Barbican Centre

We did the Architectural guided tour. Huw was fantastic. Informative, honest, witty and extremely personable. Taking us to parts of The Barbican you would never see without a guide. Providing information about the architecture and the architectural team who designed it. Showing us hidden secrets. Huw also brought the tour alive by giving an insight into life, birth and death at the Barbican. All delivered in his unique and humorous style. We learnt so much and it makes you look at buildings in a more educated way. The tour does not cover any internal theatres. The conservatory had been hired out so we were unable to enter but we had reasonably good views from the outside. The kitchen restaurant has a very good selection of reasonably priced food. If you do a tour you get a 15% discount in the shop. If you get the chance to go to the amazing st Bartholomew the great church nearby. Beautiful 11 c church used in many films. ( 4 weddings & funeral) Also Damien Hurst sculpture of St Bartholomew.
Julie Smith - a month ago

We went to watch the Royal Symphony Orchestra perform, and what an experience! The Barbican centre itself is a brilliant piece of architecture and wonderful place to just go and see and hang out. A couple of bars and cafes to visit, library, gardens, art gallery and a lovely water garden! We enjoyed a couple of cocktails from the Martini bar before the show. Plenty of amenities, toilets and cloakrooms. Disabled access all around and plenty or staff about to help on show night. It did get busy though on show night so expect a wait at the bar like anywhere else. However we returned the morning after to really take it in, and the place was pretty much empty. It was nice to have a quiet wander to explore and have a coffee.
Alec Gordon - 2 months ago

Lively cultural center in theater in a different part of town. Pretty decent coffee at different spots across the center and free Wi-Fi, which came in handy several times. Lots of space to sit in the lobbies and people watch l, check your email, and take a break.
Jason C - a month ago

I've been to the Barbican many times, due to working next door, but I haven't been to many concerts there. Which is a huge oversight because it is an excellent venue! We came to see Brit Floyd in the concert hall and it was an all-round excellent experience. The hall itself has excellent acoustics, comfortable seating and good sightlines. Even better there are no barriers and security staff between you and the stage because it's not that sort of venue! Outside of the concert it was easy to access the Barbican Centre and there's enough space that it doesn't feel too crowded. There are also plenty of bar staff so you can pick up a beer easily enough (although oddly you're not allowed to take bought snacks into the auditorium). The only downside was that the toilets became massively congested during the interval after all of that beer!
Damian Cannon - a month ago

The beauty of brutalist architecture juxtaposed with greenery drew me to the Barbican Centre. Whenever I enter the space, I feel I'm returning home. Just like this visit recently. During my walk afterwards, I also discovered other hidden architectural delights around the corner from Silk Street Living in London, the ability to explore its conservatory is a gift. Same as in Kew Gardens when I can. But for now, it's all about the brutal beauty of the Barbican.
Bella Central - 2 weeks ago