The Refinery Bankside

Drake & Morgan's first Bankside opening occupies the ground floor of the Blue Fin Building on Southwark Street, placing it within walking distance of Tate Modern, the Globe, and the South Bank's concentration of galleries and performance spaces. That cultural quarter context matters — events here absorb a neighbourhood energy that pure commercial venues can't replicate.

Industrial Character at The Refinery Bankside

The interior channels the area's warehouse heritage through exposed industrial elements softened by warm lighting, colourful textures, and varied seating zones. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring natural light into the open-plan restaurant, while a semi-private mezzanine overlooks the action below. The design moves from a lounge with deep armchairs and leather sofas through to the main bar and an alfresco terrace — enough variety that different parts of an event can occupy different atmospheres without guests leaving the venue.

Spaces and Event Formats at The Refinery Bankside

The open kitchen provides genuine culinary theatre during events, chefs working in full view of guests. That visual energy distinguishes receptions and dinners here from static bar settings where food simply appears. Combined across all areas, the venue handles up to 600 standing or 236 seated, with individual zones — the lounge, mezzanine, restaurant floor, and outdoor terrace — each lending themselves to different formats. The summer terrace adds 120 standing with a screen for presentations or ambient content, available June through August.

South Bank Location and Access

Southwark and Blackfriars stations both serve the venue within a few minutes' walk, and the Thames Path runs nearby for guests arriving on foot from Waterloo or London Bridge. Events can fold surrounding cultural programming into the evening — gallery visits before dinner, or post-conference drinks with a river walk. Drake & Morgan's experienced events team across their 18-venue portfolio handles planning from cocktail masterclasses through to full-venue celebrations.