words William Wiles
Now that London’s National Film Theatre has become “BFI Southbank”, what used to be the NFT bar under Waterloo Bridge has become “The Riverfront”, run by catering chain Benugo. The old bar had long tables and benches outside, and was a space of gloriously chaotic free circulation. Drinkers interacted with passers-by and people browsing the booksellers’ stalls nearby. It was a great place to meet friends and perfect for chance encounters. Now that is gone, turned into a fortress by thuggish planters – a Dalek riot squad. Another informal, social space has been ruined to protect a cover charge.
