Eat & explore

Beany Green

When the long sunlit evenings of spring arrive at last, when you’re taking a weekend stroll along the riverside with friends, or when you’re hurrying past on your morning commute; tucked away just under Hungerford Bridge, Beany Green is the perfect pit-stop.

Part of the Daisy Green Collection, an Aussie cafe business that started out in a vintage ice-cream van and now has branches all over London, Beany Green’s Southbank Centre home is a colourful converted shipping container. Pop by for a cup of their own blend of quality coffee and truly excellent homemade treats like banana bread and lamingtons (a sensational coconut-encrusted Australian cake).

After a cold one? Beany Green has six changing taps offering an array of local craft beers, while a seasonal cocktail menu covers all the classics. So, settle in at an outdoor table in their vibrant corner of the Riverside Terrace and watch the crowds go by, with a sip of something delicious to keep you company. For more details, and the low-down on all the food and drink options around the Southbank Centre, check our website.

Mon & Tue, 8am – 6pm; Wed – Fri, 8am – 11pm; Sat 10am – 11pm; Sun 10am – 10pm; Riverside Terrace, next to Hungerford Bridge southbankcentre.co.uk/foodanddrink

Abel Selaocoe, Seckou Keita & Chineke! Orchestra

Abel Selaocoe and Seckou Keita join compositional forces for the first time to write a new concerto for cello, kora and orchestra.

Friday 12 May

The Anchoress

Welsh producer and multiinstrumentalist Catherine Anne Davies is The Anchoress, known for her debut album Confessions of a Romance Novelist

Saturday 20 May

Sadiq Khan: Breathe

In a discussion on politics, life, and the future of our city and planet, Sadiq Khan celebrates the publication of his uplifting new book, Breathe

Wednesday 24 May

Jeremy Deller: Art Is Magic

The Turner Prize winner introduces his new book, featuring work from across his life and art – much of it never seen before – and images which have inspired him.

Wednesday 31 May

Nadine Shah Presents To Be a Young Man

Co-written with Jackie Thompson, the musician’s playwriting debut delves into the themes of her debut album.

Friday 26 May

Granta Best of Young British Novelists

Get to know the most exciting fiction writers in the British literary scene at a talk following the announcement of this decade’s chosen novelists.

Thursday 11 May

The Clore Ballroom at Royal Festival Hall

Chances are, if you’re reading this you’re in one of the Royal Festival Hall’s foyers (or have been very recently). You might even be able to see The Clore Ballroom from where you’re sitting. And if you’re lucky, today might be one of the days where we host a free event, welcoming everyone from international artists to local community groups to make the most of this open space in the heart of the Royal Festival Hall. The tradition of holding social dances in The Clore Ballroom is as old as the Southbank Centre itself, with a history stretching back to when we opened in 1951. At the beginning of this year, we refreshed and relaunched our free, monthly lunchtime dances as

Mix & Move dance sessions, with expert teachers on hand to introduce you to a wide, wild variety of new dance styles like Lindy Hop, ceilidh, ballroom, jive, forró and dancehall.

But dance is not the only thing on offer. Performances from classical musicians, gigs from up-and-coming artists, in-depth talks, installations and family raves: the events on The Clore Ballroom and in our other public spaces reflect the diverse, welcoming spirit of the Southbank Centre as a whole. Come and join in –you can find all of our free events on our website. southbankcentre.co.uk/free