Benugo Bar
BFI,South Bank, Waterloo, SE1 8XT , London
I didn't realise I had been searching for it all my life until discovering it at Benugo- a pint of sausage rolls. This intriguing combination of two classic British institutions, along with the mish-mash of coloured sofas strewn around like paint on a canvas, leads to a quick realisation that you are nestled in the heart of London's art hub.
Situated inside the British Film Institute, Benugo offers an extensive wine list with strong French and Italian influences and a superb range of continental lagers including the rare treat of Birra Moretti on draught! The sofas, low light, soft background jazz music and stand alone piano give the place a European feel, contrasted perfectly with the food menu, where the sausage rolls pint is joined by other quirky versions of British classics. I'm invited to "build my own chip butty" and feel tempted to try one of the quintessentially English desserts- Bakewell tart anyone?
By day, throngs of London?s suited and booted take advantage of the excellent Wi-Fi connection to conduct their lunchtime business meetings. But with the sofas comfortably scoring ten-out of ten for ?sink-back-ability?, I wonder how anyone can focus on business whilst in a state of such relaxation.
By night it is a bustling venue, full of couples and art lovers- though the place exudes a chilled-out, unpretentious vibe where the art is not thrown in your face, but is subtly found in the dishes on the menu, the layout of the room and even the Lego block-esque lights overhead. Art lover or average Joe, Benugo is a place where anyone can enjoy a good pint in impressive surroundings.