Royal Festival Hall

The first and largest building in the world-class Southbank Centre arts complex, the enormous RFH has been hosting concerts and performances since 1951. Its capacity of 2,500 makes it one of London’s largest spaces hosting regular classical concerts, but it’s also seen more than its fair share of rock, pop and dance icons, including the illustrious curators of the annual Meltdown Festival.

Beyond the auditorium, the Festival Hall’s spacious modernist foyers are a great place to hang out (you’ll spot plenty of freelancers hitting up the free wifi) and often accommodate free events and concerts at the weekend. The building also houses the National Poetry Library and is home to a number of restaurants and bars for pre- and post-show provisions. Try Southbank Centre Food Market for street food or Skylon for dishes and drinks with a view.