Randomness Guide to London Menu

An arts centre added in the 1970s to the Barbican post-war housing estate at the northern edge of the City of London.

It is set over many levels, in the same brutalist concrete style as the rest of the Barbican. The main auditorium has a ticket desk and cloakroom on level -1 (Stalls), with Circle entrance above on level G. There are bars serving drinks, coffee and snacks on both levels. This space hosts the major events, generally classical concerts.

Another side of the main space has a theatre, with a large cinema screen downstairs on level -2 (the two other cinema screens ceased operation in April 2010 in order to be relocated to other parts of the complex). There are also galleries and exhibition halls, a library, and a very lovely and surprising garden area on level 3.

The food options at the Barbican were rejigged in September 2010; there's some information about this on their blog. The old Waterside Cafe on level 0 is now a "food hall" (see Debbie Does Dining review), while the Brasserie on level 1 is now the Barbican Lounge. The more upmarket option, Searcy's Bar/Restaurant, remains on level 2.

See also:

• Film times from LondonNet
• Dos Hermanos review of the Searcy's Restaurant
• Barbican Centre Flickr group
• Qype comments