth taking in and there are several bars, cafes, comfy sofas and shops. It’s situated right on the river front so is perfect for soaking up both the sun and atmosphere.

Just been here fore the first time, and really enjoyed it. Of course I don't have clue what it looked like before the refurbishment, but the festival hall has a look and feel that can position it well into Wallpaper, the acoustics are great and on a warm summer night, you can really enjoy life outside on the south bank. The cloak room is free, the ticket price for our venue (Carmen Jonas) was very reasonable. I will come again.

I can't actually remember the last time I went to the Royal Festival Hall, but I think it revolved around being hungry, cramped and hot. The I-don't-know-how-many-million-pound makeover that has just been unveiled was however as impressive as it is sensitive in its maintenance of the RFH's original signature themes. From the selection of nouveau-high-street eateries on river level (Strada, Wagamama, Eat) to the many bars and cafes within the RFH itself, there was no danger of going hungry. The open space inside the hall itself has been largely untouched, but the massive picture windows onto a dramatic London skyline are breathtaking. Having sat through an intense hour of music, I was suitably blown away by the picture window you see walking down the stairs from Door B. The acoustics has apparently been improved in the hall; my untrained ear only noticed that they are pretty good. The seating was spacious and comfortable and as a venue, it is one of the best I have been to for a long time. Many return trips are being planned......